Spencer Gordon Steer is an American professional baseball utility player for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball. He made his major league debut in 2022 after being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft. Steer has established himself as one of the most versatile defenders in baseball, appearing at multiple positions including first base, second base, third base, and all three outfield positions. His ability to impact games both offensively and defensively has made him a valuable piece of the Reds’ rebuilding effort.
Spencer Steer Bio
Spencer Gordon Steer was born on December 7, 1997, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in Southern California and attended Millikan High School, where he first gained attention as a baseball player. After high school, Steer played collegiate baseball at the University of Oregon, developing his skills against college-level competition before entering professional baseball. His journey from a high school prospect to a major league utility player demonstrates his dedication and adaptability across multiple positions on the diamond.
Early Life and Background
Steer grew up in Long Beach, California, where he attended Millikan High School. During his time in high school, he developed as a baseball player and attracted attention from professional scouts. His performance as a high school athlete laid the foundation for his future collegiate career at the University of Oregon, one of the prominent baseball programs on the West Coast.
After being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 29th round of the 2016 MLB draft, Steer elected not to sign and instead chose to play college baseball at the University of Oregon. This decision allowed him to further develop his skills and pursue a degree while continuing to progress as a player. In 2018, Steer played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premier summer collegiate leagues in the United States. This experience against top college talent helped prepare him for the professional ranks.
Path to Professional Baseball
Steer’s performance at the University of Oregon and in the Cape Cod Baseball League improved his draft stock significantly. In the 2019 MLB draft, he was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the third round, demonstrating that his decision to attend college had paid off. The Twins identified Steer as a versatile player with potential to contribute at the major league level despite not being a high-profile prospect.
After being drafted, Steer began his professional career in the Twins’ farm system. He made his professional debut with the Elizabethton Twins and Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2019. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted his development. When baseball resumed in 2021, Steer picked up where he left off, starting the season with Cedar Rapids before earning a promotion to the Wichita Wind Surge. Over 110 games between the two teams, Steer slashed .254/.348/.484 with 24 home runs and 66 RBIs, showcasing his ability to hit for power and average while displaying his defensive versatility.
Spencer Steer Career
Breakthrough to Major Leagues (2022)
On August 2, 2022, Steer’s career took a significant turn when the Minnesota Twins traded him, Steve Hajjar, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Tyler Mahle. The trade represented an opportunity for Steer to join a rebuilding Reds organization that valued versatile players capable of contributing across the diamond.
Less than a month after the trade, on September 1, 2022, the Reds selected Steer’s contract and promoted him to the major leagues. He made his MLB debut on September 2, 2022, and made an immediate impact by going 2-for-2 with a home run for his first major league hit, a double, and walking twice in his debut game. Over 28 games during the remainder of the 2022 season, Steer hit .211 with a .306 on-base percentage and a .326 slugging percentage, providing a glimpse of his potential despite the small sample size.
Cincinnati Reds Era (2022–Present)
The 2023 season marked Steer’s first full year in the major leagues, and he established himself as a core piece of the Reds’ roster. He appeared in 156 games, playing 73 games at first base, 48 games in the outfield, 47 games at third base, and 16 games at second base. His offensive production was impressive as he hit .271 with 23 home runs, 15 stolen bases, 74 runs scored, and 86 RBIs. This performance demonstrated that his versatility was not limited to defense, as he contributed significantly to the Reds’ offense across multiple categories.
In 2024, Steer continued to serve as a versatile asset for the Reds, appearing in 102 games in the outfield, 63 games at first base, 7 games at second base, and 1 game at shortstop. While his batting average dropped from .271 to .225, he maintained his power production with 20 home runs and added 25 stolen bases, showing his ability to impact games in multiple ways beyond just hitting for average.
Driving Style and Strengths
Steer’s greatest asset is his positional versatility, allowing the Reds to deploy him at multiple spots across the diamond depending on game situations and matchups. His ability to play first base, second base, third base, and all three outfield positions provides the organization with invaluable roster flexibility. Offensively, he has shown the ability to hit for average and power while also contributing on the bases with his stolen base ability. His approach at the plate has earned praise for his plate discipline and ability to work walks.
Notable Events and Milestones
On June 27, 2025, Steer achieved a major career milestone when he hit his first career three-home run game against the San Diego Padres. This performance made him the first Reds player to have a three-home run game since Jesse Winker accomplished the feat in 2021. The milestone highlighted Steer’s ability to have a game-changing offensive performance at the highest level of baseball.
Spencer Steer Career Wins
Through the 2025 season, Steer has established himself as a consistent contributor at the major league level with impressive power and defensive versatility across multiple positions.
MLB Career Highlights
Steer’s most notable career performance came on June 27, 2025, when he hit three home runs in a single game against the San Diego Padres. This three-homer game represented the peak of his offensive ability and placed him in Reds franchise history alongside Jesse Winker as the only players to accomplish this feat in recent years. His rookie season in 2022 saw him make an immediate impact with his first major league hit being a home run, setting the tone for his professional career.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his three-homer game, Steer has consistently provided the Reds with quality at-bats and defensive excellence. His 156-game 2023 season with 23 home runs, 15 stolen bases, and 86 RBIs demonstrated his ability to be a complete player who contributes across multiple statistical categories. His 25 stolen bases in 2024 further highlighted his athletic ability and base-running prowess.
| Season | Games | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 28 | .211 | 1 | 6 |
| 2023 | 156 | .271 | 23 | 86 |
| 2024 | Various | .225 | 20 | Various |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has seen Steer continue his development as a key contributor for the Cincinnati Reds. His three-home run game on June 27 against the San Diego Padres represented a breakout moment, demonstrating the type of impact player he can be when he gets hot at the plate. The Reds have relied on his versatility throughout the season, deploying him at various positions to maximize matchup advantages and maintain defensive flexibility.
Steer’s ability to play multiple positions has proven invaluable for a Reds team that has navigated injuries and roster moves throughout the season. His experience from previous seasons has helped him settle into a more consistent offensive approach, and his stolen base totals indicate he remains a threat on the bases despite any fluctuations in his batting average. The partnership between Steer and the Reds coaching staff has continued to develop as they find the best ways to utilize his diverse skill set.
Looking ahead, Steer appears positioned to remain a key part of the Reds’ long-term plans. His combination of defensive versatility, power potential, and basestealing ability gives the organization a player who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. As the Reds continue their rebuilding effort, Steer’s consistency and adaptability make him a valuable anchor for the roster both in the present and moving forward.