Unheralded Reds hitter joins Elly De La Cruz, gives Cincy clear roadmap forward

The 2024 season was supposed to be the one when the Cincinnati Reds returned to the postseason for the first time since 2020. But alas, it would seem that once again Cincinnati's fanbase will have their televisions turned off during the month of October.

But this season has offered some revelations as well. The Reds have a budding superstar in Elly De La Cruz and an bonafide ace in Hunter Greene. De La Cruz has commanded the attention of nearly every baseball fan and will finish the year as the league leader in steals. Greene is attempting to return from the IL and put a exclamation mark on his All-Star season.

Reds OF Spencer Steer joins Elly De La Cruz in 20/20

But on Tuesday night, Spencer Steer slugged his 20th home run of the season, and joined De La Cruz in the 20/20 club. Steer had already racked up 20-plus steals prior to Tuesday's win over the Atlanta Braves, but his go-ahead blast in the bottom of the seventh inning put him in some exclusive company.

Steer and De La Cruz are the first pair of Reds teammates since 1996 to hit 20-plus home runs and steal 20 or more bases in a season. The last set of Reds players to do that were Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin and outfielder Eric Davis. Other Reds teammates that have accomplished the feat include Davis and Chris Sabo (1990) as well as Reggie Sanders and Ron Gant (1995).

Spencer Steer and Elly De La Cruz are part of the Reds core

So much of this season has centered around the Reds core group of players. Who are they? Obviously the Reds front office thought enough of Greene to include him in the mix and extended the right-hander a six-year deal during the spring of 2023. One has assume that Cincinnati's ownership may be having similar conversations with De La Cruz this offseason.

But Steer's performance this season can't be ignored. While his numbers have dipped a touch, it's difficult to quantify what Steer brings to the table. The 26-year-old can play all over the diamond, and made the move to the outfield this season. Steer has plenty of power in bat, and when he's right, is one of the Reds' most consistent performers.

Other players to consider as long-term fixtures for the Reds' organization would include Tyler Stephenson, Matt McLain, Andrew Abbott, and perhaps even Noelvi Marte and Christian Encarnacion-Strand. But Steer has constantly answered the bell, both this season, and during his rookie year in 2023.

Steer has been worth 3.6 fWAR through his first two seasons with a .772 OPS and 108 wRC+ while playing six different positions. With four years of team control remaining, there's no urgency to offer a contract extension to Steer, but if the two sides are able to work out a long-term deal, don't be shocked if something gets done this offseason.

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