Yankees Predicted to Trade for Two-Time All-Star Outfielder
The New York Yankees are expected to make major changes in their outfield lineup for next season. With Cody Bellinger opting out of his deal and Trent Grisham likely rejecting his qualifying offer, two outfield positions remain vacant. The only secure spot belongs to Aaron Judge.
Rebuilding two-thirds of the outfield in a single offseason poses a real challenge. However, the Yankees will have various opportunities through free agency and potential trades this winter. Analyst Anthony McCarron from SNY suggests an intriguing move that could help reshape the roster.
“Spencer for Steven, even up: Schooled by the Jays all year, including in October, the Yanks nab something from Toronto’s playbook and add non-strikeout, plus-contact offense to their roster via trade by dangling top prospect Spencer Jones,” wrote McCarron.
He proposed that New York could pursue Cleveland’s Steven Kwan to fulfill a vital role in the lineup.
“Can they pry Steven Kwan from Cleveland? He’d be an ideal leadoff hitter who also happens to be the best defensive left fielder in baseball. And Yankee Stadium’s spacious left field needs proper tending. Kwan had an 8.7 percent strikeout rate this past season. The MLB average is 22.5 percent; Yanks had the sixth-highest rate in MLB (23.5 percent).”
The trade idea stands out given Jones’s steady presence in trade rumors over the past year as the Yankees search for impact talent. Acquiring Kwan could bring improved contact hitting and elite defense to New York’s outfield in 2026.
Author’s Summary
The Yankees may target Steven Kwan in a strategic trade this offseason, aiming to bolster contact hitting and solidify one of baseball’s toughest outfields.