Inside The Reds

Cincinnati Reds’ Manager Terry Francona Not Ruling Out Outfielder Spencer Steer for Opening Day

Steer is working hard to be ready.

Greg Kuffner

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (7) during the annual team picture day at the Cincinnati Reds Player Development Complex in Goodyear, Ariz., on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (7) during the annual team picture day at the Cincinnati Reds Player Development Complex in Goodyear, Ariz., on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Spencer Steer has not played in a spring training game since February 27 due to his nagging shoulder injury, but he is doing everything he can to try to be ready by Opening Day.

Reds’ manager Terry Francona is not ruling him out yet, either.

“We haven’t closed it out of respect to a kid who has never been on the IL in his whole career,” Francona told MLB.com’s Marketing Sheldon. “And he’s working his ass off.”

Steer could begin throwing as soon as Tuesday.

"I understand the timing of it and I see where we’re at,” Francona continued. “Let’s let him do his thing because he’s really getting after it. I think he deserves the respect of having every chance possible. And if it’s not the right thing, we’re not going to do it.”

Steer is known for his ability to be available. Over his last two full seasons with Cincinnati, he’s played in 314 games. During that time, the 27-year-old has had 120 extra-base hits.

If Steer is not ready for Opening Day, the Reds could carry an extra outfielder which would likely mean Blake Dunn and Jacob Hurtubise would both make the team.

The Reds acquired Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the Minnesota Twins in 2022 for starting pitcher Tyler Mahle.

See Mark Sheldon’s full post here.

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Greg Kuffner
GREG KUFFNER

Greg Kuffner a contributor to Reds On SI. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and worked for the Sports Information Department during his time as a student. He follows all things Reds year round, including the minor league system.

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