The Cincinnati Reds are reportedly drawing trade interest in utilityman Spencer Steer, a development that comes as the team struggles to maintain its early-season momentum. With the Reds sitting nine games under .500 and eight games back in the Wild Card race, the question of whether Steer will be dealt looms large.
Steer, under arbitration control for two seasons beyond this one, presents a unique situation for the Reds. Unlike impending free agents like Brady Singer, Tyler Stephenson, or Nathaniel Lowe, Steer's value as a role player makes him a more flexible asset. The front office is open to conversations about Steer, recognizing his potential as a solid contributor rather than a core piece that teams seek to acquire.
Steer's recent performance has been a bright spot. His bat has shown improvement in the final games before the All-Star Break, following an underwhelming June. His overall offensive 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 exhibits a notable split in productivity against left-handed and right-handed pitching. He has dominated southpaws with a .333/.436/.603 clip in 95 plate appearances, while his numbers against righties are more modest at .218/.289/.361 in 263 trips to the plate. Over his career, Steer has shown a slight advantage when holding the platoon advantage, with an .835 OPS compared to .721.
Steer's positional versatility is another strength. He has experience at first base, where he was a Gold Glove finalist last season and has played in over 250 innings this year. However, defensive metrics are less favorable when assessing his work in the corner outfield. Steer has also filled in at second and third base, though he has never been an everyday player at these positions.
The Reds' financial commitment to Steer is another factor. They are paying him a $4MM salary, with $1.16MM owed after the August 3 deadline. Steer is expected to command a significant raise for the next season, potentially reaching the $6-7MM range, and could approach an eight-figure salary in his final arbitration year. This escalating salary structure could make him a non-tender candidate during the 2027-28 offseason.
The potential trade partners for Steer are speculative, with teams like the Phillies, Mariners, Guardians, Braves, and Padres rumored to be interested. The Diamondbacks could utilize Steer in the outfield or as an everyday first baseman. However, the Reds' current situation and Steer's unique role player status may influence their decision-making process, potentially keeping him in Cincinnati for the foreseeable future.
