Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt is using spring training to explore a new defensive alignment, giving outfielder Steven Kwan an extended look in center field as the club evaluates its best outfield mix for the upcoming season.
Kwan, known primarily for his work in left field, is being tested up the middle as Vogt and his staff weigh how to maximize the team’s overall defense and versatility. The decision reflects an openness to adjust the outfield structure if Kwan proves he can handle the additional range, reads, and responsibilities that come with center field. During camp, coaches will monitor his jumps off the bat, routes to the ball, and communication with the corner outfielders.
The Guardians’ staff is expected to look closely at how Kwan’s instincts and athleticism translate to the position. While his track record has largely been in left, his strong fundamentals and consistent approach have made him one of the more reliable outfielders on the roster. Spring training offers a lower‑stakes environment to experiment with his positioning without committing to a permanent move before Opening Day.
Vogt’s approach underscores the club’s broader emphasis on flexibility. By examining Kwan in center, the Guardians can gain more options for how they deploy their outfield group, depending on matchups, ballpark dimensions, and day‑to‑day health. The evaluation period in Arizona or Florida will also allow the staff to see how different combinations affect overall team defense, including relay responsibilities and outfield coverage gaps.
For Kwan, the opportunity in center field also serves as a chance to expand his defensive profile and show he can contribute in multiple spots. How comfortable he looks and how the ballpark plays for him at that position over the coming weeks will factor into Vogt’s decisions as camp progresses. While no final alignment has been announced, the Guardians plan to use this spring training window to gather as much information as possible, with Kwan’s audition in center field as a central storyline in their outfield evaluation.
