Spencer Steer's response to HBP says everything about where these Reds are headed

Cincinnati Reds utility player Spencer Steer has a very workman-like approach to the game of baseball. So it shouldn't be a surprise to learn that Steer's response to being purposely hit by a pitch during Thursday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants didn't faze the 28-year-old in the least.

"It is what it is," Steer said after the game. "I'm not mad about it. I got no hard feelings. It's baseball. I got on base, and we had first and second with a chance for Rece (Hinds) to hit a three-run bomb in the second inning. We're trying to win baseball games. That's what we're focused on."

Steer's comments are a reflection of the team's focus in 2026. Sal Stewart, who was involved in a little dustup after the final pitch, had a similar response when asked about the heated nature of the series.

"I had my at-bat," Stewart said. "Um, struck out. (He) came down the mound and (was) looking at me and pointing at me and yelling. Tempers flared, things happen, and it's all good. We won the series, and things happen. (It was) a tough game today, but we won the series, and we're going to go to Minnesota and play...We leave things on the field, and whatever happens, happens."

Spencer Steer & Sal Stewart sound ready for the Reds' roadtrip

As you can tell by the comments from both Steer and Stewart — the two Reds players who were most intimately involved in the extracurricular activities over the past two days — this will not be a distraction moving forward.

The Reds have bigger things to worry about. So rather than waste time using the media as a sounding board, they put the drama in the rearview mirror and are off to Minneapolis for a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins.

The Reds would love to see some of their bats wake up during the upcoming roadtrip. Cincinnati ranks 26th in on-base percentage, 28th in runs scored and OPS, and 29th in base hits and batting average. Outside of Stewart and Elly De La Cruz, the Reds have received very little production from their lineup.

Steer's comments hint a bigger priorities for the Reds in 2026, but it's time for Cincinnati's bats to start showing that they mean business.

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