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As the Cleveland Guardians stand on the edge of a pivotal decision ahead of the MLB trade deadline, one subtle moment from Steven Kwan has fans reading between the lines. During Wednesday’s game at Progressive Field, the outfielder offered what many believe was a farewell wave—a gesture that quickly sparked emotional responses and fueled Guardians trade rumors.
The Score took to its X (formerly known as Twitter) account to share a video captured by user Logan (@boredcracker), showing Steven Kwan tipping his cap to fans along the third base line—an emotional moment many interpreted as a possible farewell in what could be his final game with the club.
“Steven Kwan waved to fans in what could be his last game with the Guardians. 🥲”
Steven Kwan waved to fans in what could be his last game with the Guardians. 🥲
(🎥: @boredcracker)pic.twitter.com/AUAzlRaBwJ
— theScore (@theScore) July 31, 2025
The timing of the wave couldn’t have been more significant. It came just one day before the MLB trade deadline, when front offices across the league decide between buying, selling, or standing pat. For the Guardians, their .500 record (54-54) and middling wild-card chances make them one of the trickiest teams to evaluate. Kwan, a key offensive piece with a .286 batting average and elite on-base skills, is under team control through 2027. That makes him both valuable and, paradoxically, expendable if the price is right.
As one of the league’s most consistent hitters and a Gold Glove defender, the 27-year-old would instantly upgrade the top of any contending team’s lineup. Some fans replying to the tweet suggested the Cincinnati Reds as a potential destination, though no concrete trade reports had emerged as of Tuesday evening.
For Guardians supporters, Kwan’s connection to the city adds even more emotion to the moment. Drafted in 2018 and debuting in 2022, he’s been a steady presence during seasons of transition. With his low strikeout rate, high-contact approach, and 11 stolen bases this season, he's seen as a symbol of reliability on a team filled with question marks.
The possibility of a trade involving Kwan underscores the Guardians trade rumors that have intensified with each passing day. His value, combined with the club’s uncertain standing in the division and wild-card race, has made him a top chip in deadline discussions.
Whether the wave was a farewell or a simple acknowledgment remains to be seen. But in a sport driven by both numbers and emotion, it’s the kind of image that sticks. If a deal materializes, fans will look back on that moment at Progressive Field as the quiet goodbye of a beloved player. If not, it adds another layer to Kwan’s growing legacy in Cleveland—a humble star whose every move is now under the microscope.
