Cleveland Guardians Trade Veterans, Retain Key Players Amid Playoff Push

The Cleveland Guardians made limited moves at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, trading away Shane Bieber and Paul Sewald but retaining key players like Steven Kwan, signaling their intention to remain competitive this season. Despite Bieber being a notable acquisition by the Blue Jays, he has not pitched this year, and Sewald's injuries limited his impact, leading to modest returns for the Guardians. The decision to keep Kwan, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner under club control through 2027, reflects the Guardians' desire to compete in 2025 and possibly maintain star player Jose Ramirez's satisfaction with the team. Meanwhile, other MLB teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers have shown strong interest in acquiring Kwan, with trade proposals involving multiple top prospects indicating his high value. Both teams see Kwan as a significant upgrade to their outfield and a long-term asset, but Cleveland’s reluctance to trade him suggests they are prioritizing current contention and franchise stability. The Guardians remain close to a wild card spot, and their roster decisions imply a hope to push for the postseason despite earlier challenges.