Guardians Test Gold Glove Winner Kwan in Center Field

Shift could boost Cleveland's defense and offense for 2026 season

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Guardians are experimenting with moving four-time Gold Glove winner Steven Kwan to center field during spring training, as they seek to improve their outfield alignment and offensive production for the 2026 season. Kwan, who has excelled in left field, will get his first significant opportunity to play center at the major league level.

Why it matters

The Guardians' outfield struggled offensively in 2025, ranking last in MLB in outfield OPS. Moving Kwan to center could create lineup flexibility to get more playing time for promising prospects George Valera and Chase DeLauter, while also maintaining the team's defensive excellence.

The details

Kwan, 28, has earned a Gold Glove in left field every season since his 2022 debut, leading all MLB left fielders with 29 Outs Above Average. Although he has limited experience in center field, with just 31 innings at the major league level, he has over 1,200 innings of minor league experience at the position. The increased physical demands of center field are a consideration given Kwan's past hamstring injury.

  • The Guardians announced Kwan's center field trial during spring training in Goodyear, Arizona.
  • Kwan has earned four consecutive Gold Gloves since his MLB debut in 2022.

The players

Steven Kwan

A four-time Gold Glove winner who has excelled in left field for the Cleveland Guardians since his debut in 2022.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians, who announced Kwan's center field trial.

George Valera

A rising Guardians prospect who produced a respectable .255/.346/.457 batting line in Triple-A last season.

Chase DeLauter

Another Guardians prospect who impressed with a .278/.383/.476 slash line at the Triple-A level in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've talked about it a few times, just with how we're comprised. Like, 'Hey, there might be a time you need to go to center.' But he's expressed interest in playing center at times too.”

— Stephen Vogt, Cleveland Guardians Manager

“There's nothing in stone that he's going to play center field. It's just we're going to get him some games in center field.”

— Stephen Vogt, Cleveland Guardians Manager

What’s next

The Guardians will continue to evaluate Kwan's performance in center field during spring training to determine if the position change will be permanent for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Guardians' decision to test Kwan in center field highlights their proactive approach to maximizing their roster and addressing offensive and defensive needs, as they aim to build on their AL Central title in 2025 and remain competitive in the 2026 season.