Cincinnati pivots to a more invasive procedure to ensure the utility star’s full recovery, sidelining a key trade chip as the club navigates a volatile injury-riddled season.
The Cincinnati Reds announced Wednesday evening that utility player Spencer Steer will undergo wrist surgery. This goes against the initial plan, as Steer was placed on the 10-day IL on July 27, 2026, and transferred to the 60-day IL on September 18, 2026.
Reds manager Terry Francona recently said Steer had been taking dry swings with a bat as he progressed in rehab, but they have changed course and will do a more invasive surgery to make sure the issue is completely healed. Francona said he does not expect the surgery to impact Steer’s ability to be ready for spring training in 2027.
Steer’s initial injury was a huge hit to the Reds for multiple reasons. One, he had been floated as a potential trade chip at the trade deadline as a power bat who can play multiple positions. Cincinnati likely could have gotten a decent haul of prospects in return for Steer if they decided to move him. Steer was injured just before the deadline, kneecapping the Reds' options.
Second, at that time Cincinnati was still in a half-decent spot in the playoff race, at least to the point where they were making, or not making, moves under the premise of keeping together a roster that could possibly make a run at the playoffs. Steer’s injury meant an everyday player would be out of the lineup for an extended period.
Steer is under team control for the next two seasons, so even if there isn’t baseball in 2027, which many believe there won’t be with impending CBA negotiations, Steer still has a chance to impact the Reds in 2028.
The Long Beach, CA native hit .238 with 16 home runs and 40 runs batted in with a .739 OPS before his injury ended his season. Steer hit .304 in May before struggles in June and July hurt his numbers.
In addition to Steer having surgery, relief pitcher Tony Santillan is also having surgery on his hip. His return timeline won’t be known until after the surgery, per C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. Santillan had an up-and-down season in Cincinnati, with limited success as the Reds’ high-leverage pitcher in Emilio Pagan's absence.
He has a 6.42 ERA in 44 games this season. Santillan has recorded five saves.
Cincinnati has been riddled with injuries to some of its most important players this season, as guys like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and others have missed time on the injured list.
