Reds' rising prospects make trading Spencer Steer palatable, but still a tough sell

Anything can happen during the Major League Baseball offseason. One minute, your favorite club could be adding new players to the roster, but in the blink of an eye, the team's philosophy could change. It's not an easy road to navigate, but Cincinnati Reds fans have been sitting in the front row of a wild offseason. Now, things are getting a little more hectic.

Cincinnati is reportedly to listening to offers for Spencer Steer. The Reds left fielder hit 20 home runs and stole 25 bases in 2024, leading many to believe he's a core piece of the Reds' organization going forward. Steer's batting average took a major dip, however, going from .271 to .225 and his defense outside of first base is questionable.

If his consistency is declining at the plate, all while playing below-average defense, the Reds could be justified for trying to trade Steer. But his overall offensive output will make it difficult for fans to be completely fine with trading him away. Steer's replacements, on the other hand, could potentially help to soften the blow if they are ready for the next level.

Reds' top prospects make trading Spencer Steer easier to accept

Cincinnati has five players among the Top 100 prospects in baseball. Three of the five are infielders, and each one has an opportunity to take a spot on the Reds' 40-man roster soon, which could re-excite Reds fans if Steer were to depart. Edwin Arroyo, Sal Stewart, and Cam Collier have each performed at a high level in the minor leagues and could be on an expedited path to The Show if a spot were to open up.

Arroyo, 21, missed the 2024 season due to a torn labrum, but he came out and impressed in the Arizona Fall League to eradicate any worries following his injury. Arroyo recorded 19 hits and seven stolen bases in 18 fall games to hopefully signal a breakout season in 2025. Arroyo is unquestionably the best defender among these three players.

Stewart was an on-base machine in Dayton this past year, producing a .391 on-base percentage with 32 extra-base hits in 80 games. His season wrapped up in July following a wrist injury, but he is moving in the right direction as one of the top all-around prospects in the organization.

Collier, 20, is the youngest among the three, but he has showcased explosive power at the plate, slamming 42 extra-base hits in 119 games with High-A Dayton. His fielding needs some work, but his 60-grade arm will be difficult to overlook as he jets through the minors.

Could any of these three prospects replace Steer? Not immediately, but with each one receiving favorable reviews and performing well in the minors and in the AFL, it proves there is more to come. We'd love for Steer to stay, but knowing there is a strong crop of guys ready to replace him can give Reds fans some cautionary hope.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors