Guardians Weigh Moving Kwan to Center Field

Concerns raised about impact on offense and defense

Feb. 28, 2026 at 10:06am

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The Cleveland Guardians are considering moving four-time Gold Glove winner Steven Kwan from left field to center field, a move that has raised concerns from fans about the potential impact on his offensive production and defensive abilities.

Why it matters

The Guardians' outfield production outside of Kwan's contributions was poor last season, so the team may be hoping a move to center field could improve the overall offensive output from the outfield. However, there are doubts about whether Kwan has the necessary speed and range to excel in center field without compromising his offensive game.

The details

The Guardians are serious about testing Kwan in center field, a position the team has struggled with in recent years. With top prospect Chase DeLauter currently sidelined with 'lower body soreness', the Guardians may feel the need to shake up the outfield alignment. Fans have expressed concerns that Kwan, a four-time Gold Glove winner in left field, may not have the athleticism to handle the demands of center field, and that the position change could negatively impact his offensive production.

  • The Guardians are considering the position change for Kwan this spring training.

The players

Steven Kwan

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

Chase DeLauter

A top Guardians prospect who is currently sidelined with 'lower body soreness', potentially opening the door for Kwan to shift to center field.

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What they’re saying

“Moving four-time Gold Glove winner Steven Kwan from left field to center field will not work. He's not fast enough and I think his offense will suffer while he struggles to learn center field. Why weaken two positions?”

— Jeffrey Marrotte (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Guardians will continue to evaluate Kwan's performance and potential fit in center field during spring training as they determine the best outfield alignment for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Guardians' decision to move Kwan to center field is a risky one, as it could compromise both his defensive excellence and offensive production. The team will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the potential drawbacks as they look to field the most competitive outfield possible.