CLEVELAND, OH (92.3 THE FAN) - Steven Kwan was the tenth-ranked prospect in the Cleveland Guardians system before the 2022 season began.
Today, the 24-year-old sat back in his California home with a collection of hats and baseballs in cases atop a dresser behind him as he spoke over video conference with the media about his season that ended with a gold glove award. Rawlings Baseball named Kwan the best defensive left fielder in the entire American League on November 1st.
Throughout the season, Kwan made spectacular defensive plays but was never content. Assistant coach Kyle Hudson instilled a work ethic that made complacency an afterthought.
“Accountability was the biggest thing. He (Hudson) has an expectation for all of us. He does all the analytics, it’s easy to play for a guy who is as locked in as he is.” stated Kwan.
Myles Straw earned the award for his play in center field this season. He reflected on the support group around him when discussing his defensive education.
“Sarby (Mike Sarabaugh) is always going to go over a play with you. He’ll show you what you did wrong. We’re not perfect, we are going to make mistakes, but we want to know what we did wrong.” said Straw
Both Kwan and Straw played next to each other, with Kwan in left field and Straw in centerfield. Attention to detail has been a reason for their accolades but also their chemistry on the field should not be overlooked.
Kwan’s signature defensive moment of the season came on August 26th against the Seattle Mariners.
The outfielder sprinted to his right and caught a Cal Raleigh flyball near the left field wall in foul territory. Kwan made the catch while in the air and his knees smacked off the top of the wall which propelled his body forward into the stands. He made the play and although he’d stay in, he grabbed his midsection after making the throw into the infield.
Straw came over to check on his teammates and appeared to check if he was alright.
“I asked did the catch count and you (Straw) said “no it didn’t count huh-huh,” added Kwan. I’m like I can’t even breathe and you're still messing with me.”
Myles and Steven both reside in California during the offseason and they said they’ll plan to meet up sometime within the month.
Offensively Kwan also raised eyebrows right from the jump, in his third-ever game he went 5 for 5 with a double and reached base 15 times in his first four games.
Kwan continued his tear in the postseason earning the most hits of any Guardian with nine, all in the ALDS. It set a rookie franchise postseason record for a single series.
Straw in his second season with over 100 games played, posted a .221/.291/.273 slash line. The Guardians have the centerfielder under contract until 2028.