The Seattle Mariners have apparently taken a hard look at Spencer Steer, and the Reds’ versatile bat is suddenly one of the more interesting names floating around the trade market.
According to Seattle Times reporter Adam Jude, Seattle is interested in making a deal for Steer before the August 3 deadline. The timing makes sense after the Reds’ recent trip to T-Mobile Park, where Steer likely left an impression on the Mariners’ front office.
The appeal starts with the bat. Jude pointed to Steer’s production against right-handed pitching as a major reason for Seattle’s interest.
This season, the Reds slugger has hit .342/.442/.620 with a 183 wRC+ against righties. He has also handled left-handers well over the course of his big league career, posting a .270/.358/.481 line with a 126 wRC+.
What makes this situation tricky is that Steer isn’t a pure rental. Cincinnati has not tipped its hand on how aggressive it plans to be at the deadline, but Steer is under team control for two more seasons. That extra runway gives him real value, and it also makes him the kind of player contenders ask about when they’re trying to upgrade without paying full price for a star.
Jude even mentioned a possible framework that would bring Mariners right-hander Emerson Hancock back to Cincinnati. Seattle has reportedly made Hancock available in trade discussions. He owns a 3.16 ERA in 19 starts this season and is under team control through 2031.
Money is part of the conversation, too. Steer is making $4.5 million this season and is due for a raise through arbitration in 2027.
That alone may not force Cincinnati’s hand, but the Reds are staring at bigger payroll decisions ahead. Elly De La Cruz and Andrew Abbott will both be arbitration-eligible for the first time next season, and that will bring a significant jump in spending.
There’s also the simple matter of what Steer gives a roster. He’s played nearly every position this season and was a Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025.
That kind of flexibility is hard to replace. Still, the Reds may be more willing to listen with JJ Bleday in the mix and breakout prospect Héctor Rodríguez emerging.
For now, nothing is settled. Cincinnati has not yet shown whether Steer will actually be available, but as trade talks heat up next week, his name looks destined to keep coming up.
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