Spencer Steer has delivered in key moments multiple times over the past week, and he’s finally starting to resemble the player that Reds fans have come to admire. His clutch three-run homer in the seventh inning on Tuesday night against the Chicago Cubs gave the Reds a lead they wouldn’t surrender—securing a crucial series win against a top divisional rival and playoff contender.
While Steer’s early-season struggles in 2025 were noticeable, manager Terry Francona never wavered in his support. After Tuesday’s big moment, Francona spoke openly about Steer—echoing what many in the fanbase already believed.
️ “If you take his first 50-60 at-bats away, his numbers aren’t down,” Francona told FanDuel Sports Network’s Jim Day. “And he did that because he’s a team guy. He probably shouldn’t have been playing. So, he’s the guy he is right now.”
Earlier in the year, Steer was dealing with a shoulder injury he picked up in spring training, which nearly kept him off the Opening Day roster. But an injury to Austin Hays opened a spot, and Steer joined the team in a limited DH role.
Reflecting on his slow start, Steer told Jim Day:
“What happened in the past happened in the past. I’m just trying to be a tough out and help the team win.”
Francona’s comments made it clear: Steer played through pain for the good of the team. Now that he’s healthy—and back playing defense regularly since late April—he’s quietly returned to his usual form.
If you set aside those first 59 plate appearances, as Francona suggested, Steer’s numbers are right back in line with his career: a .260/.324/.424 slash line and 105 wRC+, nearly identical to the .245/.335/.425 with a 106 wRC+ he posted over his first two seasons.
As any seasoned baseball fan will say: over 162 games, the stats tell the truth. And Spencer Steer is proving that right now. With the Reds chasing a return to the postseason for the first time since 2020, fans are hoping his hot streak carries through the final two months.
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