The New York Yankees could have a much different-looking team next season.
New York has some key pending free agents like Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Amed Rosario, Paul Goldschmidt, Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Austin Slater, among others. The outfield could look much different if both Grisham and Bellinger walk in free agency.
Yet, MLB insider Anthony McCarron of SNY predicts the Yankees will trade star prospect Spencer Jones to the Cleveland Guardians for Steven Kwan.
“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,” McCarron wrote. “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).”
Kwan is arbitration-eligible for two more seasons and will be a free agent following the 2027 season. So, the Yankees would have him for multiple years and be the leadoff hitter to get on base for Aaron Judge.
Kwan hit .272 with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs last season with the Guardians. He’s a four-time Gold Glove Award winner and a two-time All-Star.
As for Jones, he’s the Yankees’ fourth-ranked prospect and is expected to be in the majors next season. He’s 24, and given that New York is in their win-now window, they deal a top prospect for an impact hitter.
Jones Could Compete for Starting Job With Yankees
Although Jones’ name has come up as a potential trade candidate, the Yankees could be banking on him to be part of their MLB roster this season.
If Bellinger and Grisham do leave in free agency, Jones has a clear path to making the roster. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said at his year-end press conference that Jones has put himself in a position to compete for a starting job in 2026.
“I think he’s put himself in the conversation,” Cashman said. “I think how it plays out depends on how our winter plays out. He’ll certainly come to spring training, and he’s earned — without a doubt — the look, and the competition.
“But again, it all depends on how many opportunities exist based on the decisions that come our way this winter. But he’s put himself in the position to be considered a potential everyday major leaguer in 2026, but we’ll see.”
Jones is a boom-or-bust power hitter. Last season in the minors, he slashed .274/.362/.571 with 35 home runs and 179 strikeouts.
Kwan’s Name Came up in Trade Rumors
Kwan is no stranger to having his name involved in trade rumors.
The Guardians were listening to offers on the star outfielder for the past couple of seasons, and it really heated up ahead of the trade deadline.
Kwan, meanwhile, admitted he had heard all the talk, and he was trying to put it to the side.
“I think it’s the same advice we’ve been given when we first come up,” Kwan said. “You’ve gotta control the controllables, and all other stuff, kind of just let go. It’s obviously hard to ignore the news, but just going back to it, I can’t do anything about it. It will all take care of itself when it comes. But for now, it’s just social media news. It doesn’t mean much.”
Kwan has spent his entire career with the Guardians.
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