Four-time Gold Glove winner Steven Kwan is trying out as a center fielder during spring training.

If Steven Kwan is ultimately the Guardians’ starting center fielder on opening day next month in Seattle, it should come as no shock.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said today that the four-time left field Gold Glove winner will also try some time in center field this spring, which could signal the 28-year-old’s first regular-season stint at that position.

“Based on our roster composition, we’ve talked about it a few times,” Vogt said. “Like, ‘Hey, sometimes you might need to play center field.’ He’s also expressed interest in playing center.”

“We’ll test it out during spring training and see if it’s the best outfield alignment for us. He’s willing and eager to give it a shot.”

Steven Kwan has limited experience in center field at the major league level (8 games, 31 innings), but he spent a significant amount of time there in the minors (152 games, 1272.2 innings). He recognizes that many players are competing for outfield spots this spring, many of whom are corner outfielders, so he’s open to playing some center to help the team gain flexibility.

“I said, ‘Hey, I know there are a lot of decisions to be made in the outfield,’” said Kwan, who shares the team record for most outfield Gold Gloves with Kenny Lofton. “If playing center field makes it easier for others to find a spot, I’m totally fine with that.”

Vogt emphasized that nothing is set in stone yet. Spring training is the perfect time to experiment. But having Kwan in center could benefit the Guardians’ offense.

The Guardians averaged 3.97 runs per game in 2025, ranking 28th in MLB, with outfielders posting a .629 OPS, the lowest in the league. Their center fielders hit .199 with a .574 OPS (both last in MLB), and right fielders hit .202 (29th) with a .605 OPS (last). Among their many outfield options are several promising young hitters: Chase DeLauter (Guardians’ No. 2 prospect, MLB Pipeline top 100 No. 46), George Valera, and CJ Kayfus.

Moving Kwan to center field allows Vogt to start two promising rookies in the outfield. Valera and Kayfus (who can also play first base) are corner outfielders. DeLauter has played more right field (61 games) than center (33) in the minors and started center field in games 2 and 3 of last year’s AL Wild Card series.

DeLauter will try both positions during spring training’s Cactus League games, but given his injury history, it makes sense to monitor his workload in center. Other outfield options for the Guardians include Nolan Jones, Angel Martínez, and non-roster invitee Stuart Fairchild, who can cover three positions.

The trade-off is Kwan’s elite defense in left field. Since 2022, he leads MLB with a defensive runs saved (DRS) of 29 in left field. According to Elias Sports Bureau, his consecutive Gold Glove wins early in his career rank third in MLB history, behind only Ichiro Suzuki and Nolan Arenado with 11.

“That’s a factor to consider. But at the same time, it’s also where I can put in extra effort,” Kwan said about his Gold Glove streak. “It will definitely be tougher. Center field has a lot of great athletes. So if I want to keep my streak alive, I have to be at my best. If not, I’ll learn from it and keep moving forward.”

Kwan’s new challenge comes at a significant point in his career with the Guardians. He will become a free agent after the 2027 season. A player who can handle center field may be more valuable in contract talks and the trade market.

Kwan has already spoken with outfield and baserunning coach JT Maguire and started refreshing his center field skills. The differences between center and left field go beyond just the extra running distance and physical demand.

“In left field, you can relax a bit and slow down to adjust if your route isn’t perfect,” Kwan said. “But in center field, especially for me since I’m not the fastest, I have to get the angle right, sprint full speed, and then adjust dynamically based on the ball’s flight.”

“Any hesitation gets exposed, and you can’t turn the ball into an out. I have to make sure my reads are spot on.”

Steven Kwan is excited to take on this new challenge.

“I think it’s a cool way not to get too comfortable in left field,” he said. “It’s a fresh challenge I can really focus on.”