For fans of the 28 MLB teams not in the World Series, it’s prime trade machine season. The New York Yankees have plenty of possibilities to consider, especially when it comes to the team’s outfield in 2026. Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are entering free agency. If the Yanks lose one or both guys, who will GM Brian Cashman bring in as a replacement?
One idea for Cashman arrived in recent days from Bleacher Report’s MLB writer Kerry Miller, who identified Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan as someone who could be a “prime target” for the Yankees. Miller then offered some context to support his Kwan choice.
“With the exception of Kyle Tucker, the most noteworthy free agent outfielders are the two who spent this past season with the Yankees: Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham,” Miller wrote.
“But with Jasson Domínguez already a regular in the bigs and Spencer Jones on the way, maybe they’re not all that interested in any sort of long-term re-investment in an outfielder, in which case the trade block will come in handy. (FWIW the “if rivalries didn’t exist” prime trade partner would be calling up Boston about Jarren Duran, but it’s been a long time since those two put together a trade anywhere near that significant.)”
Kwan, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glover, is arbitration eligible through 2027. The 28-year-old hit .272/ .330/ .374/ .705 with 170 hits, 11 home runs, 56 RBIs and 81 runs scored in 156 games in 2025.
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Kwan made $4.18 million this past season, a big-time bargain for Cleveland.
With a relatively weak free-agent market on the menu this offseason, the Yankees, along with any other prospective buyer, might find better luck on the trade market. Miller didn’t clarify exactly why the Guardians would be interested in moving on from Kwan. It’ll be interesting to monitor Cleveland’s outlook this winter.
