Much of the Cleveland Guardians’ success in 2022 can be attributed to the breakout rookie campaign of left fielder Steven Kwan.
The 25-year-old finished third in the voting for the American League Rookie of the Year Award behind Adley Rutschman and Julio Rodriguez, the latter of whom received the award.
But Kwan did earn a Gold Glove.
He also hit .298 with 52 RBI, 19 stolen bases, 89 runs scored, and an on-base percentage of .373.
However, it’s hard to imagine Kwan’s breakout 2022 season being the ceiling for his potential.
MLB Network reporter Greg Amsinger certainly believes that there’s more to come and made a bold prediction, telling the young outfielder that he believes he will ultimately succeed Luis Arraez as the AL batting champion in 2023.
Hey @CleGuardians, how do we feel about Greg's @skwanzaa 2023 prediction? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PHmGFybdJy
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 6, 2023
This is certainly a bold prediction.
However, it’s not a foolish one.
While Kwan doesn’t hit for much power, he is a constant threat to get on base and ultimately do some damage on the basepaths.
His 19 stolen bases can attest to that.
But he’s emerged as a top-of-the-order threat for the Guardians as they look to build off of their successful 2022 season and repeat as AL Central division champions.
There is a lot of upside with Kwan, and the Guardians clearly have something special in the Gold-Glove outfielder.
Kwan began the 2022 season with an incredible streak of not only not striking out, but also not swinging and missing a pitch.
If he can replicate that success, then perhaps a batting title could be in order for the 25-year-old.
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