3 Reds-Blue Jays trade packages that make sense if Spencer Steer is moved at the deadline

Former Cincinnati Reds general manager and current MLB insider Jim Bowden recently published an article for The Athletic (subscription required) mapping out the best trade fits for some of this year's contenders.

Unsurprisingly, Bowden doesn't see the Reds among those contending for a spot in the postseason, and thus are more likely to be sellers than buyers at this year's trade deadline. Nevertheless, the former GM listed Spencer Steer as the best fit for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bowden makes a compelling argument, citing the Blue Jays' need for a power bat. They've also struggled against left-handed pitching in 2026. Toronto's 84 wRC+ against lefties is the third-worst in all of baseball, and Steer is teeing off on southpaws this season to the tune of .324/.437/.620 with a 181 wRC+.

But Steer is under team control for two more seasons beyond this year, and provides plenty of value for Cincinnati heading into 2027. He can play multiple positions, was a Gold Glove Award nominee at first base last season, and has slugged 20 or more home runs each of the last three seasons. In other words, it would take quite the haul in order to pry the 28-year-old away from Cincinnati.

But few players outside of Elly De La Cruz, Chase Burns, and Sal Stewart should be considered untouchable at this year's trade deadline. What might it take for the Reds to trade Steer to the Blue Jays before the August 3 deadline?

Reds could flip Spencer Steer to the Blue Jays at the trade deadline if the price is right

Trade Proposal #1
Reds acquire: C Brandon Valenzuela
Blue Jays acquire: IF/OF Spencer Steer

Brandon Valenzuela is a switch-hitting catcher who just made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays this season. The former San Diego Padres prospect is currently hitting .241/.324/.411 with seven home runs and a 99 OPS+. The 25-year-old is regarded as a terrific defensive catcher and is one of the best framers in all of baseball.

Tyler Stephenson will be a free agent after the 2026 season, and could be moved at the trade deadline. While the Reds have high hopes for top catching prospect Alfredo Duno, he's at least a year (maybe two) away from making his big-league debut. Adding a backstop like Valenzuela would give Cincinnati some stability behind the dish moving into the future.

Trade Proposal #2
Reds acquire: RHP Jake Bloss and CF Jake Cook
Blue Jays acquire: IF/OF Spencer Steer

Depending on which outlet you trust, Jake Bloss is a borderline top-100 prospect. He was dealt to the Blue Jays in 2024 as part of trade package from the Houston Astros. After a strong minor-league start to begin the 2025 season, the right-hander suffered a UCL injury and missed the rest of the season. He's yet to pitch in 2026, and may be best served to wait until 2027 before returning to the mound.

While Bloss has the potential to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter, taking a risk on a player with that type of injury history would probably force the Reds to ask for a little more. Jake Cook was a third-round pick of the Blue Jays just last season and has blazing fast speed. The 22-year-old is extremely raw, but he has a good eye at the plate and has 15 stolen bases in the minor leagues this season.

Trade Proposal #3
Reds acquire: OF RJ Schreck and LHP Johnny King
Blue Jays acquire: IF/OF Spencer Steer

RJ Schreck is a rising star in the Blue Jays farm system. He came to Toronto by way of a deadline deal with the Seattle Mariners in 2024 and is a top-10 prospect in the Blue Jays' pipeline according to MLB.com. Schreck has consistently maintained an on-base percentage over .380 since joining the Blue Jays organization and can play all three outfield spots.

Left-handed pitcher Johnny King is a bit of a project. At just 19 years old, he's years away from making an impact at the big-league level, but he's been lights out in 16 starts at High-A Vancouver this season. The southpaw has a 30.7% strikeout and an impressive 2.92 ERA and 3.86 FIP.

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