Reds fans dreaming of a Steven Kwan trade should look closer at their own roster

The Cincinnati Reds will be on the prowl for offensive upgrades this offseason. One name that has captivated the hearts and minds of Reds fans is Steven Kwan, one of the most highly sought-after players who ultimately wasn't moved at the trade deadline.

Kwan is expected to hit the block again this offseason, and, on the surface, the reasons for the Reds to be interested are numerous. Kwan is one of those do-it-all outfielders who are uber-athletic, contact-oriented, and defensively superb. He also comes complete with a connection to Terry Francona.

Francona loves good defenders, and Kwan posted 22 defensive runs saved and five outs above average in left field in 2025. He also struck out just 8.7% of the time, while stealing 21 bases and showing just enough power with 11 homers. The lefty-swinging outfielder would look great atop any lineup, but the Reds might already have their very own Steven Kwan on the roster.

A closer look at the Reds' roster reveals that they already have their very own Steven Kwan

Take a look at these two stat lines and think long and hard about which had the better 2025.

Player A wins in batting average and fWAR; however, Player B takes home top prize in four categories: on-base percentage, slugging, homers, and wRC+. If you guessed Player A was Steven Kwan, you'd be correct. If you also guessed that TJ Friedl was Player B, you get a gold star for the day.

Both players have remarkably similar stat lines and also remarkably similar statures. Kwan is listed at 5-foot-8, 170 pounds, while Friedl checks in at 5-foot-8, 180 pounds. With that comes very similar skill sets.

There are some differences, though. While Kwan is an elite defender in left, Friedl has been below average in center. Could shifting him to left field alleviate some of those concerns? Probably. Would it put him up at Kwan's level? Highly unlikely.

The next difference to highlight is cost and team control. Kwan is further along in the arbitration process than Friedl, who will be going into it for the first time this offseason. Per MLB Trade Rumors, Kwan is projected to make $8.8 million in arbitration, while Friedl is projected for a little over half of that at $4.9 million.

That's a big jump for Friedl, but it pales in comparison to what Kwan will be making. Nearly $4 million of savings by sticking with Friedl versus ponying up for Kwan would go a long way for a Reds club that needs every penny.

Lastly, there's one more reason not to pursue Kwan. The Guardians have a long-standing tradition of not dealing talent until their final year of arbitration. That means, unless Cincinnati bowls them over with an offer they can't refuse, Kwan is staying put. Overpaying for Kwan would likely involve trading a top prospect like Sal Stewart, which, in addition to losing a promising youngster, likely opens another hole on the 2026 roster.

Friedl might not have the national name recognition that Kwan has, but he's pretty close in caliber and a heck of a lot cheaper, which matters a lot given Cincinnati's budget.