Spencer Steer might have just forced Reds to rethink offseason priorities

The term tweener typically has a derogatory connotation in sports. A player has unique traits, but isn't good enough to fit into one position or another. But sometimes, a tweener can be something of great value. That might be what the Cincinnati Reds are finding out now with Spencer Steer.

Just a few short years ago, Steer was a potential franchise building block. However, after some subpar performances with the bat, he's staring down the barrel of top prospect Sal Stewart stealing his first base job.

Therein lies the rub for Steer. His career 103 wRC+ means he's been just about league average with the bat, which is actually below average for a first baseman. Steer can play some outfield, but with a -7 outs above average in 1172.1 innings split between right and left field for his career, his glove would be a liability out there full-time. Therefore, is there a scenario where the tweener label is anything but a description of his lack of a regular place on the diamond?

Spencer Steer's future role may change the Reds offseason plans

Cincinnati needs to find offense if they are to contend in the ultra-competitive NL Central next year. The club ranks just above league average in runs scored, which is good for 14th. However, the team's collective 92 wRC+ is near the bottom, coming in at 23rd in the majors.

Stewart, who has already posted a .261/.303/.543 line over his first 15 big league games could be part of the answer. That would mean that the infield would be mostly set, with the Reds banking on more consistency from Elly De La Cruz, a bounce back for Matt McLain, and Ke'Bryan Hayes' wizardry at the hot corner being just enough to float his shaky bat.

That leaves the outfield as the likely spot to upgrade. Noelvi Marte should be able to handle right field. TJ Friedl might be better than any of the center field options in the Reds' price range. That leaves left field as the likely spot.

That's where Steer comes in. The 27-year-old has been on a tear since the end of August. Since August 24, Steer is slashing .300/.382/.650 with six homers. Obviously, he won't continue posting a 1.032 OPS, but if he closes the final few games strong, could he convince the Reds that he can get back to the 118 wRC+ hitter he was back in 2023?

If that's the case, the Reds can let Austin Hayes walk knowing that Steer's bat will play well enough to mask his defensive deficiencies in left, strengthening the lineup as a whole. Or, Cincinnati could look for a bigger swing to upgrade the outfield and convert Steer into something of a super utility man, splitting time between first base and the corner infield spots.

Paired with Gavin Lux, the club could have two Swiss-army knives who could start for some teams and fill in around the diamond as needed. Having one such player is nice, but two would be an amazing luxury.

A lot is up in the air, but Steer could open up all kinds of flexibility for the Reds, allowing them to pick the path that could result in the puzzle pieces fitting together in such a way that they become a legitimate threat to the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs in the division.

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