Versatile Reds slugger is looking more and more like a trade answer for Mariners

With us now a month away from the trade deadline, the Mariners are still expected to be buyers despite their inconsistent form thus far in 2026. At the risk of jinxing them -- as if they don't experience enough bad luck anyway -- this team is just too talented and the American League too underwhelming, to not remain in the mix. And one player they should consider making a move for is Spencer Steer.

Giving credit where it's due, Steer was first mentioned by Adam Jude of The Seattle Times last weekend, as one of 10 potential targets. In fact, Jude went as far as listing the 28-year-old as one of four "Go get 'em" targets. It's easy to see why, when you look at just how productive he has been versus left-handed pitchers.

Hitting lefties has of course been the Mariners' Achilles heel this season, as evidenced by them ranking dead last with a .207/.293/.329 slash line and .622 OPS. By comparison, Steer has an electric .318/.418/.621 slash line and 1.039 OPS so far in 2026 versus southpaws. And it's not as if this season is some fluke, with a career .265/.352/.477 slash line and .829 OPS.

Now admittedly, Steer has had his issues facing right-handed pitching this season, while also not being particularly good defensively, to the point that he has an overall -0.1 bWAR. However, his success versus lefties specifically should still be enough reason to at least consider him. Combine this with his versatility leading to him playing at five different positions, he has all the makings to be the type of platoon player Jerry Dipoto loves.

A couple of possible roadblocks for the Mariners to get around

There are a couple of potential obstacles to consider, with the first being if the Reds are actually going to sell? Well, they're doing their best to help make the concept become a reality, by falling out of contention after starting the season 20-11. With a record of 20-36 since the fast start, they now sit at the bottom of their division and have the fourth-worst record in the National League.

The second obstacle to consider is Steer's contract situation, with him being under team control through 2028, theoretically meaning he won't come cheap. Yes, the Mariners have the prospect capital, but we're confident Dipoto wouldn't haphazardly offer over the odds to make any potential trade come to fruition.

As for this season specifically, the 2019 third round daft pick is owed the balance of a very reasonable $4 million salary. As much as some Mariners fans would possibly prefer the team attempts another reunion with Eugenio Suárez, we believe it's better to make a play for his Cincinnati teammate.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow