The Cincinnati Reds are reportedly drawing trade interest in utilityman Spencer Steer, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. With the team struggling at 9 games under .500 and 8 games back in the Wild Card race, the Reds are exploring options to bolster their roster. Steer, under arbitration control for two seasons beyond this one, presents an intriguing opportunity for the front office.
Steer's recent performance has been a bright spot for the team. His bat has shown improvement in the final games before the All-Star Break, following an underwhelming June. His overall numbers are now at league average, with a .247/.328/.421 batting line and 14 home runs in 358 plate appearances. This marks his fourth consecutive 20-home run campaign, maintaining a balanced strikeout and walk profile.
A right-handed batter, Steer excels against left-handed pitching, with a .333/.436/.603 clip in 95 plate appearances. However, he has struggled against right-handed pitchers, batting .218/.289/.361 in 263 trips to the dish. Over his career, Steer has shown a slight platoon advantage, with an .835 OPS compared to .721 when facing left-handed pitchers.
Steer's positional versatility is another asset. He has experience at first base, where he was a Gold Glove finalist last season and has played in over 250 innings this year. While defensive metrics are less favorable for his corner outfield play, Steer has also filled in at second and third base, though not as an everyday player.
The Reds are currently paying Steer a $4MM salary, with $1.16MM owed after the August 3 deadline. His salary is expected to increase significantly for the next season, potentially reaching the $6-7MM range. This makes him a potential non-tender candidate during the 2027-28 offseason.
The Phillies, Mariners, Guardians, Braves, and Padres are among the teams rumored to be interested in Steer. The Diamondbacks could utilize his versatility in the outfield or as an everyday first baseman. However, the Reds' front office must carefully consider the trade, as Steer is not an impending free agent and his value as a role player is significant.
In my opinion, the Reds' interest in trading Steer is a strategic move to address their current struggles. While he may not be a core piece, his versatility and recent performance make him an attractive option for teams seeking a solid role player. The potential for a salary increase and his non-tender status in the future further adds to the intrigue surrounding Steer's future with the team.
