Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona shared a decision on Sal Stewart and Spencer Steer.
The Cincinnati Reds are continuing to explore lineup flexibility early in the 2026 MLB season, with manager Terry Francona providing insight into how Sal Stewart and Spencer Steer could factor into those plans.
Both players have been key contributors offensively, and Cincinnati appears focused on finding ways to keep their bats in the lineup while also addressing positional depth, particularly at third base.
“Spencer Steer is taking grounders at third during BP today. Terry Francona said that Stewart is a depth option there (he’s mainly the starting first baseman). Some depth options behind Hayes and Suarez,” reported Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19.
The decision to have him field grounders signals that Steer could emerge as a more regular option at third base. He has experience at the position, logging 28 appearances there during his 2022 rookie season.
Stewart, meanwhile, has not yet played third base at the big-league level, but he did see time there in the minor leagues, making him another potential option.
This kind of versatility is valuable for the Reds. By developing internal depth, the team can avoid needing to make an external move while also maximizing offensive production.
Steer has been one of Cincinnati’s more reliable hitters over the past five seasons, carrying a career .242 batting average, .328 on-base percentage and .746 OPS. While he is off to a slow start this year, the 28-year-old remains an everyday caliber player.
Stewart, on the other hand, has been one of the most exciting young players in the league to begin the year. The 22-year-old rookie is already making a strong case as a National League Rookie of the Year contender. Through his first five games, Stewart has posted a remarkable .563 batting average, .682 on-base percentage and 1.807 OPS with two home runs and three RBIs.
The bigger picture behind Francona’s comments appears tied to creating a contingency plan at third base. Current starter Ke'Bryan Hayes is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league, but his offensive production has been inconsistent.
Having alternatives like Steer and Stewart gives the Reds more flexibility to adjust based on matchups or late-game pinch-hit situations.
Additionally, Eugenio Suarez remains in the mix after signing a one-year $15 million deal this offseason. However, Cincinnati may prefer to keep him primarily at designated hitter, allowing him to focus on his power at the plate rather than playing at the hot corner.