Mets Offseason Trade Targets: Spencer Steer Would Answer More Than Just the First Base Question

We know how the New York Mets are attacking their top offseason goal (improve the pitching staff) through reports about a meeting with Tarik Skubal and interest in the top available left-handed relievers. We don't know where they stand on their secondary goal of upgrading at first base, however.

That leaves the imagination to roam free. Will the Mets sign a free agent such as Ty France or Josh Bell? Will they trade for a big bat such as Yandy Diaz, Alec Burleson or Christian Walker? Will they acquire a lower-profile player such as Andrew Vaughn or Jake Burger?
        
If New York ultimately chooses door No. 3, the lower-profile option, then there's a player who would be a better fit than Vaughn or Burger, and at a decent salary. He would be a sure upgrade over Mark Vientos, if only because he would greatly increase the roster's versatility. And his current team could absorb losing him based on its roster depth.

Why The Mets Should Trade For Spencer Steer

As you probably guessed from the headline, it's Spencer Steer of the Cincinnati Reds. Here's a complete look at why the Mets should go after him this offseason, and guesses on what it might take to get him.

1. He Mashes Left-Handers

Steer would be an ideal complement to Jared Young or Jorge Polanco in a first-base time share. Last season, he slashed .342/.442/.620 (1.062 OPS) with five home runs in 96 plate appearances against southpaws, and his career numbers against them are strong as well: 24 home runs, an .838 OPS, an 11.3 percent walk rate and a 19.3 percent strikeout rate in 600 PAs, basically the equivalent of a full season. He doesn't need to play just at first against lefties, because, as we'll show in a moment, he can play all over the field. But Steer at first and Polanco at DH on a regular basis against southpaws would be a good look.

2. He Can Play Six Positions

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Steer is much more athletic than Vientos. He has made starts at first base, second base, third base and all three outfield spots for the Reds. He would be an ideal utility complement to Brett Baty, assuming Baty doesn't replace Marcus Semien at second. The Mets wouldn't need Steer to play up the middle, just the four corners. Adding a corner outfielder seems important right now, because Christopher Morel and Nick Morabito are the current backup outfield options on the 40-man roster.  

3. He's Relatively Young and Cheap

Steer will turn 29 on Dec. 7. He has four years and 35 days of MLB service time, which means he would come with two more years of team control/arbitration eligibility. MLB Trade Rumors projects that he'll make $5.7 million in 2027. The Mets' '27 payroll could easily land in the $375 million range based on their pitching strategy alone; they could live with a solid utility player in his age-29 year making about the same amount of money as Luis Torrens.

4. The Reds Can Afford to Deal Him

Cincinnati could absorb a trade because of who it has ahead of Steer. NL Rookie of the Year Sal Stewart is entrenched at first, Ke'Bryan Hayes' contract is stuck at third, J.J. Bleday is the everyday left fielder after his career revival and youngster Hector Rodriguez looks like the next big thing in right field. Oswaldo Cabrera could slot into the utility role. The Reds don't have a regular DH after losing Eugenio Suarez and Nathaniel Lowe, and Roster Resource projects Steer to start the season there, but that role could easily be filled by others.

What Would A Mets Trade for Spencer Steer Look Like?

The two years of control mean that Steer would not come cheaply. The Reds should look to acquire long-term, or at least medium-term, assets for him. But they'd need to be realistic; Steer can be a nice player in New York, but he would not be a cornerstone piece. He's also coming off right wrist surgery, although he is expected to be ready for the start of spring training. He was limited to 98 games last season because of injury, but he appeared in 156, 158 and 146 games the previous three seasons.  

Starting pitching would, naturally, be a good starting place in trade talks. The Mets should resist moving Christian Scott or Zac Thornton, and Sean Manaea's $25 million salary for 2027 is prohibitive. Dare we dream that the Reds would take a flyer on Kodai Senga? He regained some trade value as a reluctant closer over the final two months. No doubt the Reds could find room for him in their rotation behind Chase Burns and Andrew Abbott. He's owed $14 million next season and has a 10-team no-trade clause. It's not known if the Reds are on it. He might not be thrilled about moving to Great American Ball Park after his start there in June, but he'd make sure he's starting again if he has a say. Could Steer for Senga, a highly regarded prospect and cash get it done?

Maybe the Reds would like one of the Mets' real relief arms. Cincinnati was 25th in bullpen ERA last season and has already lost closer Emilio Pagan to free agency this month (he signed with the Detroit Tigers). Is there a world where it would take back former Reds reliever Daniel Duarte as part of the return, based on his late-season work in New York? He's 30 but he's also controllable through 2030. An inexpensive arm who's familiar to the organization? It seems worth discussing, at least.

The more realistic scenario, however, is the Mets ponying up prospects. It would be unwise for them to dip into the top half of GCM's Top 20, but a couple of names in the bottom half might work. (Chris Suero? Dylan Ross?) Stearns could flip players he picked up at the trade deadline (Gabe Davis? Aidan Smith?). Here's an interesting thought: Maybe the Reds would take Sammy Stafura, whom they sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade for Hayes in '25.

Steer for Duarte, Stafura and another prospect. Overpay by the Mets? Not enough for the Reds? What do you think?

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