Kwan rewarded for elite all-around play with 2nd straight All-Star berth

CLEVELAND -- When Steven Kwan was named a first-time All-Star last year, it was recognition for a player who has continued to get better year over year. A second All-Star nod is only further affirmation of where Kwan stands among his peers.

Kwan was named to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard on Sunday as a player-elected reserve for the American League. It's his second career nod and second straight, after he was a starter for the AL last year.

“It’s a huge accomplishment, especially getting voted in by the peers,” Kwan said. “It’s probably one of the greater accomplishments of my career. I’m really honored. It’s a cool feeling.”

Kwan is the first Cleveland outfielder to earn back-to-back All-Star nods since Michael Brantley (2017-18). Grady Sizemore was the last to earn three straight (2006-08). He will join teammate José Ramírez (who was elected the AL’s starting third baseman on Wednesday) and manager Stephen Vogt (who will be part of Aaron Boone’s AL coaching staff) on July 15 in Atlanta.

What’s more, Kwan is just the 12th outfielder in Cleveland history to earn multiple All-Star nods, joining Earl Averill, Jeff Heath, Larry Doby, Dale Mitchell, Rocky Colavito, George Hendrick, Kenny Lofton, Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez, Sizemore and Brantley.

“He earned it -- more than earned it,” Vogt said. “Kwany has been great. By far one of the best outfielders in the league, one of the best hitters. Steven Kwan is an All-Star. We couldn't be more excited for him, his family. He's earned every bit of it.”

Kwan said he was “a little nervous” over the past week or so, wondering whether the All-Star berth would come. He was honored not only that it did, but that it came via player voting.

“It's big,” Kwan said. “You play this game every day against the guys who are doing the same thing. I think you form a level of respect for those guys, and to get their respect and their vote, that means everything to me. It just emboldens me to continue playing the game the way I do, and hopefully keep the consistency going.”

Kwan earned his trip to Atlanta by putting together yet another steady season for Cleveland. He has continued to be one of the game's most elite hitters and one of its finest defenders. In 85 games (through Sunday), he posted a .298/.358/.419 slash line and hit 20 doubles and six homers with 28 RBIs. His 99 hits were tied for seventh most in the Majors.

Kwan has continued to show elite plate discipline, having drawn 30 walks compared to 31 strikeouts. His 3-for-4 performance on Sunday vs. the Tigers also marked his 30th multihit game this season.

Kwan, a three-time Gold Glove Award winner, has continued to be elite in left field this season. He entered Sunday tied for second in the Majors in defensive runs saved (14) with the Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong. Kwan ranked second in the Majors entering the day with eight outfield assists.

Even plays that may not stand out as much speak to Kwan’s defensive impact. On Saturday vs. the Tigers, he deked out Spencer Torkelson after the Tigers’ first baseman hit a deep fly ball to left. Kwan’s body language suggested he had a bead on it, but he quickly snapped around as it deflected high off the left-field wall.

Kwan played the ball cleanly and made a strong throw back to second base, to hold Torkelson to a single.

“It all plays into it,” Vogt said of Kwan’s defense. “Just because you don’t record an out doesn’t mean you didn’t make an outstanding defensive play.”

Kwan said his wife, Samantha, will join him in Atlanta. Beyond that, they’re still figuring things out. But he’s looking forward to being back in that atmosphere, among the game’s other stars.

“A lot of those guys that are there, I've watched from afar and have a ton of respect for,” Kwan said. “Any of those moments in the locker room, on the field, I know I’ll cherish those forever. I know it's going to be a hot one, so hopefully I don't sweat too much through all my stuff. But it's going to be an exciting time.”