The Los Angeles Dodgers spent much of the final hours before the 2025 trade deadline locked in on one target: Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Seen as a perfect replacement for the struggling Michael Conforto in left field, Kwan was at the center of extended negotiations between the two clubs—but ultimately, the price proved too steep.
According to multiple reports, including Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers were “badly trying” to land the two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner. One anonymous MLB general manager put it bluntly: “Everyone in baseball thought they were getting Kwan.” The Guardians were indeed listening, and a deal nearly happened. But Cleveland’s demands were significant.
While it hasn’t been confirmed what the Guardians asked Los Angeles for, their conversations with San Diego offered a clue: Cleveland reportedly sought Leo De Vries, the Padres’ top prospect, in an alternate proposal. That request ultimately pushed San Diego to instead use De Vries in a package for A’s closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears. In the Dodgers’ case, speculation suggests Cleveland may have inquired about catcher Dalton Rushing—L.A.’s top prospect entering the season.
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts seemed to shut that door days before the deadline:
“I just don’t see a world in which he’s moved anyway, and I think he’s smart enough to realize that. I don’t think it’s going to impact him. I really don’t.”
Outman for Stewart, and a Pivot to Alex Call
With Kwan out of reach, the Dodgers ultimately sent James Outman to Minnesota in exchange for right-handed reliever Brock Stewart. Outman had been a key contributor during the team’s 2023 campaign but never quite regained that form. Stewart provides added depth to a battered bullpen that has been without Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol for long stretches.
Los Angeles also acquired outfielder Alex Call from the Nationals as a fallback option. While Call brings defensive versatility and can provide platoon support alongside Conforto, he’s far from the bat the Dodgers envisioned adding. Kwan, on the other hand, is batting over .300 with elite contact skills, elite defense, and club control through 2026.
No Splash, But Dodgers Remain Confident
Despite the near-miss with Kwan and a relatively quiet deadline, the Dodgers are still betting on internal reinforcements to power their postseason push. Third baseman Max Muncy and starter Blake Snell are back in action, and the team holds a comfortable lead in the NL West.
President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and GM Brandon Gomes stood pat with their top prospects, continuing a recent trend of avoiding blockbuster rentals. The organization has faced immense injury adversity this season—most notably on the pitching side—but still believes its ceiling remains among the highest in baseball.
Even so, missing out on Kwan underscores just how tricky the Dodgers’ position has become. Their roster is talented but brittle, deep but inconsistent. And while Kwan might’ve added the contact, steadiness, and elite outfield defense they’ve lacked, Los Angeles was unwilling to overpay. So, like much of baseball, they’ll keep watching him patrol Progressive Field—instead of Dodger Stadium.