In a bold move that has turned heads across the baseball community, an ex-MLB star has suggested that the New York Yankees trade their top prospect for Cleveland Guardians’ Gold Glove outfielder Steven Kwan. The proposal has sparked a debate over whether this move could benefit the Yankees, and whether it’s the right direction for the team to go in as they seek to regain dominance in the American League.
The Yankees, once the standard-bearer of success in Major League Baseball, have seen their fortunes slip in recent years. Despite having a strong roster filled with star players like Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, they have struggled to reach the heights of their past. In a competitive AL East division that features powerhouses like the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays, New York has not been able to replicate the consistent postseason success of earlier decades. With the 2025 season approaching, many analysts and former players are suggesting that the Yankees need to make a bold move to address several key issues, one of which is their outfield.
The Yankees’ outfield has been a weak point in recent years, with injuries and inconsistent play from players like Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks. The team is in need of a reliable, defensively sound outfielder who can contribute at the plate while providing stability in the field. Enter Steven Kwan, the 26-year-old outfielder from the Cleveland Guardians, who has impressed scouts with his remarkable defensive skills and ability to get on base. Kwan, who earned a Gold Glove in 2024, has developed a reputation as one of the best fielding outfielders in the game. His exceptional range, quickness, and ability to track down fly balls would immediately improve the Yankees’ defense, an area that has sometimes been a liability in recent seasons.
The suggestion to trade the Yankees’ top prospect for Kwan comes with the understanding that New York’s farm system is rich in talent, but the major league team needs immediate help in order to compete in the ultra-competitive AL East. The Yankees have long prided themselves on having a deep farm system, and while trading a top prospect would certainly be a difficult decision, it could be justified if it fills a critical hole in the roster. Kwan’s combination of elite defense and high on-base percentage could provide the Yankees with a much-needed boost in both their outfield and at the top of their batting order.
From Cleveland’s perspective, trading Kwan would undoubtedly be a tough call, as he has become one of the most reliable players on their roster. However, the Guardians are not as established a contender as the Yankees and may be more willing to part with a proven outfielder to strengthen their future. The deal could benefit both teams in the long run, with Cleveland receiving a highly ranked prospect who could help them build for the future, while the Yankees get a proven, versatile player who can contribute immediately to their championship aspirations.
Ultimately, the decision to trade a top prospect for Steven Kwan comes down to the Yankees’ philosophy. Are they willing to sacrifice future potential for immediate success? In a league where every game counts, and where the window for championship contention can close quickly, the Yankees may just find that Kwan is the player who helps them return to the top of the standings.
