Ceddanne Rafaela, one of the Boston Red Sox’s reigning Gold Glove outfielders, has proven himself as the premier defensive center fielder in Major League Baseball, with only Pete Crow-Armstrong in Chicago posing a comparable challenge. In the 2025 season, Rafaela tied for third place among all MLB players with 21 Outs Above Average (OAA) and ranked second among outfielders, trailing only Crow-Armstrong. His impressive defensive metrics confirmed his position as the long-term starting center fielder for Boston and placed him firmly among the league’s elite defenders.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Rafaela’s dominance could face a fresh threat from Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians, who is transitioning from left field to center field. Kwan, a four-time American League Gold Glove recipient in left field, will see how his defensive skills translate to the more demanding position in the new campaign. This move has sparked questions about whether Kwan can challenge Rafaela’s defensive supremacy in center field.
“New development: Steven Kwan will play some center field this spring, as the Guardians try to sort out their best outfield alignment. Kwan has won four Gold Glove awards in four seasons in left field.” — Zack Meisel, Sports Journalist
Comparing Defensive Strengths of Rafaela and Kwan
While evaluating their defensive performances, it is important to consider positional differences. Left field typically demands less range than center field, which may partly explain Kwan’s success in earning four consecutive Gold Gloves, supported by +12 Fielding Run Value (FRV) and an impressive +22 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). Although Kwan’s DRS slightly surpasses Rafaela’s +20 mark, Rafaela’s ability to excel in the more challenging center field position elevates his status.
Moreover, last year Rafaela spent 165 innings at second base, limiting his time in center field, but early indications suggest the Red Sox’s acquisition of Caleb Durbin will solidify their infield, allowing Rafaela to concentrate exclusively on center field in 2026. Notably, Rafaela was the only outfielder in 2025 to exceed +20 in OAA, DRS, and FRV, reinforcing his edge as the likely favorite for the Gold Glove at the position this year.
Challenges and Uncertainties Surrounding Kwan’s Position Change
Despite Kwan’s defensive accolades, skepticism remains regarding his ability to consistently perform in center field, a position demanding more range and agility than left field. The outfield corners generally present less intense defensive competition than center field, as observed with Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs, who shares Kwan’s four consecutive Gold Gloves in the National League but at a corner outfield spot.
The Guardians have not dispelled trade rumors involving Kwan, and his value would rise significantly if he proves capable in center field. A potential trade to a National League team or an acknowledgment that the position switch did not meet expectations could remove Kwan from contention as a rival for Rafaela’s Gold Glove streak.
Even with a full season to adjust, Kwan faces a difficult task to surpass Rafaela’s well-established defensive performance in center field, making the 2026 Gold Glove race one to watch closely.
New development: Steven Kwan will play some center field this spring, as the Guardians try to sort out their best outfield alignment. Kwan has won four Gold Glove awards in four seasons in left field.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 19, 2026
