Steven Kwan – Cleveland Guardians Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Steven Kwan has quickly made a name for himself as one of baseball’s most reliable outfielders since joining the Cleveland Guardians.

He was born on September 5, 1997, in Los Gatos, California. The Oregon State alum broke into the MLB in April 2022 and immediately caught attention with his contact hitting and sharp defense.

Kwan recently agreed to a one-year contract worth $4,175,000 with the Cleveland Guardians on January 9, 2025. The deal guarantees him the full amount.

The left-handed outfielder has already picked up three Gold Glove awards and an All-Star nod. Cleveland picked him in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2018 draft, and he wasted no time moving up the ranks—his baseball IQ and work ethic really set him apart.

If you look at his contract history, you’ll see steady growth—from those early deals to his current multi-million dollar agreement.

Fans in Cleveland have really taken to Kwan, and it’s not hard to see why. His steady play and defensive skills have turned him into a cornerstone of the Guardians’ outfield.

With his current salary putting him among the team’s most valuable players, Kwan keeps proving himself as an elite defender and a steady offensive presence for a franchise that’s all about building for the long term.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Steven Kwan started his baseball journey in California. His talent and work ethic stood out from a young age.

He grew as a player through high school and college, showing off batting skills and defensive instincts that would later define his MLB career.

Childhood and Family Background

Steven Kwan entered the world in Los Gatos, California on September 5, 1997, and grew up in Fremont.

Living in the Bay Area, Kwan got to soak in a rich baseball culture. The San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics were local inspirations.

Kwan seemed to have a natural knack for sports, especially baseball. His parents encouraged his love for the game, driving him to practices and games all over Northern California.

He spent his childhood working hard to get better. During those years, he developed his unique left-handed batting stance—a move that would become one of his trademarks later on.

High School Baseball Achievements

At Washington High School in Fremont, Kwan quickly became a standout. His hand-eye coordination and speed made him a threat at the plate and in the outfield.

He picked up multiple all-conference honors and helped his team find regional success. Scouts started to notice his steady hitting and disciplined approach at the plate.

Kwan kept his batting average well above .300 during his high school years. He also turned into a top-notch defensive outfielder with great range and instincts.

Despite his skills, big Division I programs didn’t recruit him heavily. His smaller frame probably played a role, but that seemed to just fuel his drive.

College Baseball Journey

Kwan chose Oregon State University and played three seasons for the Beavers. At Oregon State, he kept sharpening his plate approach and outfield defense.

He improved every season. By his junior year in 2018, Kwan played a key role in Oregon State’s run to the College World Series title.

He showed he could handle the pressure in Omaha, performing on the biggest stage in college baseball.

During his last season with the Beavers, Kwan posted some eye-catching numbers:

• Batting average above .350
• On-base percentage over .450
• Strong defensive stats in the outfield

The Cleveland organization picked Kwan in the 2018 MLB Draft, betting on his skills even though he wasn’t the biggest guy on the field.

His college success proved his technical skills and baseball IQ could help him overcome any physical limitations.

Professional Career Development

Steven Kwan’s climb through baseball’s ranks really highlights his ability to adapt and improve. He went from college standout to Gold Glove winner by sticking to a disciplined approach and chasing excellence.

Minor League Progression

After the Guardians drafted him in the 5th round in 2018, Kwan started his pro career in the Cleveland farm system.

He got his first taste of pro ball with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Short-Season A, where he quickly showcased his contact skills and plate discipline.

In 2019, Kwan moved up to High-A Lynchburg, batting over .280 and keeping his on-base percentage high. Even when the 2020 minor league season got wiped out by COVID-19, he kept developing.

The 2021 season was a turning point. He split time between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus, hitting .337 at Akron and earning a promotion to Columbus, where he kept it up with a .311 average and strong defense.

Kwan’s minor league years put his elite bat-to-ball skills and defense on full display—the same traits that would soon define his MLB game.

Major League Debut and Early Performance

Kwan made his MLB debut on April 7, 2022 with the Cleveland Guardians, and he didn’t waste any time making an impact.

His first week in the majors? Historic. He reached base 18 times in his first five games, setting a modern baseball record since 1901.

April 2022 was wild for Kwan:

• He reached base in 9 straight plate appearances
• Became the first player in MLB history to reach base 15 or more times in his first four games
• Took home American League Rookie of the Month

By the end of his rookie season, Kwan had a .298 average, 168 hits, and a .373 on-base percentage over 147 games. He finished 5th in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

Kwan’s early MLB success proved Cleveland’s player development works. He quickly became a key part of the team.

Position and Role as Left Fielder

Kwan established himself as one of the league’s best defensive left fielders right out of the gate, winning a Gold Glove as a rookie.

His route efficiency, quick first step, and arm accuracy make him elite at the position.

At the plate, Kwan is Cleveland’s go-to leadoff hitter. He brings:

• Top-tier contact skills (he’s got one of MLB’s lowest strikeout rates)
• Patience (he draws plenty of walks)
• Above-average speed on the bases

The Guardians count on Kwan to get on base and set up the middle of their lineup. His left-handed bat gives the lineup some nice balance.

His steady play and value earned him a big raise, with Kwan signing a one-year, $4,175,000 contract with Cleveland in January 2025.

