As the trade deadline draws closer, the White Sox have a clear type of target in mind: a bat that can punish left-handed pitching. One name already floating around in rumors fits that description well - Reds outfielder Spencer Steer.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Steer is generating trade interest. The 28-year-old is in his fifth big league season, all with Cincinnati, and his numbers this year look a lot like the offensive track record he’s built so far.
He has a .749 OPS in 316 at bats, with 14 home runs at the break after hitting 20 in each of the past two seasons. His rookie year in 2022 was limited to 28 games, but since then he’s been a steady source of power.
What makes Steer especially intriguing for Chicago is the way his bat plays against lefties. In 46 games against left-handed pitching this season, he’s posted a 1.039 OPS.
Against right-handers, that number drops to .650. His career split is still favorable versus southpaws, with an .834 OPS compared to .721 against righties.
That kind of production would address a problem the White Sox saw up close last week, when they went through their worst offensive series of the year against three lefty starters for the Red Sox.
The Sox do have a few internal options who have handled lefties better, including Miguel Vargas, Chase Meidroth, and Randal Grichuk. But the back half of the lineup has offered almost nothing in those matchups. That’s why Steer stands out as more than just another deadline name.
He also brings the kind of versatility teams love this time of year. Cincinnati has used him all over the field because of a crowded lineup, and he’s appeared at every position except shortstop and catcher. First base and the corner outfield spots are his most natural homes, though his value is driven more by the bat than the glove.
Chicago’s current depth chart only sharpens the case. Austin Hays could help against lefties, and Everson Pereira could too, but neither is a safe bet right now.
Hays hasn’t played since early May and is on his second IL stint of the season. Pereira’s concussion was his third trip to the injured list since April.
The White Sox need someone they can count on to actually be in the lineup and do damage against left-handed pitching.
Steer checks that box. He’s played at least 145 games in each of the past three seasons, so durability isn’t a question.
He’s also under control for two more years, with $4 million owed this season and arbitration eligibility before free agency after the 2028 season. That gives the White Sox a player they could slot into the lineup against lefties for the next two seasons without having to wonder what they’re getting.
It’s not clear what Cincinnati would ask for in return, but with the White Sox positioned to buy, this is the kind of move that makes sense. Pitching will dominate most of the deadline conversation, but Chicago has a very specific offensive need, and Steer looks like a clean answer. With less than three weeks left until August 3rd, the buzz around him figures to keep building.
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