Could the New York Yankees swing a trade for this All-Star player?
The New York Yankees want to re-sign Cody Bellinger and Bellinger wants to return, but finances are clearly getting in the way of a reunion.
The Yankees have reportedly made multiple offers to Bellinger, but there still appears to be a significant gap between the two sides.
Bellinger had a very good season in 2025, but he is 30 years old, has an injury history and has really only had two truly impressive campaigns since winning the NL MVP award in 2019.
You can understand New York's trepidation, and it doesn't seem like any other teams are beating down Bellinger's door to give him what he wants, either.
So let's say the Yankees are unable to come to terms with Bellinger. Then what?
Well, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic pitched some alternatives, and among them was Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan.
A two-time All-Star, Kwan is under club control through 2027, but there has been speculation that the Guardians could trade him.
Kwan entered the big leagues in 2022 and has won four straight Gold Glove awards while also notching a pair of All-Star selections to begin his career.
His defensive brilliance is unquestioned. But is he really worth it offensively?
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images.Kwan slashed .272/.330/.374 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI over 693 plate appearances. He owns a lifetime .741 OPS, which is decent, but far from spectacular.
Yes, Kwan's defensive chops alone make him inherently valuable, but this is Cleveland we are talking about. The Guardians are known for being shrewd traders, and they would absolutely try to rake the Yankees over the coals in any deal for Kwan.
New York's farm system is teeming with pitching talent, and Cleveland could certainly use more pitching depth. But you already know that the Guardians would demand Carlos Lagrange or Elmer Rodriguez plus other top pieces in exchange for Kwan.
I'm not so sure the Yanks should do that.
Kwan is already 28 years old, so he is already in his prime. He probably won't get considerably better than he is right now. Would the Yankees be comfortable swapping out Bellinger's bat for Kwan's? There would definitely be a power shortage. That's for sure.
Given the cost it would take to acquire Kwan, New York might even be better of rolling with Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones in left field rather than paying through the nose for a player who is probably a tad overrated in some circles.
Kwan would have been intriguing had Trent Grisham not accepted the Yankees' qualifying offer. Then, you could re-sign Bellinger and trade for Kwan and have a Kwan-Bellinger-Aaron Judge outfield. But that's not the position in which New York finds itself.