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 Images
July 27, 2026 Updated 2:31 pm EDT
The market for right-handed hitters ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline just took a hit. The Cincinnati Reds have placed utility player Spencer Steer on the injured list with a right wrist sprain, the team announced a day after Steer injured himself while hitting a foul ball.
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.
Jul 27, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle