Spencer Steer DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) is set to begin spring training games as a designated hitter. Steer has been dealing with a shoulder injury during camp and is set to be eased into action. The 27-year-old is expected to begin throwing soon and could eventually shift to first base if not cleared to play the outfield. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as a setback could force him into a full-time role at DH or first base. Last season, Steer spent most of his time in left field and first base but made occasional starts at second and third base. Across 158 contests, Steer posted a .225/.319/.402 line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Given his defensive flexibility, Steer should also have a spot in the everyday lineup, making him a solid depth outfielder in all formats. However, if he shifted primarily to first base, he could block Christian Encarnacion-Strand from an everyday role.

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) "is going to start throwing here fairly soon." Steer dealt with right-shoulder soreness late last season, and it has followed him into the early part of spring training, causing the Reds to play it safe with him early on. Cincy will probably also ease him into Cactus League games as a designated hitter before having him play defense. But barring a setback for the 27-year-old's shoulder, he has plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day in late March. Steer has plenty of flaws as a hitter but has an excellent home park, managed a 20-20 season in 2024 and also led the Reds with 92 RBI. He finished with a weak .225 batting average and doesn't make enough consistent hard contact to be an asset there, although he could rebound slightly after his shoulder injury late last year led to a weak finish.

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer reports that Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) is still recovering from the shoulder soreness he dealt with late last year and will likely serve as the designated hitter when Cactus League games kick off in spring training. Steer will eventually work up to returning to the field. It's certainly something to watch for the 27-year-old, especially if it lingers throughout the spring and he struggles at the plate. To close out the regular season last September, he hit just .165/.268/.294 in the month of September, so his shoulder issue was clearly bothering him. Despite his rough finish in 2024, Steer hit 20 homers, stole 20 bases and had a team-high 92 RBI. Steer's batted-ball metrics have been underwhelming, but his hitter-friendly home park helps his cause. Target him as a No. 3 fantasy outfielder in 2025.