The Reds' Trade Interest in Spencer Steer: A Deep Dive
The Cincinnati Reds, once a formidable force in the MLB, find themselves in a bit of a pickle. After a promising start to the season, they've slipped nine games under .500, leaving them eight games back in the Wild Card race. In the midst of this slump, the name Spencer Steer has emerged as a potential trade chip. But is he really the answer to the Reds' woes? Let's take a closer look.
Steer, a utilityman, has been a solid contributor to the Reds' lineup. His bat has been on fire in recent games, pulling his overall numbers back up to league average. With a .247/.328/.421 batting line and 14 home runs in 358 plate appearances, he's on pace for a fourth straight 20-homer campaign. But what makes Steer truly intriguing is his platoon advantage against left-handed pitching. Against southpaws, he's batting a whopping .333/.436/.603 with more walks than strikeouts in 95 plate appearances. This is a stark contrast to his .218/.289/.361 numbers against righties.
Steer's versatility is another plus. He's a Gold Glove finalist at first base and has graded well there this year, logging just over 250 innings. However, his defensive metrics are less impressive in the corner outfield. Steer has some experience at second and third base, but he's never been an everyday player at either position. So, while he's a solid role player, he's not the kind of core piece that teams typically pull off the market.
The Reds are paying Steer a modest $4MM salary, with around $1.16MM owed after the August 3 deadline. His escalating salaries make him a potential non-tender candidate in the 2027-28 offseason, but the front office should be open to conversations about him. The Phillies, Mariners, Guardians, Braves, and Padres are among the speculative possibilities to add a right-handed-hitting outfielder. The Diamondbacks could also be interested, either in the outfield or at first base.
What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the Reds' current predicament. With a struggling lineup and a need for a boost, Steer could be the answer. But the question remains: is he worth the trade? The Reds have less urgency to flip him than they would with impending free agents like Brady Singer, Tyler Stephenson, or Nathaniel Lowe. However, with his escalating salaries and potential non-tender status, the Reds may need to make a move soon. The question is: who will be interested in Steer, and what will it take to land him?
In my opinion, the Reds should be cautious in their approach to trading Steer. While he's a solid player, his value may not be as high as some teams think. The Reds need to consider their long-term goals and whether Steer fits into their future plans. If they do decide to trade him, they'll need to be strategic in their negotiations and ensure they get the best possible return. The Reds' current situation is a delicate balance between making a move to bolster their lineup and preserving their long-term prospects. It's a tough call, but one that could have significant implications for the team's future.
