Overview
- Kwan batted sixth against the Reds on Saturday, May 16, in his first start outside the top spot since June 2022, with Daniel Schneemann taking the leadoff role.
- Vogt said the change is temporary and the team will rotate leadoff options by matchup rather than name a set replacement.
- Kwan entered Saturday at .201/.308/.258, with sharp drops in line‑drive and sweet‑spot rates and lower exit velocity, a troubling mix for a contact hitter who relies on well‑struck line drives.
- Coaches and Kwan point to timing, pitch selection, and mechanics as the issues, and he has stressed that his elite defense remains steady, saying “defense should never slump.”
- CBS Sports reported the club held serious trade talks about Kwan last summer, and Cleveland could listen again before this year’s deadline if the bat does not rebound.