Spencer Steer and Nick Senzel will be competing for the same role in 2023

Reds fans got their first glimpse of what Spencer Steer can do after the former Minnesota Twins farmhand was called up to the big leagues in September. Steer barely hit over .200 in limited opportunities, but showed patience at the plate and a keen eye for the strike zone.

Steer played three of the four infield positions with 12 of his 25 starts coming at third base. Steer was slated to start a game at shortstop as well, but an eye infection sidelined for a couple days and David Bell never revisited the idea throughout the final month of the 2022 season.

As the offseason commences, Cincinnati Reds GM Nick Krall and the coaching staff will be evaluating how to proceed with Spencer Steer heading into next season. Is it possible that Steer and former first-round pick Nick Senzel will be competing for the same role next season?

Spencer Steer and Nick Senzel will be competing for the same role in 2023.

While nothing has been said officially, there were whispers prior to Nick Senzel's season-ending toe injury that the University of Tennessee alum may be returning to his old stomping grounds; namely the infield. Senzel was observed taking ground balls toward the end of the 2022 season and the Cincinnati Reds may be looking to use the 27-year-old in a super utility role next season.

However, it seems as though Spencer Steer could be in line for a similar role himself. After fielding three of the four infield spots in 2022 and playing at both shortstop and right field during his stint in the minors, it would appear that Steer may viewed as a super utility player as well.

So much will depend on how the team moves forward with shortstop Jose Barrero. The 24-year-old struggled mightily during an extended look over the final two months of the 2022 season and it's put doubts into the minds of the fans, and sure the coaching staff as well, about whether or not the highly-touted infielder can handle the position over the long haul.

The Cincinnati Reds could always choose to move Kyle Farmer back to shortstop next season, but with MLB eliminating the defensive shift, the veteran may lack the elite-level athleticism necessary to play the position on a consistent basis.

With TJ Friedl, Stuart Fairchild, and Jake Fraley all showing flashes of their potential, it's hard to envision Nick Senzel being handed the starting job in center field again next season. This brand of "positionless" baseball may be making it's way to Cincinnati next season, and both Senzel and Spencer Steer could be battling for playing time.