Spencer Steer could become the Reds’ offseason X-factor for one simple reason

The Cincinnati Reds need to find a replacement for Austin Hays this offseason. The Reds signed Hays to a one-year deal last winter, but after declining his $12-million option, there's now a huge void in left field. Oddly enough, Cincinnati may already have Hays' replacement on the roster.

Spencer Steer spent the majority of the 2025 season at first base — mostly due to the fact that a shoulder injury restricted his ability to throw the ball. Steer began the year as the team's DH, transitioned into the everyday first baseman, and after excelling at the cold corner, saw limited time in the outfield. Steer made eight starts in left field after logging over 90 starts in the outfield in 2024.

The Reds love Steer's defensive prowess at first base. He played well enough last season to be among the three Gold Glove finalists at the position. But if the Reds are priced out of the outfield market this offseason, Cincinnati may be forced to move one of their best defenders away from the position he called home in 2025.

Spencer Steer could become the Reds’ offseason X-factor

“It’d be nice to figure out if we can add maybe an outfielder," Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall told reporters at this week's GM Meetings in Las Vegas. Given Cincinnati's budget, however, that'll be easier said than done.

The Reds are expected to maintain a payroll similar to last season, and with an increase in salary to a number of arbitration-eligible players this offseason, Cincinnati is estimated to only have about $20 million to spend in free agency. Considering the numerous holes in the Reds' bullpen, it's difficult to see Krall and Co. cobbling together enough money to sign a starting-caliber outfielder.

Though he put up teriffic defensive numbers at first base in 2025, Steer may be forced from the infield dirt back to the outfield grass in 2026. The 27-year-old prides himself on his ability to play all over the diamond, and while his defensive numbers in the outfield don't match his effectiveness at first base, it may be the Reds' only choice heading into next season.

Reds GM Brad Meador mentioned the possibility of seeing Steer at second base next season as well; a position he played sparingly in both 2023 and 2024. It's doubtful Cincinnati views Steer as the team's everyday second baseman, but rather sees this as a means to get Elly De La Cruz more time off in 2026 by shifting Matt McLain to shortstop on occasion.

If the Reds fail to find a quality outfielder this offseason, there's a good chance that Steer could be in left field on Opening Day. While the shakeup would likely cause the Reds' infield defense to take a hit, it would allow Sal Stewart to gain meaningful reps at first base — a position that seems tailor made for him going forward.