The Cincinnati Reds have made strides in building a competitive roster, but when it comes to locking down their core players with long-term extensions, they’ve been playing catch-up. While the front office has been slow to move on deals for some key names - including Elly De La Cruz and Tyler Stephenson - there’s another name that deserves serious attention: Spencer Steer.
No, Steer isn’t the flashiest player on the roster. He’s not the face of the franchise or the guy who’ll have kids lining up for autographs outside Great American Ball Park.
But make no mistake - he’s the kind of player championship teams are built around. Steer’s versatility, team-first mentality, and quietly consistent production make him a glue guy, and the Reds would be smart to lock him in before his value climbs any higher.
A Gold Glove Finalist Who Does It All
Coming off a season where he was a Gold Glove finalist at first base, Steer is once again preparing to be the Reds’ Swiss Army knife. With Sal Stewart emerging and Eugenio Suárez returning to the infield, Steer’s role in 2026 will be all over the diamond - first base, second base, corner outfield. And he’s not just accepting that challenge - he’s embracing it.
“I think it’s up in the air right now with what it’s going to look like,” Steer said. “So I’m just preparing for multiple spots in the outfield and the right side of the infield. I’m taking my reps in those spots, and we’ll see what happens.”
That’s the kind of attitude that wins over coaches, teammates, and front offices. And it’s exactly why Cincinnati should be proactive in keeping him around.
The Front Office Knows His Value
Reds general manager Brad Meador made it clear: Steer’s versatility isn’t just tolerated - it’s appreciated.
“The important thing about Steer is that he wants to do it,” Meador said. “He likes to move around.
He’s excited to do it - and he’s excited to be healthy enough to do it. Part of the reason he got pushed to first base only was because of health.”
That last point matters. Steer’s 2025 season was hampered early on, but he finished the year strong and healthy. And that opens the door for the Reds to get creative with their lineup - something they’ve had to do given their budget constraints.
Manager Terry Francona also highlighted Steer’s work ethic and character, sharing a story from last spring when Steer, despite being unable to throw, still found ways to contribute during drills.
“He could have been in here working. He didn’t have to be out there.
He did something every day. And he worked his [butt] off with Nap [coach Mike Napoli],” Francona said.
That kind of dedication doesn’t show up in a box score, but it matters - especially on a team trying to build a sustainable winning culture.
A Bat That Could Be on the Verge
Offensively, Steer’s numbers have been a mixed bag. After a breakout 2023 campaign where he posted a 118 wRC+, he’s been closer to league average the past two seasons, with wRC+ marks of 98 and 97. That’s still solid for a player who can move all over the field, but the Reds know there’s more in the tank.
And down the stretch in 2025, Steer showed signs of tapping back into that upside. Over the final month of the regular season, he slashed .255/.369/.509 - a line that hints at the kind of offensive spark he can provide when he’s locked in. Then, in the NL Wild Card Series against the Dodgers, he kept it going with a .375/.444/.375 line across two games.
If that version of Steer shows up in 2026, his value skyrockets. Suddenly, you’re not just talking about a utility guy - you’re talking about a key piece in a playoff push.
Lock Him Up Before the Price Rises
Here’s the reality: Steer isn’t a free agent until after the 2028 season. But waiting that long to extend him could be a costly mistake. Players like this - versatile, reliable, team-first, and potentially ascending at the plate - don’t stay under the radar forever.
The Reds have already seen what happens when they wait too long to secure their talent. With Steer, they have a chance to get ahead of the curve. Rewarding his loyalty and work ethic with a long-term deal now wouldn’t just be a smart baseball move - it would send a message to the clubhouse that the organization values more than just star power.
In a game that increasingly rewards flexibility and depth, Spencer Steer is exactly the kind of player you want in your dugout come October. The Reds would be wise to make sure he’s there - not just this year, but for years to come.