Steven Kwan Bio
Steven Robert Kwan is an American professional baseball left fielder for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2022 after playing three years of college baseball at Oregon State University. Kwan was selected by the Guardians in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB draft. He quickly became part of the starting lineup and earned a Gold Glove Award for his defense. A two-time MLB All-Star, Kwan has also been recognized for his impressive batting skills, helping contribute significantly to his team’s success.
Early Life and Background
Steven Kwan was born on September 5, 1997, in Los Gatos, California, and raised in Fremont, California. He attended Washington High School in Fremont, where he excelled in baseball, batting .462 as a senior in 2015. After graduating, he enrolled at Oregon State University, where he played college baseball for the Beavers. Kwan faced challenges early in his college career, feeling out of place among high recruits and even consulting a sports psychologist. However, his performance improved significantly in subsequent years.
Path to Baseball
Kwan’s college career at Oregon State saw him develop into a key player. As a junior in 2018, he played in 66 games, achieving a batting average of .355 and helping lead the Beavers to a national championship in the College World Series. After his junior year, Kwan was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB draft. He signed with the organization and began his professional career in the minor leagues.
Steven Kwan Career
Early Career (2022-Present)
Kwan made his MLB debut on April 7, 2022, as the starting right fielder for the Cleveland Guardians. He quickly made a name for himself, becoming just the sixth player since 1901 to have a five-hit game within his first three major league games. Kwan’s impressive start included being named American League Rookie of the Month for both April and September 2022. He finished his rookie season with a batting average of .298, six home runs, and 52 RBIs, earning a Gold Glove Award for his defensive skills in left field.
Breakthrough (2022-2025)
In 2023, Kwan continued to excel, achieving the lowest strikeout percentage in the American League and winning his second consecutive Gold Glove Award. His performance in 2024 included a batting average of .292 with 14 home runs and 83 RBIs, leading to his third Gold Glove Award. In 2025, Kwan maintained his strong performance, batting .272 with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs, while also winning his fourth consecutive Gold Glove Award.
Notable Works and Milestones
Steven Kwan’s signature achievements include being a two-time MLB All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove Award winner. His remarkable ability to combine defensive prowess with offensive skills has made him a valuable player for the Cleveland Guardians.
Steven Kwan Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Steven Kwan has received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, including recognition as a finalist for the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2022.
Steven Kwan Awards Won
Steven Kwan has won several awards during his career, including the Gold Glove Award for American League left fielders in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills on the field.
Steven Kwan Family
Steven Kwan is married to Samantha Moy. The couple tied the knot in February 2025 in a courthouse wedding.
Personal Life
Kwan is of Chinese and Japanese descent, with his paternal grandparents from Guangzhou, China, and maternal grandparents from Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. He was nearly recruited to play for the Japanese national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic but was found ineligible. Kwan has expressed interest in representing Japan in future international competitions.