Cleveland Guardian Steven Kwan’s Shocking Decline in 2026

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Examining Steven Kuan's Unexpected Slump in 2023

Steven Kuan of the Cleveland Guardians has had a surprisingly disappointing season thus far, a stark contrast to his previous performances which established him as one of Major League Baseball's top left fielders. Kuan, known for his consistency and skill, boasts a career batting average of .281 and an OPS of .741. His track record includes four consecutive Gold Gloves, back-to-back All-Star appearances, and robust seasonal averages of 18 stolen bases, 9 home runs, and an on-base percentage of .350.

Despite these impressive credentials, Kuan's performance this year has dipped significantly, with a batting average of just .204 through 40 games, only one homer, nine RBIs, and an OPS of .570. This downturn is reflected in his wins above replacement (WAR) stats, showing him as a negative player, a shock considering his previous seasons with 5.5, 3, and 4 wins in his rookie year, 2023, and 2024 respectively.

Further concerns arise when analyzing Kuan's quality of contact at the plate. His average exit velocity has dropped to 82.5 MPH with a maximum of only 100.8 MPH, numbers that are among the lowest for qualified hitters. This deficiency is critical as it hampers his ability to drive the ball through infield gaps or to reach the outfield, ultimately affecting his batting outcomes. Despite making a significant amount of contact, the lack of quality in these connections has led to fewer hits.

This slump is particularly ill-timed as Kuan approaches the final year of arbitration before hitting free agency. Given his previous form, expectations were high that he might command a major contract, potentially reaching the $90 to $100 million range. His current performance, however, could profoundly impact his market value and career trajectory.