In 2024, two MLB players have 20 homers, 20 steals and consistently play multiple positions on defense: All-Star Game MVP Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds Swiss Army knife Spencer Steer.
On Tuesday, Steer powered the Reds to a 6-5 win over the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park with a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Reds fell behind by four runs, but an RBI single from third baseman Noelvi Marte and Steer’s 20th homer of the season ignited the comeback.
"What (Steer) does isn’t easy to do," Reds infielder Santiago Espinal said. "He’s a complete player. It doesn’t matter where you put him. He shows up every damn day. He barely gets a day off. You’ve got to appreciate players like that. His year has been amazing. I’m proud of him."
Overall, Steer’s production in 2024 has dipped from what it was last season. His batting average is down significantly and sits at .232, and he said that this season has taught him how to handle failure.
"I’ve not been the guy I’ve needed to be for this team," Steer said. "I hold myself to a high standard. This game is all about consistency. I haven’t been as consistent as I’ve liked. That swing tonight really helped me mentally feeling like I can do something positive for the team."
Still, Steer is quietly one of the more well-rounded and valuable young players in the game. He bounces between first base and left field, plays second base and right field when the Reds are in a pinch, runs the bases well and is the team’s most consistent clutch hitter. He plays through injuries and is always in the lineup.
He has a rare combination of power, speed and versatility.
Steer has more RBI in 2024 than he had in 2023, which is a product of some big hits that he has provided this season. While the Reds’ offense as a whole has been very hot and cold, Steer ranks 18th in MLB with 91 RBI.
His base running is the most underrated element of his game. The Reds’ season has been full of frustrating outs on the bases, but Steer has been a reliable presence who combines aggressiveness with baseball IQ.
Steer is an emerging leader on a young Reds team. He’s a key piece of the young core that the team is building around, and he’s regarded as one of the Reds’ most valuable players behind Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene.
"He’s just a good baseball player," Reds manager David Bell said. "I don’t really care what the numbers say. He’s in the second year of his career and he’s getting better right before our eyes. There’s no doubt about it. He’s gaining experience. He’s getting better. It’ll be clearer from a numbers standpoint at some point. We’re seeing it every day."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Spencer Steer reminds what his value is to the Reds as he joins 20-20 club
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