The Reds need to show Spencer Steer that loyalty goes both ways

Unlike many other small-market teams, the Cincinnati Reds have been slow to adapt to the extension game. They're late to the game in their attempts to extend Elly De La Cruz, missed the boat on keeping a key piece in Tyler Stephenson in the fold, and have several other extension candidates where, if no action is taken soon, they'll be left out in the cold.

One of the underrated players whom they should consider getting a jump on is Spencer Steer. While not a star, Steer can be a big part of putting all the pieces together in 2026, and his willingness to put the team first could be a key to Cincinnati making another playoff run in 2026.

After a year in which he became a Gold Glove finalist at first base, Steer will be asked to become a nomad again in 2026. In order to support the emergence of Sal Stewart and the return of Eugenio Suarez, the Reds will need Steer to bounce between first (and second) base and the outfield. It sounds like an opportunity that he relishes.

“I think it’s up in the air right now with what it’s going to look like," Steer said. "So I’m just preparing for multiple spots in the outfield and the right side of the infield. I’m taking my reps in those spots, and we’ll see what happens.”

The Reds should act quickly to keep Spencer Steer and his versatility in the fold long-term

Steer isn't a free agent until after the 2028 season, but if you listen to the Reds talk about him, you know how vital he is to the club.

General manager Brad Meador had this to say about Steer and his infield/outfield versatility, "The important thing about Steer is that he wants to do it. He likes to move around. He’s excited to do it -- and he’s excited to be healthy enough to do it. Part of the reason he got pushed to first base only was because of health.”

He also spoke glowingly about Steer's character, with Terry Francona adding, "And he’s a good kid. Put that together, and that’s what you’ve got. I remember last spring, he was so frustrated because he couldn’t throw. Every day, he was the cutoff man, or he did something. He could have been in here working. He didn’t have to be out there. He did something every day. And he worked his [butt] off with Nap [coach Mike Napoli]."

Having a player with this kind of versatility is what opened the door for the Reds to consider all avenues to add power to the team. This was incredibly important due to their tight budget, and without Steer's versatility and willingness to sacrifice, reuniting with Suarez wouldn't have been possible.

The 28-year-old's bat will be the X-factor in determining just how valuable he is in 2026. Back in 2023, he looked like a budding star, posting a 118 wRC+. The past two seasons, he's put up roughly league-average marks of 98 and 97, respectively. Having a league-average hitter who can adequately play multiple spots on the field is a nice value, but if he can hit even better than his worth will explode.

Steer finished the 2025 season on a high note. He hit .255/.369/.509 over the season's final month. In two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Wild Card Series, he slashed .375/.444/.375. If that carries over into 2026, he'll be all the more valuable  — and expensive.

The Reds would be wise to reward his loyalty now with an extension. Keeping a versatile, team-first player in the fold is critical. One who might be able to hit at a better-than-average clip is vital.