Eugenio Suarez's return proves the Reds trust Spencer Steer more than ever

Reds Country was excited this past weekend after hearing of Eugenio Suárez's return to Cincinnati. According to reports, the Cincinnati Reds signed Suárez to a one-year, $15 million deal with a $16 million option for 2027. Geno is expected to act as the Reds' primary designated hitter during the upcoming season, and will also see time at first and third base.

But in the aftermath of the excitement, Reds fans had a moment of panic. What does this signing mean for Spencer Steer? Though he was a Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025, with Suárez taking over as the Reds' DH, Steer is likely ticketed for a trip back to left field in 2026 with Sal Stewart taking over at the cold corner.

Steer was limited to DH duty at the start of last season while he recovered from a shoulder injury. As his throwing progression increased, Steer found a defensive home at first base and posted some of the best defensive numbers of his career — 8 defensive runs saved (DRS) and 6 outs above average (OAA). His time in the outfield yielded much different results in 2024 (-4 DRS and -3 OAA).

Eugenio Suarez's return to the Reds likely pushes Spencer Steer to the outfield (again)

But despite Steer's defensive shortcomings in the outfield, it's a good bet that he'll head back out to left field for the majority of his starts in 2026. This is the simplest way for the Reds to put their best lineup on field night in and night out.

Frankly, while some Reds fans may seen this as a bad thing, it's a testament to how much the coaching staff and front office rely on Steer's versatility. Not only does the 28-year-old possess the ability to play multiple positions; he revels in it.

In the past, Steer has stressed how important it is to him to be in the lineup every day. "I don't want to miss any games. That's kind of just the number one thing, and I feel like I can help this lineup even if I'm limited to just hitting," Steer said last spring.

Players need days off, so there are bound to be games when Steer gets a start at first in place of Stewart, or grabs a start at DH while Suárez relieves Ke'Bryan Hayes at third. Injuries are part of the game as well, and Steer's versatility will only help Terry Francona fill out the lineup card if/ when one of the infielders lands on the IL.

So fans shouldn't see this a demotion, but rather a vote of confidence. Given the Reds' offseason pursuit of Kyle Schwarber, a return to the outfield always a possibility, and Steer's shown time and time again that he'll do whatever it takes to help the team win.