Reds named best fit for Guardians' 3-time Gold Glove winning left fielder
The Cincinnati Reds are fighting to stay in playoff contention and should be buyers at the trade deadline.
At 47-46, the Reds are eight games behind the Chicago Cubs for first place in the National League Central but three-and-a-half games back from the third NL Wild Card spot.
Cincinnati could use an upgrade in left field to solidify their chances at a possible playoff run.
Gavin Lux and Austin Hays split time in left field, and they’ve done a decent job offensively but the Reds should be looking for a better defender with great bat-to-ball skills.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan put together his top moves for playoff contenders, including the Reds going after a cross-town foe.
Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan would be an excellent addition to Cincinnati’s outfield.
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“With a sneaky-deep farm system, the Reds could put together the sort of package to convince Cleveland to move Kwan, a two-time All-Star who in his four seasons ranks fifth in wins above replacement among all outfielders, behind only Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker and Julio Rodríguez,” wrote Passan. “Kwan's bat-to-ball and defensive skills in left field are elite, and with free agency not beckoning until after the 2027 season, sandwiching him between TJ Friedl and Elly De La Cruz strengthens a Reds lineup that could use an offensive infusion.”
Kwan, 27, has been having another solid campaign and could be bidding for his fourth consecutive Gold Glove.
Kwan has just six home runs and 29 RBI, but his game revolves around putting the ball in play and getting on base. He is slashing .292/.350/.408 in 88 games this season.
“Another bat would buttress the rotation and give Cincinnati an opportunity to turn potential into its first postseason series win in three decades,” wrote Passan.
Cincinnati will look to split their four-game series with the Miami Marlins on Thursday and finish the first half strong against the Colorado Rockies.
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