As the New York Yankees continue their aggressive push to build a championship-caliber roster this offseason, the team faces critical questions about their lineup. Despite a flurry of high-profile acquisitions, including Max Fried, Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt, there remain glaring gaps to address. With third base and left field as unresolved issues, former Yankees outfielder and current MLB Network analyst Cameron Maybin has stirred the pot with a bold trade idea: parting ways with top prospect Jasson Dominguez to acquire Cleveland Guardians’ Gold Glove winner and 2024 All-Star Steven Kwan.

This proposal has sparked heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Should the Yankees sacrifice a rising star for an established talent who can contribute immediately? Let’s break down the trade suggestion, the players involved, and its potential impact on both teams.

Trade proposal: Dominguez for Kwan

On his social media platform, Maybin floated the idea of swapping the Yankees’ No. 1 prospect, Jasson Dominguez, for Cleveland’s Steven Kwan. He emphasized Kwan’s ability to fill the Yankees’ need for a table-setting leadoff hitter and a Gold Glove-caliber left fielder.

“I truly believe with the way the Guardians like to use their payroll and take advantage of controllable service time, why not see if there’s a package for Jasson Dominguez?” Maybin proposed. “For the Yankees, Kwan’s ability to play gold glove defense and be a table setter would be the catalyst they need in front of [Aaron] Judge.”

This suggestion comes as the Yankees aim to shore up their lineup to complement recent acquisitions. While Jasson Dominguez represents significant long-term potential, Kwan offers immediate impact and consistency in areas where the Yankees need reinforcements.

Steven Kwan: A proven commodity

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Steven Kwan has quickly emerged as one of the most reliable outfielders in baseball. At just 27 years old, Kwan’s blend of offensive consistency and defensive prowess makes him an ideal target for a win-now team like the Yankees.

2024 Stats: .292 AVG, .368 OBP, .425 SLG, .793 OPS, 14 HR, 44 RBI, 83 R, 12 SB
Defensive Accomplishments: Three-time Gold Glove winner
Contract Status: Under team control through 2027

Kwan’s ability to play elite defense in left field and his knack for getting on base would fit perfectly in the Yankees’ lineup, especially as a leadoff hitter in front of Aaron Judge. His balanced offensive game, highlighted by his .368 on-base percentage in 2024, would provide the Yankees with a much-needed catalyst at the top of their order. Additionally, Kwan’s team-friendly contract aligns with the Yankees’ luxury tax concerns, giving them financial flexibility to address other needs.

Jasson Dominguez: Yankees’ No. 1 Prospect

On the other side of the equation is Jasson Dominguez, affectionately known as “The Martian” for his out-of-this-world potential. At just 22 years old, Dominguez has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players due to his combination of power, speed, and athleticism.

2024 MLB Stats: .207 AVG, .310 OBP, .437 SLG, .747 OPS, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 14 R in limited action
Minor League Performance: A standout in the Yankees’ farm system
Ceiling: Projected as a future perennial All-Star with elite power-speed potential

Dominguez’s potential is tantalizing, but injuries and roster logjams limited his opportunities in 2024. While he is currently penciled in as the Yankees’ starting left fielder for 2025, his relatively unproven track record raises questions about his ability to contribute consistently at the big-league level.

The Case for Trading Dominguez

Maybin’s argument hinges on the Yankees’ immediate need to contend for a championship in 2025. By acquiring Kwan, the Yankees would address two critical issues: defensive stability in left field and a dependable leadoff hitter. Kwan’s consistency and proven track record make him a safer bet for a team with World Series aspirations.

Additionally, the Yankees’ current roster is built to win now, with stars like Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón in their primes. Adding Kwan would complement their high-powered lineup and provide balance, especially with his ability to put the ball in play and create scoring opportunities.

Financially, Kwan’s team-friendly contract would allow the Yankees to allocate resources elsewhere, such as upgrading at third base or further bolstering their bullpen.

The case for keeping Dominguez

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The flip side of the argument is that trading Dominguez could mean giving up on a potential franchise cornerstone. The 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance and possesses tools that are difficult to find in one player. His power-speed combination and raw athleticism give him a ceiling that few prospects can match.

While Kwan is an established player, his upside may be limited compared to what Dominguez could become. Trading away a top prospect for immediate help can be risky, especially if Dominguez blossoms into the superstar many scouts project him to be.

Moreover, the Yankees’ willingness to invest in player development has been a cornerstone of their long-term strategy. Betting on Dominguez to develop into a star aligns with the organization’s vision of building a sustainable contender.

The Guardians’ perspective

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For Cleveland, the proposed trade would align with its organizational philosophy of maximizing value and leveraging controllable assets. Kwan’s rising salary and free agency timeline make him a prime candidate for a trade, especially for a team that prioritizes payroll flexibility.

In Dominguez, the Guardians would acquire a player with star potential who fits their timeline. Adding a young, cost-controlled talent like Dominguez would inject excitement into Cleveland’s lineup and help offset the loss of Kwan.

The Guardians have a history of developing young talent, and Dominguez’s skill set would make him a centerpiece of their rebuild. Additionally, pairing Dominguez with José Ramírez would give Cleveland a formidable offensive duo for years to come.

Potential challenges

Despite the apparent benefits for both teams, several challenges could complicate this trade:

Risk vs. Reward: The Yankees must weigh the risk of trading away a potential superstar against the immediate benefits of acquiring Kwan.
Guardians’ Demands: Cleveland may seek additional pieces in the trade, complicating negotiations.
Fan Reaction: Trading a top prospect like Dominguez could be met with backlash from Yankees fans, especially if Kwan doesn’t perform at an elite level.

What’s next for the Yankees?

Whether or not the Yankees pursue a trade for Steven Kwan, one thing is clear: General Manager Brian Cashman is not done reshaping this roster. With championship aspirations and a fan base hungry for success, the pressure is on to make bold moves that address the team’s remaining needs.

If the Yankees decide to keep Dominguez, they will be betting on his potential to break out as a star in 2025. However, if they pull the trigger on a deal for Kwan, they will be prioritizing proven performance and immediate impact over long-term potential.

Cameron Maybin’s proposal highlights the delicate balance between building for the future and seizing the present. The Yankees find themselves at a crossroads, with both options offering compelling arguments. Trading Jasson Dominguez for Steven Kwan would be a bold move, but it could be the final piece needed to push the Yankees back to the World Series.

As the offseason unfolds, one thing is certain: the Yankees are not afraid to make headlines, and this potential trade could be the next chapter in their quest for championship glory.