Spencer Steer could be staring down the same fate as this former Reds player

Spencer Steer was not in the Cincinnati Reds starting lineup on Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Reds' first baseman was replaced by rookie Sal Stewart who was making his Major League debut. Steer came on in eighth inning as a defensive replacement and popped out during his lone at-bat in the Reds' come-from-behind victory over the Blue Jays.

Terry Francona revealed prior to the game that one of the reasons Stewart got the nod over Steer was injury-related. The Reds manager disclosed that Steer's been dealing with a leg injury throughout the season, and said, “We need to try to win every game we can and help guys try to be healthy and be productive."

It's quite likely that Steer will be back in Cincinnati's starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Toronto. The rookie can play multiple positions, and the Reds can always deploy Stewart as the team's designated hitter in order to keep his bat in the lineup. Stewart's presence at first base, however, does raise the question: what does the future hold for Steer?

Steer's situation is eerily similar to that of Jonathan India. The former NL Rookie of the Year was fan-favorite during his first year with the club, and though he still maintained popularity, India became expendable after the MLB debuts of Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Noelvi Marte. The Reds traded India to the Kansas City Royals this past offseason. Is Steer staring down the same reality?

Spencer Steer could be staring down the same fate as former Reds star Jonathan India

Steer has turned into quite the defender at first base. Heading into play on Tuesday, the former Minnesota Twins farmhand has been worth 7 defensive runs saved (DRS) and 5 outs above average (OAA) this season — he ranks among the top-5 in both categories.

But a good glove isn't going to be enough to keep Steer in the everyday lineup, especially heading into next season. Though he posted a 20/20 season in 2024, Steer's numbers have taken a nose dive since his rookie year. After hitting .271/.356/.464 with a 118 wRC+ in 2023, Steer has a collective .229/.312/.400 slash line with a 95 wRC+ over the past two seasons.

To be fair, over the past two years, Steer's been asked to learn a completely new position (left field) and has dealt with a lingering shoulder injury that limited his ability to throw the baseball. The Reds, however, will have to face the fact that Steer's role with the team in 2026 might be vastly different.

If Stewart finds a defensive home at first base, Steer could become Cincinnati's top utility player — a role former manager David Bell reserved for India in 2024 prior to McLain's season-ending injury.

Steer has experience all over the diamond, and could fill in at first, second, and third base, as well as left field. With Austin Hays entering free agency this offseason, the Reds could decide to give Steer another shot to be their everyday left fielder in 2026. His defensive stats (-3 DRS and -2 OAA) in left field, however, suggest that the Reds might have better options.

In the end, it comes down to Steer's bat. If he can return to the type of player he was in 2023, the Reds will find a spot for him in the everyday lineup. But if Cincinnati's front office doesn't believe he can get back to that level of production, Steer could suffer the same fate as India and be traded this coming winter.

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