Cincinnati Reds left fielder Spencer Steer logged an .820 OPS as a rookie in 2023, but he hasn't been close to that level since. The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder recorded a .721 OPS in 2024, a .723 OPS in 2025, and entered Friday's game against the Texas Rangers with a .059 batting average this season.

However, Steer hit his first homer of the year in the contest, finishing 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs. The California native explained his mindset postgame, via FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith. 

“This game is going to beat you up if you let it,” he said. “You’ve got to stay positive. You’ve got to come in every single day with a fresh (perspective). Every day is a new day. Understanding that you’re one swing away, that was a big thing for me last year. The past is the past. All you can control is what you do today.”

Steer's two-run homer to left center off of Rangers pitcher MacKenzie Gore opened the scoring in the top of the second, and he also hit a leadoff double to center in the top of the ninth with the game tied 3-3. Catcher Tyler Stephenson then followed up with a two-run homer of his own, and closer Emilio Pagan earned the save in the bottom frame.

Steer is one of several young players who could elevate Cincinnati if he becomes a cornerstone piece. 24-year-old shortstop Elly De La Cruz is already a star, but the team's other young players aren't close to that level.

The good news for Steer is that he's already shown that he can excel over a full MLB season. Plus, his decline over the last two years has reminded him of how to stay positive during slumps.

Steer has the talent and perspective to succeed in the big leagues, but he needs to be consistent. If he plays more like he did as a rookie moving forward, he could get a long-term extension before he hits free agency in the 2029 offseason.

Steer was picked in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins, who traded him to the Reds in August 2022. He then made his big-league debut in September, and he slashed .211/.308/.326 with two homers and eight RBIs over 28 games that month. He has played at least 146 contests each year since then.

Up next for Cincinnati is another matchup with Texas at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday.