Spencer Steer was thought to be one of the top right-handed power hitters potentially available ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Justin Casterline / Getty ImagesJuly 27, 2026 Updated 2:27 pm EDTThe market for right-handed hitters ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline just took a hit. The Cincinnati Reds are expected to place utility player Spencer Steer on the injured list with a right wrist sprain after Steer injured himself while hitting a foul ball Sunday, according to a team source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move was not yet official.Steer left the game in the fifth inning on Sunday with wrist pain. ESPN first reported he could miss “significant time.”
That may not have vital implications for the Reds, who are mired in last place in the National League Central. But it may make a difference for contenders trawling the trade market for hitters.Steer has hit 16 home runs with a .739 OPS this season. He can play a variety of positions around the diamond, and has clobbered left-handed pitching.With Steer on the shelf, the price for any available right-handed hitters may only increase. The Boston Red Sox already paid a premium, in the form of young pitcher Connelly Early, to acquire Washington Nationals infielder Curtis Mead.— The Athletic‘s C. Trent Rosecrans contributed to this report.
