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.

Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer is not in the team's starting lineup for Saturday's contest at Great American Ball Park against the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates. With Steer taking the day off, the left-handed-hitting Will Benson will get the start in left field for the Reds and will bat ninth against Pirates rookie right-hander Jared Jones. Steer has really struggled in the month of September, batting .191 (12-for-63) with a homer, four doubles, two triples and 14 strikeouts in 18 games, so the Reds have elected to give him a day to clear his head. The 26-year-old right-handed slugger has hit just .230 (127-for-552) in 152 games this year, but he has recorded a 20-20 campaign for the first time in his career in just his third season with the Reds after falling five steals short in 2023. Benson has never faced Jones in his career and is a low-upside DFS sleeper who is hitting .189 (63-for-333) on the year.

Cincinnati Reds utilityman Spencer Steer had a solid offensive game in Tuesday's 6-5 win over the Braves. Steer went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, a walk, and a strikeout. The 26-year-old lined a seventh-inning Pierce Johnson curveball into the left-center seats to put the Reds up for good. Steer has provided useful counting stats this season but has not provided the batting average, slashing .232/.327/.419 with 20 HR, 74 runs scored, 91 RBI, and 25 stolen bases in 621 plate appearances. His low average may impact his perceived fantasy value next season, but his power-speed combination and multi-position eligibility make him a useful option.