Yankees offseason vision getting even clearer after insider's bold trade prediction

The New York Yankees have to give to get on the trade market — and, given the requisite Yankees Tax, they actually have to give a little more than most. If they're going to make a lineup-altering trade this offseason rather than handing the reins to multiple kids, they'll need to get a little uncomfortable. That's the type of bold swap SNY's Anthony McCarron had in mind with his most recent prediction, and while it doesn't feel like something Brian Cashman will do happily, he's going to need to think this one over for a while if it's presented to him.

According to McCarron, the Yankees shouldn't anoint slugging top prospect Spencer Jones, but rather deal him for four-times-running Gold Glover Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians.

This is a Yankees team that occasionally struggled with left field fundamentals this season, and doesn't know if it can trust Jasson Domínguez to shoulder a full-season load. Kwan is the antithesis of Domínguez at the moment. He's a proven leadoff hitter and an outfield bedrock. His power ceiling? Probably been tapped; he'll give you a 100-105 OPS+ with a high average, and you'll like it. Still, he'd be a monstrous upgrade controlled through 2027, and would give the Yankees a two-year peek at what stability looks like at a position of need.

As for Cleveland's end of the deal? They've already got pitching, thanks. Got a whole factory. If you want to deal with them, you'll have to send them thump. Jones is a one-of-a-kind power presence with the defensive ability to handle an above-average center field. He's still a project, sure, but one the Guardians should happily sacrifice for two years of Kwan. If he approaches his peak, this one might actually look lopsided in Cleveland's direction in a vacuum — but that's a risk Cashman will have to grit his teeth and take.

Yankees Bold Trade Prediction: Spencer Jones for Steven Kwan, per Anthony McCarron of SNY

If Chase DeLauter can stay healthy (big if) and the Guardians can introduce Jones to the Progressive Field faithful, that's suddenly an outfield duo that ranks right up there with the top of the American League. Then again, fans have agitated this offseason to surround José Ramírez with proven talent; is Jones' upside enough to forgive the Guardians for resetting the clock?

This is the kind of deal that sounds incredible rolling around an insider's (and a fan's!) brain, but is potentially difficult to put into action. Here's to hoping that this traditional '80s-style baseball trade isn't too outdated for these wheeling-and-dealing front offices. Adding Kwan really might be the secret sauce needed to pesk-ify the Yankees and get their fundamentals on Toronto's level, top to bottom, without sacrificing too much star power.

Kwan's a two-time All-Star, after all. But what he isn't is redundant in a hypothetical Yankees lineup.