Cincinnati Reds rookie Spencer Steer is showing everyone that he is clearly an everyday player. He was pressed into service at first base. Even though he played it only twice in the minors, he adjusted well. It’s evidence of his versatility, and ability to adapt.
How He Arrived
Steer was traded to the Reds at last year’s trade deadline and on September 1, he was called up to the big-league team. He made his major league debut the following day. In front of the hometown fans, he went 2-for-2, with his first hit being a home run. He also had a double, two walks, and even scored the winning run. He played in 28 games that season and finished hitting .211 with two home runs, and made a lasting impression with the fans.
So Far in 2023
This year on Opening Day, he hit a home run to the delight of the fans. He started off a little slow, but over the past 24 games he has 15 extra base hits. Steer has brought his average up to .289. He has eight home runs, which leads the team, to go along with his 28 RBIs. His average leads all eligible rookies in the NL.
Versatility
When he was called up to the big-league team last September, he played at first, second, and third base. In the minor leagues he played shortstop and right field. He started the 2023 season as the Reds’ everyday third baseman. However, he has not started a game there in more than a month. Steer was moved to first base due to players on the IL.
Why the Move to First
Joey Votto, the veteran first baseman for the last 16 years, has been out after shoulder surgery since last September. During spring training the well-traveled Jason Vosler won the job and was the Opening Day starter. However, after hitting well the first week, he slumped to a .106 average and was sent to the minors. Wil Myers has seen some games at first, but went on the IL last week. That forced Manager David Bell to move Steer over to cover the position.
Foreseeable Future
Spencer Steer certainly has a future with the Reds and with Votto’s’ extended stay on the IL, nobody knows if he will return this season. Steer will be locked in at first base for the foreseeable future. This organization is in a rebuild, and the coaching staff is looking for future players that will be a part of the next group that gets this team to the playoffs.
Many Young Players
The Reds have many young players ready to demonstrate their talents at the big-league level. TJ Friedl has settled into a starting role in center field, and leads the team in batting. Jonathan India, Rookie of the Year in 2021, is the leader in the infield at second base. Shortstop Matt McLain is holding a .361 average in 14 games. Nick Senzel has also played multiple positions, and is having a decent season.
The pitching has been good as well with Graham Ashcraft and Hunter Greene developing into potential number one and two starters. Alexis Diaz is currently second in the NL with 13 saves, and is one of the best shut down closers.In the minors, Christian Encarnacion-Strand has 14 home runs and a 352 average at Triple-A Louisville. He is another infielder, and is seen as one of the future long-term Reds players.
Some Decisions
Spencer Steer has the organization in a quandary. They will have some difficult decisions to make very soon. McLain is already performing well at the big-league level. Then you have top prospects Elly De La Cruz and Encarnacion-Strand on the threshold of a call up at any time. Hopefully there will be enough get playing time for all of them.
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It’s a good position for this team to be in. The fans are hoping they can find playing time for all these prospects. The Reds’ future looks bright, and in a few short years Speer and the others could find themselves leading a Reds team to a winning record.
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