Look, I don’t know what else to do with Steer. Rather, Spencer Steer, just in case you thought I was going to teach you how to drive. Which I’m not certified for, just in case you wanted to know. Which you didn’t. No, you are here for the struggle-puns (that’s mine! But you may aggregate…) and the spotty analysis. On all things, I am here for you. And talking about spotty analysis, let’s talk about Steer, who’s currently putting up a nice 282/368/493 triple-slash, throwing in 12 homeruns and eight stolen bases, and just in his second year in the majors. So what’s the rub? Well, ain’t no one rubbing me, so in terms of Steer, well, nothing really. While I generally like to cover players that are on the fine line of production and, well, not much production, Steer may not actually be that. But whatever, I have the terrible pun and already spent 150 words telling you my content ranges from helpful to unhelpful, so we’re all pot committed. Let’s go!
To here, quarter of an inch below the last line. The scenic route, some would say. (No one.) Now, despite the nice year Steer is having at the 76 game mark, I should note that his 2022 was a bit different. In just 28 games, he hit just 211/306/326 and an inflated 24.1 K%. Besides the usual caveat of small sample size, let’s go over what changed, how sustainable it is, and what might be in Steer for store. Store for Steer. Whatever.
One of three prospects acquired by the Reds from the Twins at last year’s trade deadline, at that point he had homered 23 times during two minor league stops, and slashed 289/356/498. Drafted back in 2019, interestingly enough Steer was projected to be a player that contributed a mile wide and an inch deep, much like my love-making. His defense played at multiple positions, he had a good feel at the plate, middling power, but okay contact. His ceiling ranged from platoon player to super utility savant, so not a very high one, but the floor was there, and of course in the Major Leagues, there is always room for this type of toolkit.
And now that Steer is in his mid-20’s, his “average-like” talents are paying off. The well-rounded approach has translated into an offensive output that is great, not good. Combine that with his positional eligibility, you have a guy who can carry value around your lineup, versatility that will also provide more volume at the plate as well.
But are there any red flags? Could we Steer the wrong way? (See what I did there?) Well, the 24.1 K% last season was a bit high. While his BB% has stayed nominal and stable the past two seasons (10.2% to 10.5%), the drop to this year’s 18.0 K% has no doubt helped fuel the production. And when you dive into his Plate Discipline numbers, all of them are pretty much in line with last season’s, kinda showing that he’s still swinging and taking in the same way, just better.
In fact, the only red flag I see is his original prospect ceiling. But is it really? Everything he was projected to be, he kinda is, he’s just doing it better than expected. Generally, of course, one might say he’s playing above his head, but statistically speaking, I personally just think he’s where he should be, especially when you see the commitment the Reds have in getting him at-bats and keeping him on the field. So yes, there are players that do it better that are probably around the same spot in value, but across the board, Spencer Steer will offer you nice stuff on a consistent basis. And who doesn’t want that, in all facets of life? DEEP BRO. Anyways, I don’t want to end on another driving pun, so just keep an eye on Steer if you don’t have him, and if you already do, just enjoy the drive…
Sorry. (Maybe.)
Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell.
