Could Steven Kwan Be a Fit in the Bronx? Yankees Could Circle Back if Big Names Slip Away
Steven Kwan’s name surfaced in trade chatter leading up to the 2025 deadline, but the Cleveland Guardians ultimately held onto their Gold Glove outfielder - and it paid off. Kwan played a key role in Cleveland’s late-season surge, helping the Guardians leapfrog the Detroit Tigers to claim the American League Central crown. Detroit got the last word in October, bouncing Cleveland from the postseason, but the Guardians’ run reminded everyone just how valuable Kwan is - both in the box score and in the field.
Now, as the offseason unfolds, Kwan’s name has drifted out of the rumor mill - at least for now. But don’t be surprised if that changes, especially if the New York Yankees miss out on their top free-agent targets.
On a recent episode of Talkin’ Yanks, hosts Jomboy and Talkin’ Jake floated Kwan as a potential Plan B for the Yankees if they strike out on signing Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger. That’s not just idle talk - Kwan checks a lot of boxes for what the Yankees need.
He’s an elite defensive outfielder, a contact-first hitter, and a high-character clubhouse guy. In short, he’s the kind of player who could thrive under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium.
But so far, there hasn’t been much noise about Kwan being on the move. That might be tied to the fact that Tucker and Bellinger are still on the board.
Teams like the Yankees are likely waiting to see how the top of the outfield market shakes out before picking up the phone and calling Cleveland. If those dominoes fall and the Yankees are still looking for help in the outfield, Kwan could quickly become one of the most attractive trade options available.
Kwan, 28, remains under team control through 2027, with arbitration years ahead in 2026 and 2027. That kind of cost certainty adds to his value - especially for a Guardians team that just won a division title and is still building around a young, controllable core.
Cleveland hasn’t made much noise this offseason, but this is a club that proved it can win with the pieces it already has. And Kwan is a big part of that equation.
It’s also worth noting what Steven Vogt has done in his short time at the helm. Back-to-back AL Manager of the Year awards in his first two seasons - not exactly an easy act to follow after taking over for Terry Francona. Vogt has helped foster a winning culture in Cleveland, and it’s clear the organization believes it can contend again in 2026.
That’s why a Kwan trade isn’t a sure thing, even if the Yankees come calling. It would take a compelling offer to pry him loose from a Guardians team that values his consistency, defense, and leadership. Still, if New York misses out on Tucker and Bellinger, they’ll have to pivot - and Kwan could be the kind of fallback option that doesn’t feel like settling.
For now, the trade winds around Kwan are calm. But if the Yankees are left empty-handed in free agency, don’t be surprised if Cleveland’s phone starts ringing.