Key Achievements and Distinctive Playing Style

Steven Kwan has really made his mark as one of baseball’s most reliable outfielders, thanks to his bat control and plate discipline. He’s become a cornerstone player for the Guardians.

Gold Glove Recognition

Kwan’s defensive skills got official recognition with the American League Gold Glove Award for left field in 2022, right in his rookie year.

That honor highlighted his range, efficient routes, and throwing accuracy.

His defensive stats consistently put him among the top outfielders in baseball. Kwan covers a ton of ground, thanks to his speed and great reads off the bat.

He tracks down tough fly balls in the gaps and saves runs for the Guardians. His decision-making sets him apart—he rarely makes mental mistakes and always seems to be in the right spot.

With a strong, accurate arm, he keeps runners from taking extra bases.

Batting Skills and Contact Ability

Kwan brings elite contact skills that are pretty rare these days. His approach is all about putting the ball in play, not just swinging for the fences.

Back in 2022, he went on a wild streak—he didn’t swing and miss at any pitches for his first 116 major league plate appearances.

He stands out for his plate discipline in a league full of strikeouts. Kwan almost never chases pitches outside the zone, so pitchers have to come to him.

That patience leads to high on-base numbers, making him the perfect table-setter.

A few stats that show off his contact game:

• Strikeout rate usually under 10%
• High on-base percentage
• Tough with two strikes
• Can spray hits to all fields

Offensive Impact and Runs Scored

As the leadoff guy, Kwan’s main job is to get on base and score runs. He does that at a pretty impressive rate.

His speed on the bases adds another layer to his game. He often turns singles into doubles and takes extra bases on teammates’ hits.

Aggressive baserunning puts pressure on defenses, and it’s fun to watch.

Kwan’s production isn’t about home runs—he racks up doubles and triples by driving balls into the gaps.

He wears down pitchers by extending at-bats, which helps everyone behind him in the lineup.

In high-pressure situations, Kwan keeps his cool. He sticks to his approach and doesn’t chase bad pitches, even when the game’s on the line.

Contract Details and Financial Overview

Steven Kwan’s contract situation with the Cleveland Guardians is a pretty interesting look at how a rising MLB star’s financial path can develop.

He started with a team-friendly deal, but as his play improved, so did his pay.

Current Contract Structure

Kwan and the Guardians settled at $4.175 million for 2025, avoiding arbitration.

That’s a big jump from what he made before.

In 2023, Kwan signed for $727,300 on a one-year deal. His salary has climbed steadily, matching his growing value to the team.

Right now, Kwan’s net worth sits around $1,612,300, but that number’s only going up as his career and endorsements take off.

Salary Progression and Major Milestones

Kwan’s pay has taken off since he reached the majors:

That nearly six-fold jump in salary shows just how much the Guardians value Kwan’s defense and steady offense.

His Gold Glove win in left field really helped boost his market value around the league.

The Guardians have always been pretty cautious with contract extensions, so Kwan’s salary growth stands out in their usual financial approach.

Free Agency Status and Future Prospects

Steven Kwan still sits under team control for a few more seasons before he can even think about free agency. That gives the Guardians some breathing room and a pretty valuable asset at a manageable cost.

Lately, though, some reports hint that things might change. Industry insiders say the Guardians are considering a contract extension for Kwan.

Cleveland seems to be “doing everything possible” to keep core players like Kwan and Josh Naylor around for the long haul. That’s what the latest buzz suggests, anyway.

For a small-market club like Cleveland, locking up Kwan long-term would be a pretty big statement about their plans in the AL Central. You look at his defense and his knack for making contact—he just fits what the Guardians want.

Notable Relationships and Impact on Team

Steven Kwan has built some important relationships in the Guardians organization, and those bonds have really shaped his growth as a player.

When he’s in the lineup and out in left field, the team just feels different. He’s had a real impact on Cleveland’s performance in the always-tough AL Central.

Key Teammates and Influences

Kwan’s connection with third baseman José Ramírez stands out. Ramírez, one of the veteran stars on the team, has stepped up as a mentor for younger guys like Kwan.

In the outfield, Kwan and center fielder Myles Straw make quite a defensive duo. Together, they’ve helped turn Cleveland’s outfield into one of the most dependable in baseball.

First baseman Josh Naylor has become another key teammate for Kwan. They both contribute on offense, but in different ways—Kwan puts the ball in play, while Naylor brings the power.

Kwan also works well with Cleveland’s starting pitchers. Guys like Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie have enjoyed the benefits of Kwan’s Gold Glove defense, and he’s saved them more than a few runs.

Role in American League Central Division

In the tough AL Central, Kwan has turned into a real difference-maker for the Guardians, especially when they face division rivals. He brings a disciplined approach at the plate, and honestly, it works wonders against the Kansas City Royals and other teams in the division.

During his 2022 rookie season, Kwan quickly showed he belonged among the division’s top defensive outfielders. He picked up Gold Glove awards in back-to-back seasons, which really says something about his defense.

Kwan keeps getting on base and puts up a strong defensive WAR (Wins Above Replacement). Cleveland relies on him as a core part of their plan to stay in the race for the division.

He manages to cut down defensive runs and chip in on offense, so the Guardians count on him in those tight division games.

But honestly, Kwan’s impact isn’t just about numbers. His steady play and calm presence have helped anchor a Guardians team that keeps fighting in the AL Central—even though their payroll doesn’t stack up to a lot of National League teams.