Spencer Steer’s shrinking role has Reds fans unsettled

Spencer Steer was once viewed as one of the cornerstone pieces of the Cincinnati Reds' future, finishing sixth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2023 behind a .271/.356/.464 (118 wRC+) batting line. He added 23 home runs, 86 RBI, and 15 stolen bases to the lineup as well.

Then, in 2024, he built upon his rookie success, joining the 20/20 club while providing far more competent defense at the cold corner. However, his 97 wRC+ was foreboding, and Steer's worst nightmares have been realized in 2025. He's dealt with a nagging leg injury practically all season, and his strikeout rate has climbed while his overall effectiveness at the plate (91 wRC+) has fallen.

Unfortunately for Steer, there's another first baseman who is dominating in Cincinnati right now. Sal Stewart has taken the baseball world by storm since his MLB debut, slugging four home runs in his first 11 games at the highest level. In conjunction with Steer's down-year, the top prospect's emergence has started to create questions about Steer's future in the Queen City.

Does Spencer Steer have a future with the Reds?

Over the past week, Steer has found his way into the Reds' lineup just twice. Meanwhile, Stewart has been in the lineup seven out of the past eight games. There's something to be said about riding the hot hand during a serious playoff push, but it's rather obvious that Stewart has gained Terry Francona's favor during the most crucial stretch of the season.

Does that mean Steer has no future in Cincinnati? Some have compared his current predicament to that of Jonathan India's, the former utility infielder who was crowded off the roster prior to his trade to the Kansas City Royals.

Steer has the versatility to play practically anywhere, having drawn at least three defensive innings at every position on the diamond except for center field and catcher since making his debut in 2022. However, he's been below average at every spot according to outs above average (OAA), save for his performance at first base this season (6 OAA).

Just about every team in baseball could use a 20/20 threat who can play most positions in a pinch, especially considering Steer won't even be arbitration eligible until next year. The Reds are one of those teams, though the presence of Stewart (and Christian Encarnacion-Strand in Triple-A) suggests that he could be a better trade chip than core roster piece.

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