Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Steven Kwan setting records; Kyle Wright finally shows potential

If it was only for the five hits he collected in his third career game Sunday, I wouldn’t be so keen on adding Steven Kwan. Remember Yermin Mercedes? He went 5 for 5 in his second career game (first of the season) last year, and we all know how that turned out.  

Yes, for any unexpected performance this early in the season, the usual sample-size caveats apply. What’s different in Kwan’s case is that it may not be so unexpected.

Let’s start by reviewing the minor-league numbers. They’re what first put him on my radar. The strikeout-to-walk ratio alone seemed like evidence he could hit:

Steven Kwan RFCLEVELAND • #67 • AGE: 242021 Minors AVG.328 HR12OPS.934 AB296BB36K31

And hit he went on to do this spring, going 15 for 32 (.469) with two doubles to claim a job on the major-league roster. Granted, most on the Guardiansbeat weren’t offering any assurances of playing time, but by now, it’s clear manager Terry Francona had everyday duty in mind. The clincher was when he batted Kwan second against a same-handed pitcher (lefty) Sunday, and well, it obviously turned out OK. How did the previous two games go? Again, it’s not just the 5-for-5 performance that speaks to Kwan’s potential. In all, he has reached base 12 times in only 14 plate appearances. He’s the first player to reach even 11 times in his first three games, much less 12. And here’s the most impressive stat at all: in 48 plate appearances dating back to spring training, he has yet to strike out even once.

The man is going to hit for batting average. Of this I am certain.

But what else will he do? Looking at his minor-league track record, stolen bases are probably out, at least in any real quantity. His 12 home runs in 77 games last year were the first semblance of power. His exit velocity readings so far would suggest a 20-homer outcome is on the table, but because his swing is geared more for line drives and ground balls (judging by early launch angle readings), 12 to 15 might be a more reasonable projection.

It makes Kwan more of a potential standout for points leagues than 5×5 scoring, maybe something like Michael Brantley in his prime if all breaks right. Clearly, his current 21 percent roster rate in CBS Sports leagues should be at least triple what it is, though I wouldn’t necessarily consider him the highest-priority pickup of all.