Reds' spring training plans for third base signal position change for Spencer Steer

New Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona revealed earlier this week that the hope is for Matt McLain to be the team's everyday second baseman heading into the 2025 season. McLain's rehab in the Arizona Fall League included reps at shortstop, second and third base, and the outfield, but it appears that the Reds' budding star will replace Jonathan India at the keystone during the upcoming season.

But while the middle of the Reds' infield is now set with the combination of McLain and superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz, the corner spots are less defined. Any combination of Gavin Lux, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, and Jeimer Candelario could see time at first and/ or third base in 2025.

However, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, the trio of Lux, Encarnacion-Strand, and Marte will get plenty of reps at the hot corner this spring, as will top prospect Cam Collier. Notably absent from that list is Steer, who may be settling in as the Reds' everyday first baseman heading into the 2025 season.

Spencer Steer may be the Reds primary first baseman in 2025

Many Reds fans assumed that first base belonged to Encarnacion-Strand, and the hulking infielder will surely receive plenty of playing time there. But Steer's lingering shoulder ailment is likely to limit the 27-year-old to acting as the Reds' DH and first baseman (without throwing) during the early-going this spring.

Most of Steer' starts in 2024 came in the outfield. An infielder by trade, former manager David Bell moved Steer to left field where he started 92 games last season. Another 56 starts came at first base, and Steer also saw time at second base, shortstop, and right field as well.

While Steer's move to the outfield was admirable and revealed the type of team-first player that he is, his defense was below-average. According to FanGraphs, Steer was worth -3 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -4 outs above average (OAA). Compare that to his 2 DRS and -1 OAA at first base in 2024, and you can see why Francona is looking to give Steer more reps at first base.

According to Reds insider Charlie Goldsmith, Cincinnati is splitting Encarnacion-Strand's playing time between first and third base this spring. CES is said to have increased his athleticism during the offseason, and the Reds are willing to give him a longer look at the hot corner. The battle for third base could come down to Encarnacion-Strand and Candelario.

An infield alignment of Steer (1B), McLain (2B), De La Cruz (SS), and Encarnacion-Strand (3B) could be featured on Francona's Opening Day lineup card with one of Candelario or Lux starting at DH. While positional versatility can be a strength, it would seem that Francona is looking to give his players a firmer foundation this spring.

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