"That's 100% fact" - Guardians' Steven Kwan confirms Shohei Ohtani’s attempt to bring him onto Japan’s WBC roster
Cleveland Guardians All-Star Steven Kwan is enjoying a breakthrough season for the high-flying American League Central team. In an interview with MLB.com, the player with Japanese roots touched on the rumors of Shohei Ohtani trying to recruit him for Japan's WBC roster.
Kwan was asked about the clip from the Guardians' game against the Los Angeles Angels in September 2022, where he was seen having a chat with the then-Angels player Shohei Ohtani. The clip started speculation of Ohtani trying to recruit Kwan for the Japanese team.
Kwan addressed those rumors:
"That's fact. That's 100% fact. Yeah, we met in between. I was talking to some of his people about getting recruited for all that, and I was like it'd be awesome.
"Let's keep in touch. And then he was the one who approached me, and I was starstruck, which was super cool."
Although it didn't materialize, Steven Kwan is ready for the opportunity if it comes his way again.
"If the opportunity is there next time, I'd love to do it," Kwan added.
The fifth edition of the WBC, initially scheduled for 2021, was held in 2023 after being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ohtani led Japan to a third title after beating defending champions United States in the final. Ohtani was named the MVP after his clutch two-way performance, especially in the final, where he fanned out his then-Angels teammate Mike Trout for the final out of the game.
Stephen Vogt reflects on Steven Kwan's rough patch
Steven Kwan's production at the plate has dipped since the All-Star break. While he's averaging .301 for the season, he was hovering around the .400 mark during his purple patch in June.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said that it has more to do with the pitchers than the Guardians' leadoff hitter, who's trying too hard at the plate.
"He's getting pitched differently than he has. I think teams aren't just going right after him; they're pitching to him. For any hitter that's going through maybe a llittle bit of a down swing, you're going to try and do more, you're going to try and combat."
Steven Kwan had a much better outing against the Royals on Wednesday, contributing two hits and an RBI single as the Guardians came from behind to win 7-5. Kwan will hope for more of the same as Cleveland hosts the Pirates for a three-game series starting Thursday.