Omitting Reds' Spencer Steer from latest rookie power rankings is indefensible

C'mon, man. What more does this Cincinnati Reds rookie have to do to get some love from the national baseball analysts?

MLB.com released their latest Rookie Power Rankings. Of course, shortstop Elly De La Cruz made the list, as did fellow infielder Matt McLain.

And while many Reds fans will make the argument, especially after Tuesday's performance, that left-hander Andrew Abbott deserves to be in the discussion, there's no more egregious omission than Spencer Steer?

Omitting Reds' Spencer Steer from latest rookie power rankings is indefensible.

Now granted, in terms of bWAR, Spencer Steer (1.6) ranks behind both Andrew Abbott (1.8 bWAR) and Matt McLain (1.7 bWAR). Elly De La Cruz, though he's ranked higher than all three rookies, has just 0.6 bWAR. Granted, he's only been the major leagues for a little over two weeks.

While De La Cruz has the whole baseball world abuzz because of his lightning quick speed and otherworldly power, it seems as though the other three rookies are oftentimes overlooked. Not by Reds fans, but by the national media.

The trio of Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, and Andrew Abbott are rather unassuming ball players who tighten up their laces and just go about their craft in a very blue-collar manner. But there's no denying the impact that all three have made on this year's Reds team, and Steer specifically has been indispensable.

When Joey Votto missed the first few months of the season, Steer learned how to play first base. And, if I may say so, did a darn good job. While the metrics may not suggest that Steer is a Gold Glove quality first baseman, he more than passed the eye test.

He did so despite ceding third base to Nick Senzel, and later Elly De La Cruz. Steer was supposed to be the Cincinnati Reds everyday third baseman in 2023. But injuries forced David Bell's hand, and Steer adapted very well.

With Votto now back from the IL, Steer has made another adjustment, and is routinely seeing time in left field despite never playing the position until this season. Oh yeah, and Steer has absolutely destroyed opposing pitching.

Spencer Steer has reliably been slotted up and down the lineup. Steer has been penciled in anywhere from the No. 2 hole in the batting order all the way to No. 7 with very little difference in performance.

Not only is Steer consistent, but he's also clutch. The 25-year-old is hitting .296/.457/.556 with two outs and runners in scoring position. Steer's 12 home runs trails just Corbin Carroll (17) among NL rookies and his 46 ribbies lead the way among all first-year players in the major leagues.

Spencer Steer ranks in the Top 3 in the NL among qualified rookies for runs scored, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs, walks, slugging percentage, and OPS. Put some respect on his name.