Guardians to Try Position Change for Four-Time Gold Glove Winner Steven Kwan

Cleveland's star left fielder may move to center field this spring as the team evaluates its outfield alignment.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Cleveland Guardians are planning to experiment with moving four-time Gold Glove winning left fielder Steven Kwan to center field this spring training as they look to sort out their best outfield configuration for the 2026 season. Kwan has been the American League's top defensive left fielder since his MLB debut in 2022, but the team is considering shifting him to the more demanding center field position.

Why it matters

Kwan's move to center field would be a risky decision, as he has excelled at left field and the transition to a new position could be challenging. However, the Guardians are exploring ways to optimize their outfield defense and lineup, with young prospects like George Valera, Chase DeLauter, Nolan Jones, and Johnathan Rodriguez also in the mix.

The details

According to reports, the Guardians will give Kwan reps in center field this spring to evaluate how he performs in the more demanding outfield position. Kwan has won four consecutive Gold Glove awards in left field, so moving him to center would be a significant change. If Kwan struggles in center, it could negate the potential benefits of the position switch.

  • The Guardians will experiment with Kwan in center field during 2026 spring training.

The players

Steven Kwan

A four-time Gold Glove winning left fielder for the Cleveland Guardians who the team is considering moving to center field.

George Valera

A young outfield prospect for the Guardians who could potentially take over in center field if Kwan moves positions.

Chase DeLauter

Another Guardians outfield prospect who could factor into the team's outfield plans for 2026.

Nolan Jones

A Guardians outfield option who the team will evaluate as they determine their best outfield alignment.

Johnathan Rodriguez

A Guardians outfield prospect who will compete for playing time in the team's crowded outfield.

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What they’re saying

“New development: Steven Kwan will play some center field this spring, as the Guardians try to sort out their best outfield alignment.”

— Zack Meisel, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Guardians will closely monitor Kwan's performance in center field during spring training to determine if the position change is viable for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Guardians' decision to experiment with moving their four-time Gold Glove winning left fielder Steven Kwan to center field is a risky but potentially rewarding move. If Kwan can successfully transition to the more demanding center field position, it could optimize the team's outfield defense and lineup. However, the drop-off in Kwan's defensive performance compared to his dominant play in left field could negate the benefits of the position switch.