Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Guardians' All-Star Gets Honest on Unexpected Change

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 9:06 PM ET

Cleveland Guardians All-Star Steven Kwan made his MLB debut four years ago. Kwan has won four career Gold Gloves as well. He's clearly one of the best defensive left fielders in the sport. However, entering year five, the Guardians are considering making a big change. Kwan could shift to center field in 2026.

The two-time All-Star is expected to receive playing time in center during spring training. It remains to be seen if he will become a full-time center fielder, but it is something Cleveland is seemingly considering. Kwan recently discussed the potential position change, via MLB Network Radio.

"I'm kind of just re-acclimating to what center field is like," Kwan said. "Played it all in the minors, played it all in college. I kind of took for granted the angles and the reads out there, especially with the Arizona air, too, the ball travels a little further. I think it's a good extreme to get my bearings on me, see how the ball is going to fly, make those reads. I think it's been going along pretty good."

Steven Kwan Preparing for Potential Position Switch

Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Kwan is a good offensive player. He hits for a respectable average and has a tremendous eye at the plate. As a result, Kwan often finds himself on base. He steals bases at a fairly high level as well. However, defense is arguably his greatest strength. In 2025, Kwan ranked in the 94th percentile in fielding run value, 90th percentile in outs above average and 100th percentile in arm value.

Steven Kwan lays out for an incredible catch!

: FOX pic.twitter.com/efZvSUs7rK
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 31, 2025

So, is Kwan looking forward to changing positions? Or does he want to remain at a position where he's found no shortage of success?

"Absolutely, yeah," Kwan responded when asked if there is excitement about the change. "I think it's a level of excitement paired with, like, you don't want to get exposed out there and, like, be embarrassed playing a new position... I don't want to say it's complacency, but you kind of know the reads out in left, you know the walls. It's really easy to go through the motions.

"So kind of having a new challenge here, talking to some of the guys I don't really talk to for positional stuff, it's been really fun."

Kwan, as he said, has played center field before. He is an elite defender who will likely be able to make the switch without too much trouble.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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