The New York Yankees have been unusually quiet this offseason-and with the top free agents already off the board, including Kyle Tucker, the window for a major splash is shrinking fast. Their best remaining move?
Re-signing Cody Bellinger. But even that is looking less and less likely.
Talks with Bellinger have reportedly hit a wall. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, negotiations between the Yankees and the former MVP have stalled, and the team may be shifting gears. That opens the door for a Plan B-and one intriguing name keeps coming up: Steven Kwan.
The Cleveland Guardians’ All-Star outfielder has been floated as a potential trade target, and for good reason. Kwan isn’t just a fallback option-he’s a legitimate asset, especially for a Yankees team that’s still trying to patch up its outfield. Unless the front office is fully sold on Jasson Domínguez or Spencer Jones making an immediate leap, the need for a reliable outfield presence remains a top priority.
Kwan brings a well-rounded game that fits what the Yankees need right now. In 156 games last season, he posted a .272/.330/.374 slash line, with 29 doubles, 11 home runs, and 56 RBIs. While those numbers dipped slightly from his previous highs, it's worth noting that Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly dimensions could give his offensive production a lift.
But the real value in Kwan isn’t just at the plate-it’s in his glove. He’s a two-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove winner, offering elite defense in left field.
That’s something the Yankees haven’t had consistently in recent years. And with his 2026 salary set at $7.725 million and one more year of arbitration remaining, he’s also a cost-effective option for a team that’s looking to stay flexible for future moves.
Financially, this is a smart play. Kwan gives the Yankees a high-floor, low-risk solution in the outfield while keeping the door open for a bigger swing next offseason. If Bellinger doesn’t return, pivoting to Kwan isn’t just a consolation prize-it’s a strategic move that could stabilize the lineup and buy time for the team’s top prospects to develop.
The Yankees don’t need to force a blockbuster. What they need is a dependable presence in the outfield who can set the tone at the top of the lineup, play Gold Glove-caliber defense, and bring a professional approach to every at-bat. Steven Kwan checks all those boxes-and if the front office can make the right offer, he could be exactly what this team needs heading into 2026.