Reds Rumors: Spencer Steer could spark a bidding war at the MLB trade deadline

With the August 3 deadline now less than a month away, it was only a matter of time before the Cincinnati Reds were linked in trade rumors. The first name to appear in this summer's Reds rumors is utility infielder/ outfielder Spencer Steer who USA Today's Bob Nightengale claims "will be in high demand" with a number of teams looking for a right-handed bat ahead of the trade deadline.

Nightengale is reporting that several teams have already reached out to the Reds about Steer's availability, citing his defensive versatility as a big reason for such wide-spread interest across the league.

Reds rumors: Spencer Steer trade buzz could lead to surprising deadline move

Steer has been a vital member of the Reds organization since he was traded from the Minnesota Twins in 2022. A top prospect in the Twins' farm system at the time, he was part of the trade package that helped Minnesota land former Cincinnati right-hander Tyler Mahle.

Steer debuted in 2022 and has become one of the most versatile players on the Reds' roster. Since that time, he's played every position on the diamond with the exception of shortstop, catcher, and pitcher.

If the Reds intend to become sellers at this year's trade deadline, Steer is arguably their best trade asset. While players like Tyler Stephenson, Caleb Ferguson, and Brady Singer will all become free agents after the 2026 season, Steer is under team control for an additional two years. He's taking home $4 million this season, and will be in line for a raise in Year 2 of arbitration heading into 2027.

A number of teams are bound to be intrigued by Steer's success against left-handed pitching. This season, he owns a .333/.440/.613 slash line with a 182 wRC+ and 15.2% walk-rate against southpaws. His career numbers against lefties (.268/.357/. 479 with a 125 wRC+) suggest that he could be a valuable asset for a contending club looking to platoon him alongside a left-handed bat.

Steer has become a fan-favorite in Cincinnati, so his potential departure would be bittersweet. If he's made available, Steer's would quickly become one of the most sought-after bats at the deadline. His absence, however, would leave a gaping hole in the Reds' lineup — not just for the remainder of this season, but next season as well.

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