Should the Cincinnati Reds Trade Spencer Steer?

It is safe to say this year has been a failure so far for the Cincinnati Reds. The offense has continued to be underwhelming, and they appear destined to miss this year's postseason after making it in 2025. Cincinnati will enter the second half sitting in last place in the National League Central. 

With the Reds looking to potentially contend in the future with their younger, more controllable assets, they could move some of their older players with less team control to retool for the next few seasons.  

One of those players who could draw interest is Spencer Steer. Steer has been one of the more quietly productive players in the National League since arriving in Cincinnati.  

He was acquired from the Minnesota Twins in August of 2022 as part of the Tyler Mahle trade, along with Christian Encarnacion-Strand and another prospect.  

In 2023, his first full season, Steer hit .271 with a .356 on-base percentage, .820 OPS, 23 home runs, 15 stolen bases and 86 RBIs across 156 games, playing first base, the outfield, third base and second base along the way.  

He has hit 20 or more home runs in each of his three full seasons and is on pace to do so once again in 2026. His ability to play virtually anywhere on the field makes him the kind of player contenders specifically target at the deadline. 

This year has been a bit more inconsistent offensively, but Steer is not a free agent until 2029, giving an acquiring team multiple years of control beyond just a rental. That is a significant factor in his trade value.

Teams are not just paying for the rest of 2026. They are getting a versatile, proven bat who can contribute in multiple lineup spots for years to come. 

The case for trading him is straightforward. The Reds are rebuilding around a core of younger players like shortstop Elly De La Cruz and corner infielder Sal Stewart. Steer is 28 years old and while still controllable, he is not part of that same youth movement.  

Moving him now for multiple prospects or other controllable assets would accelerate the retool without sacrificing much in terms of the long-term vision for this roster. The Reds have also received trade interest for Steer, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. 

The question is whether Cincinnati picks up the phone and actually moves him. If the Reds show improvement over the next few weeks and make the case they can compete for a playoff spot this year, then Steer will likely stick with the organization. If not, his time with Cincinnati could come to an end.