The Yankees are once again at the center of early offseason buzz, and this time the conversation is circling around a name that might not scream Bronx Bomber at first glance-but makes a whole lot of sense when you dig into the fit. Steven Kwan, Cleveland’s elite contact hitter and defensive wizard, is being floated as a potential trade target, and the idea is gaining traction across the league.
This all picked up steam after James “Jomboy” O’Brien broke down the hypothetical deal on the Talkin’ Yanks podcast. He laid out a compelling case for why Kwan checks so many boxes for a Yankees team that’s clearly looking to evolve.
His breakdown was later posted to the podcast’s social media, and it didn’t take long for the clip to spread. The core of the pitch?
A Yankees outfield anchored by Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Steven Kwan-a trio that would offer a rare blend of power, defense, and contact ability.
Let’s unpack that. The Yankees have long been known for their muscle at the plate.
But in recent seasons, that all-or-nothing approach has come back to bite them-especially in October. Their latest playoff run ended in another early exit, falling 3-1 to the Blue Jays in the ALDS.
That loss only amplified the calls for a more balanced offensive identity. Enter Kwan.
The Guardians’ left fielder isn’t just a bat-to-ball specialist-he’s one of the best in the game at it. He racked up 170 hits this past season, swiped 21 bags, and locked down his fourth consecutive Gold Glove.
That’s not just production-that’s consistency, reliability, and elite defense all rolled into one. Kwan doesn’t chase pitches, puts the ball in play, and brings a steady presence atop the lineup.
For a Yankees team that too often lives and dies by the long ball, that kind of profile could be a game-changer.
From Cleveland’s perspective, a move like this would be about rebalancing. The Guardians have the pitching-one of the better rotations in baseball-but they’ve struggled to score runs, ranking near the bottom of the league in that department.
Trading Kwan would hurt, no doubt, but it could also bring back the kind of offensive firepower they’ve been missing. And if they’re going to move a player of his caliber, the Yankees are a logical trade partner.
They’ve got the prospect capital and the motivation to shake up their roster.
Kwan isn’t the flashiest name on the market, but he might be one of the most impactful fits for what the Yankees are trying to become. A contact-first, glove-first outfielder who complements the power bats around him?
That’s the kind of move that doesn’t just make headlines-it makes October wins more likely. And in the Bronx, that’s what it’s all about.
