Spencer Steer -- Prospect Evaluation

Spencer Steer, a 24-year-old infielder, was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds in the Tyler Mahle trade deadline deal with the Minnesota Twins. Of the 10 prospects Cincinnati received in multiple trades, Steer is considered closest to Major League readiness. He was promoted from Double-A to Triple-A in May and now ranks as the Reds' No. 7 prospect, sitting just outside the overall Top 100. Steer was traveling to a game when notified of the trade, describing the experience as shocking but ultimately exciting. He will report to Cincinnati's Triple-A affiliate in Louisville.

Steer underwent significant development under the Twins organization to become a power hitter. During his three years at the University of Oregon and initial professional seasons, he was a contact hitter with minimal home run production, never exceeding six homers annually. The 2020 Covid shutdown prompted organizational changes to his swing mechanics, particularly his lower half. The results were dramatic: Steer hit 24 home runs combined across 110 games at High-A and Double-A following the shutdown. Reds GM Nick Krall indicated the organization will not rush Steer's development, with Triple-A serving as his current assignment while they evaluate his progress toward potential big league call-up.

The Cincinnati Reds promoted infielder Spencer Steer to MLB on Friday as the organization continues its rebuild. The 24-year-old was the primary return in the July trade deadline deal that sent starting pitcher Tyler Mahle to the Minnesota Twins. Steer, ranked as a top-100 prospect by Baseball America and participant in this year's MLB Future's Game, will receive everyday playing time across multiple infield positions. The Reds are positioning him as a potential future cornerstone of the franchise. Steer described his playing style as focused on competitive at-bats and putting the ball in play hard, emphasizing his approach to getting on base consistently.