Spencer Steer trade rumors look even worse after Reds' offensive collapse

Just before Spencer Steer hit the injured list in late July, his name was gaining traction in trade rumors. With the August 3 trade deadline looming, contenders began calling the Cincinnati Reds to inquire about the slugger's availability.

Steer was diagnosed with a partial tear in a sheath in his right wrist, and while there was hope that he'd return sometime in 2026, it now appears that he'll miss the rest of the season. The injury itself all but killed his trade market, ensuring he'd remaining with the Reds at least until the offseason begins in November.

Truth be told, perhaps that injury was a blessing in disguise. Since Steer was placed on the injured list on July 27, the team has gone 13-15 and the Reds' offense has all but collapsed; Cincinnati ranks 20th in runs scored, 26th in on-base percentage, and 28th in wRC+ as a team since their super utility player has been sidelined.

In other words, it's becoming more and more obvious by the day how valuable Steer is to this whole Reds' operation.

Spencer Steer's all-around contributions are proving too important for Reds to just move on

There are certainly other factors at play other than Steer's absence that explain why the Reds have struggled so much over the past month. Trading Nathaniel Lowe in the middle of a resurgent campaign surely didn't help (even if it was the right move), and watching TJ Friedl go 1-for-31 during the second half would be hard for any lineup to compensate for.

Still, it's impossible to ignore just how varied and important a utility man's contributions are. Steer has spent time at every position on the diamond except shortstop and catcher this year, providing something close to league-average defense at each spot.

Reds fans also know Steer is an excellent first baseman after he earned a nod as a Gold Glove finalist a year ago, though he's graciously made room for the glut of corner infielders on the roster this season by jumping around.

Steer's presence anywhere in the lineup is also a huge deal, since he's a big power threat — he ranks fifth on the team this year in homers despite playing fewer than 100 games — and an excellent baserunner. He may not be an on-base savant or an annual 20-20 challenger anymore, but a player who can provide positive value at the plate, on the basepaths, and in the field is a rare commodity.

Trade talks involving Steer will likely be revisited over the offseason once he's healthy, but perhaps it's best for the front office to shut them down quickly. Steer's been a key part of the Reds' core, and is malleable enough to fill any number of holes as the roster demands. It's difficult to imagine that the trade market would be willing to offer up someone of equal or better value than that.

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