Reds rumors point to Spencer Steer as perfect trade deadline target for AL West contender

Spencer Steer must've made an impression on the Seattle Mariners during the Cincinnati Reds recent trip to T-Mobile Park. According to Seattle Times reporter Adam Jude, the Mariners are interested in acquiring Steer before the August 3 deadline.

Steer's name has been gaining momentum on the trade market, and it'll be interesting to see if the Reds actually decide to move one of their most versatile pieces before the deadline passes.

Reds Rumors: Mariners are interested in a trade deadline deal for Spencer Steer

Jude cited Steer's success against right-handed pitching as one of the biggest reasons for the Mariners' interest. The Reds' slugger has hit .342/.442/.620 with a 183 wRC+ this season. Steer has had success against southpaws throughout his big league career to the tune of a .270/.358/.481 slash line with a 126 wRC+.

The Reds have yet to reveal their true intentions with this year's deadline just over a week away. Most insiders believe Cincinnati will shed any and all players on expiring contracts, but Steer is under team control for two more seasons.

Those extra years make Steer exceedingly valuable, and Jude even floated the idea of a trade involving Mariners' starting pitcher Emerson Hancock. Seattle is said to have made the right-hander available in trade talks. He has a 3.16 ERA in 19 starts this season, and is under team control through 2031.

Steer is taking home $4.5 million this season and will be in line for a raise through arbitration in 2027. Money shouldn't necessarily be a driving force behind trading Steer at this year's deadline, but it can't be discounted. Elly De La Cruz and Andrew Abbott will both be arbitration-eligible for the first time next season, and those two will represent a huge jump in payroll.

Steer's versatility would be difficult to replace. He's played nearly every position this season and was a Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025. But the presence of JJ Bleday and the emergence of breakout prospect Héctor Rodríguez could make trading Steer more palatable for the Reds' front office.

It remains to be seen whether or not Cincinnati actually make Steer available before trade talks intensify next week, but one thing's for sure — this won't be the last time you hear his name linked in trade rumors.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow