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Scout throws cold water on Yankees' Steven Kwan trade, but pitches realistic alternative

The Yankees aren't viewed as a fit for Steven Kwan, but they're now being linked to another name.
ByPat Ragazzo
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Oct 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (38) runs the bases on his way to score a run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in game four of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (38) runs the bases on his way to score a run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in game four of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Yankees need to make some major roster upgrades in the offseason since they're running it back with Brian Cashman as GM and Aaron Boone as manager for another year. The Yankees were swept by the AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS, and the main reason was because of their offensive struggles in the series. For that, the Yankees should explore the trade market to improve their offense next year.

One position player that could be traded this offseason is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. The 29-year-old is entering his final year of arbitration and will be a free agent after the 2027 season. Kwan's name has also been brought up in trade rumors for several years now. Adding Kwan's high-contact bat could be just what the Yankees need to fix their lineup -- but not so fast.

Why Kwan isn't viewed as a fit for the Yankees

One National League scout who spoke with FanSided doesn't see Kwan as a fit for the Yankees. Kwan has mainly played left field in his MLB career, a spot that's currently occupied by Cody Bellinger in the Bronx. Although Kwan had five Outs Above Average and six defensive runs saved in center field this past season, the scout doesn't believe he is a true center fielder.

"Kwan could get traded, but the Yankees are not a fit," the scout said. "They need a true center fielder. Jacob Young makes more sense."

The Yankees also have a very heavy left-handed hitting lineup, and Kwan would only add to this imbalance. Jacob Young of the Washington Nationals, who the scout floated as a better Yankee fit, was one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball last season with 11 OAA (tied for fifth-best in MLB at the position). Young bats right-handed, hits well against lefty pitching and is entering his first year of arbitration, so he has three years of control left.

Industry speculation indicates that it's certainly possible that Kwan gets traded this offseason given he is headed into the final year of his deal. Kwan could boost a number of lineups with his contact bat, but the Yankees aren't being viewed as a fit. Instead, they could be better off going after Young as a more realistic target. The Yankees and Nationals already came together at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Luis Garcia Jr. to New York, and they have had interest in Young in the past, per The New York Post. They could match up as trade partners once more, and this time it would be for Young.

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