The New York Yankees could be looking to make a huge splash in the coming days. Aaron Judge is on the injured list, and they are struggling as a whole.
A big trade could be exactly what the Yankees need in order to get back to playing consistently dominant baseball. They traded for Austin Slater on Wednesday, so trading for an outfielder may not make much sense, but that should not deter them if a superstar is available.
All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan's name has come up in trade rumors in the last couple of weeks. The Yankees already have Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Jasson Domínguez, Aaron Judge and, now, Slater. Judge figures to see time in right field when Judge comes off the injured list and presumably takes on the designated hitter role.
Despite the crowded outfield, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller tabbed the Yankees as a potential landing spot for Kwan. He would essentially serve as a move that will make more sense next season.
"The roster fit doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but the Yankees are (or at least should be) getting desperate to make some splashes to maintain their grip on a playoff spot," wrote Miller. "And with both Trent Grisham (UFA) and Cody Bellinger (player option) potentially leaving the picture this winter, another outfielder with team control might not be a terrible idea."
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The Yankees could trade Grisham if they land a star like Kwan. An outfield group of Bellinger, Kwan, Domínguez, Judge and Stanton would force Aaron Boone to get creative with rotations, but Kwan's impact would be undeniable. He is slashing .286/.651/.410 while playing elite defense in left field.
Kwan is under team control through 2027 and is projected to earn a six-year, $122 million deal when he hits the open market. Trading for him now would give the Yankees some insurance if they lose Bellinger in the offseason. Stanton could end up being a bench player if Judge needs to DH for the rest of the season and Stanton cannot provide at least average outfield defense. Having Kwan would give the Yankees some stability the rest of the way and going into next season.
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