5 bold predictions for the Cincinnati Reds 2023 season

5. Bold prediction for Reds 2023 season: Spencer Steer wins NL Rookie of the Year.

Reds Country is so focused on the prospects of seeing Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte in the major leagues, that Spencer Steer seems to be an after thought. The former Minnesota Twins farmhand was a key acquisition at last year's trade deadline.

There is a lot to like about Steer's game. He can hit for power, he can hit for average, he has good enough speed, and can play all over the diamond. But with the departures of both Kyle Farmer and Mike Moustakas, it would appear as though third base is his position to lose.

Steer will have his work cut out for him if he hopes to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award and bring the trophy back to the Queen City for the second time in three years (Jonathan India won NL Rookie of the Year in 2021).

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll will all have something to say about the top award for first-year players.

Spencer Steer could be predicated on where he finds his spot in the Cincinnati Reds lineup. One would think that Jonathan India and Jake Fraley will be hitting atop David Bell's batting order. If Steer is slotted behind Tyler Stephenson and Wil Myers, his opportunities for success could be quite high.