Steven Kwan’s name popped up on the trade radar last summer, but when the dust settled at the 2025 deadline, he was still wearing a Cleveland Guardians uniform - and that turned out to be a good thing for the club. Kwan played a key role in Cleveland’s unexpected surge past the Detroit Tigers to capture the American League Central crown. The Tigers would get the last word in October, knocking the Guardians out of the postseason, but Cleveland’s run was a reminder of what this roster, with Kwan at the top, is capable of.
Since the offseason began, the trade chatter around Kwan has gone quiet. But one team that continues to linger in the conversation is the New York Yankees. The Bronx Bombers have been linked to bigger names like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger in free agency, but if those pursuits fall through, Kwan could emerge as a smart Plan B.
He fits what the Yankees need: a contact-first hitter who brings elite defense to the outfield. Kwan is a Gold Glove-caliber left fielder - the kind of player who doesn’t just make the routine plays but makes the tough ones look routine.
In a Yankee outfield that’s had its share of defensive inconsistencies, that kind of glove could be a game-changer. And while he doesn’t bring the power of a Tucker or Bellinger, Kwan’s ability to get on base, put the ball in play, and work at-bats would offer a different - and much-needed - dynamic to the Yankees’ lineup.
That said, there’s been little movement on the Kwan front. One possible reason?
Tucker and Bellinger are still unsigned. Until those dominos fall, teams like the Yankees may be holding off on exploring secondary options.
But if they strike out on the big names, don’t be surprised if Cleveland’s phone starts ringing.
Kwan, 28, is still under team control through the 2027 season, with arbitration years in 2026 and 2027. That makes him not only a valuable piece on the field but also a cost-effective one - a rare combination in today’s game.
And Cleveland, despite a quiet offseason so far, has every reason to hold onto a player like that. The Guardians are fresh off a division title and have shown they can compete with their current core.
Kwan is a big part of that equation.
Then there’s the man leading the charge in the dugout. Steven Vogt, in just his first year as a manager, has already collected back-to-back AL Manager of the Year honors - a remarkable feat, especially considering he stepped into the shoes of Terry Francona, one of the most respected skippers of his generation. Vogt’s steady hand and the team’s chemistry suggest Cleveland isn’t looking to hit the reset button anytime soon.
So, will the Yankees make a move for Kwan if they miss out on Tucker and Bellinger? It’s certainly possible.
He checks a lot of boxes for them. But the lack of noise around Kwan right now might be telling.
It could mean that Cleveland isn’t all that eager to move him - and unless someone makes them an offer they can’t refuse, there’s a very real chance that Kwan stays put and continues to be a cornerstone in Cleveland’s outfield in 2026.