Reds fielding calls on utility player who would be dream Guardians trade target 

For more than a decade, Cleveland Guardians fans got a first-hand look at how much Terry Francoa values a talented utility player. 

From Mike Aviles to Michael Martinez (bad example) and even Tyler Freeman, Francoca always loved having a player in his lineup who could move around and play wherever he needed. 

That love has carried over to his latest stint as manager of the Reds in the form of Spencer Steer, who has appeared at every position but shortstop and catcher this year for Cincinnati. 

Spencer Steer would help solve some of the Guardians' problems

Although Steer’s in the midst of his second straight rough season, he still would be a valuable player for the Guardians via his ability to move around the diamond combined with his team control (he’s under control for two more seasons after this one). 

That subpar performance hasn’t seemed to hurt his trade value, as USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported at the beginning of the All-Star Break that the Reds were getting plenty of trade interest for Steer given the dearth of impact bats available at the deadline. 

Another way that Steer would be able to help the guardians would be his career numbers against lefties, as the right-handed hitting Steer has a .333/.436/.603 slashline against southpaws compared to a .218 batting average against right-handed hitters. 

The Guardians have hit just just .223 against left-handed hitters this year, so Steer would be a breath of fresh air in their left-handed heavy lineup. 

While he’s moved around the diamond, a majority of his appearances have come at first base and left field, which are the two positions Cleveland needs the most help at. 

He’s making $4 million this season and would be owed a little more than $1 million for the rest of the season, though his price tag will obviously go up in the next couple seasons. 

Not only would Steer be an obvious replacement for Rhys Hoskins as Cleveland’s right-handed option at first base alongside Kyle Manzardo, but he’d also be an option in the corner outfield spots alongside Steven Kwan and Chase DeLauter. 

Kwan’s ability to play center would be a huge help in any hypothetical Steer addition since he could move to center while Steer could be in left and DeLauter could be in right. 

Now, the obvious fly in the ointment when it comes to the Guardians’ side is the fact the front office loves to hoard prospects. Normally that’s great; especially since the Guardians are the kind of franchise that needs to build from within. 

But the amount of interest around Steer means that Cleveland would likely have to enter a bidding war for his services. The Guardians could outbid almost every team in baseball, but whether they’ll choose to do so is another story. 

Steer would be a great fit for the Guardians, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be at Progressive Field after the Aug. 3 deadline.

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