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. However, the urgency to trade Steer is not as high as it would be for impending free agents like Brady Singer, Tyler Stephenson, or Nathaniel Lowe.
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. Steer is on pace for a fourth consecutive 20-home run season, with an impressive .247/.328/.421 batting average across 358 plate appearances. His park-adjusted numbers have been consistent at league average for the past three seasons.
One interesting aspect of Steer's performance is his platoon advantage. He has been more productive against left-handed pitching, with a .333/.436/.603 batting average in 95 plate appearances. Conversely, he has struggled against right-handed pitchers, batting just .218/.289/.361 in 263 trips to the plate. This trend is not entirely new, as Steer has historically performed better when holding the platoon advantage, with an .835 OPS compared to .721.
Steer's versatility on the field is another positive attribute. He has experience at first base, where he was a Gold Glove finalist last season and has played over 250 innings this year. However, his defensive metrics are less impressive in the corner outfield positions. Steer has also filled in at second and third base, but has not been an everyday player at those positions.
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 next season, potentially reaching the $6-7MM range. This could make him a non-tender candidate during the 2027-28 offseason, as his escalating salaries may become a burden for the team.
While Nightengale does not specify any teams interested in Steer, several possibilities have been speculated. The Phillies, Mariners, Guardians, Braves, and Padres are all potential suitors for a right-handed hitting outfielder. The Diamondbacks could also benefit from Steer's versatility, either in the outfield or at first base.
In conclusion, the Reds' interest in trading Steer is understandable given their current struggles. His recent performance, versatility, and potential salary increase make him an attractive option for teams looking to improve their roster. However, the team's decision will likely depend on their overall strategy and the availability of other trade targets.
