Spencer Steer – Cincinnati Reds Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Spencer Steer has quickly made a name for himself as a versatile utility player for the Cincinnati Reds. Since his MLB debut, he’s shown he can handle just about any position the team throws at him. Born December 7, 1997, in Long Beach, California, Steer first starred at Oregon in college. The Minnesota Twins picked him in the third round of the 2019 draft, but he eventually landed in Cincinnati.

Spencer Steer is playing on a one-year, $780,000 contract with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2025 season, and his estimated net worth sits around $3.2 million. That salary is a bump from last year’s $720,000, a clear sign the Reds value what he brings.

What really sets Steer apart is his defensive flexibility. He’s played left field, first base, second base, and third base. That kind of versatility, paired with a steadily improving bat, has made him a key piece for the Reds as they try to build a contender in the National League Central.

Early Life and Background

Spencer Steer’s early years shaped both his athletic and academic paths. He spent time in Mississippi, and those experiences built the foundation for his baseball journey.

Childhood in Mississippi

Steer was born in Long Beach, California, but spent a good chunk of his childhood in Mississippi. That southern upbringing played a big role in shaping who he is.

Mississippi’s strong baseball culture fueled his passion for the game. Even though the state isn’t huge, it’s churned out plenty of talented players, and Steer found lots of chances to sharpen his skills there.

While growing up, Steer experienced Mississippi’s diverse culture, including its African American heritage, which added some real depth to his upbringing.

Education and Athletics

Steer’s family always pushed the importance of education along with sports, and he really took that to heart. That balance has served him well.

In high school, Steer built a reputation as a multi-talented athlete, but baseball always seemed to be his calling. His athleticism and relentless work ethic stood out, and coaches noticed his potential as a utility player.

His baseball skills got him noticed beyond his local scene, and he eventually earned a spot at the University of Oregon. That’s where he really developed before the Twins drafted him in 2019.

Spending time near the University of Mississippi Medical Center exposed Steer to communities where sports brought people from all backgrounds together.

Professional Baseball Career

Spencer Steer’s pro journey highlights his adaptability and growing impact in the big leagues. He’s gone from draft pick to a key utility guy for the Reds, and that path shows just how much he’s grown.

MLB Debut and Development

The Minnesota Twins picked Spencer Steer in the third round (90th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Oregon. He worked his way through the minors until the Twins traded him to the Reds in 2022 as part of the Tyler Mahle deal.

Steer made his MLB debut on September 2, 2022, with Cincinnati. He didn’t waste time—he picked up his first big league hit and home run in that very first game.

During his rookie run, Steer showed off his defensive versatility, bouncing around the infield and outfield. The Reds valued that flexibility, and it gave their lineup more options every day.

Teams and Notable Teammates

Even though the Twins drafted him, Steer has played his entire MLB career with the Reds. That trade to Cincinnati gave him a real shot to prove himself in the majors.

With the Reds, Steer has shared the field with some exciting young talent. He’s played alongside Elly De La Cruz, whose athleticism is just electric. He’s also teamed up with Jonathan India, making for a promising young infield.

The chemistry with Christian Encarnacion-Strand and the rest of the young Reds core has been a big part of the team’s growth. These guys are all trying to push the Reds back into contention in the NL Central.

Key Career Highlights

Steer’s versatility is his calling card. He’s played first base, third base, and left field at the Major League level, giving the Reds a lot of flexibility.

After his call-up, Steer’s bat started to heat up. He’s turned into a reliable run producer, showing both power and the ability to come through in key spots.

He’s still on a team-friendly contract. In 2023, he signed a one-year, $780,000 contract, which is a steal for the kind of production he’s giving the Reds.

Some of his key achievements:

• Steady improvement in OPS
• More home runs each season
• Multi-position defense
• Clutch hits in big moments

Contract Details

Spencer Steer’s contract situation shows how his value is rising as a versatile infielder for the Reds. His current deal and future earning power really highlight how far he’s come since his minor league days.

Current Contract Information

Steer is playing on a modest contract, still in his pre-arbitration years. For the 2023 season, he earned $720,000 on a one-year deal with Cincinnati. That’s pretty standard for someone who hasn’t hit arbitration yet.

The Reds picked him up from the Twins in a trade on August 2, 2022. They selected his contract and brought him up to the majors on September 1, 2022, starting his MLB service time.

By May 2025, Steer had about 2.035 years of service time, so he’s still in pre-arbitration for now.

Salary and Earnings Progression

Steer’s earnings have followed the usual path for a young MLB player. After being drafted by the Twins in 2019, he signed his first pro contract.

His salary story so far:

• Minor league pay (2019-2022)
• MLB minimum salary after his 2022 call-up
• $720,000 for 2023
• Small raises in the pre-arbitration years (2024-2025)

Right now, his net worth is about $1,425,764, mostly from baseball earnings and maybe a few endorsements. That’s not bad for someone with less than three years in the bigs.

Steer’s ability to cover multiple infield spots has definitely made him more valuable to the Reds.

Qualifying Offer and Negotiations

Steer isn’t eligible for a qualifying offer yet—that’s just for guys hitting free agency. With just over two years of service, the Reds still control his contract for several more years.

If Steer keeps developing, the Reds might look at an early extension, something teams sometimes do to lock in young talent and avoid arbitration headaches.

Some things that could shape future contract talks:

• How he performs through 2025
• His value as a multi-position player
• What similar players are making
• The Reds’ overall payroll game plan

If he doesn’t sign an extension, Steer will likely head into salary arbitration after the 2025 season. If his numbers keep climbing, his pay could jump pretty fast. His agent will probably point to his defense and offense as reasons for a bigger payday.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Spencer Steer has already built up some solid financial value through his Reds contract and maybe some off-field income too. His net worth is growing as he cements his place as a utility guy in the majors.

Estimated Net Worth

Steer’s net worth is estimated between $1.4 and $3.2 million as of 2025. Some sources put it at about $1,425,764, while others go as high as $3.2 million. The difference probably comes down to how they count assets and off-field income.

For 2025, he’s earning $780,000, a bit more than last year. That’s typical for a player still waiting on arbitration.

If Steer keeps improving, he could be looking at a much bigger contract down the road.

Endorsements and Other Income Sources

Details about Steer’s endorsements aren’t public, but most MLB players pick up extra cash from partnerships and sponsorships. His ability to play all over the field makes him a good fit for baseball brands.

Young players like Steer usually land deals for:

• Baseball gear (gloves, bats, cleats)
• Athletic wear
• Local business promos
• Sports nutrition products

The Long Beach native, born December 7, 1997, might also bring in money from:

• Fan event appearances
• Baseball clinics and camps
• Investments or real estate
• Social media promos

As Steer’s game grows, his marketability and endorsement chances should grow too, adding to his financial future.

Achievements and Honors

Spencer Steer has become a valuable utility player for the Reds, earning praise for his flexibility and offensive production since debuting in September 2022.

Significant Awards and Recognition

In the minors, Steer racked up some solid honors. He made the Twins’ Minor League All-Star team, which helped him stand out as a prospect.

After joining the Reds, Steer impressed enough to earn a spot on their 40-man roster. His MLB debut in 2022 was memorable—he notched his first big league hit right away.

The 2023 season was his breakout. He finished high in National League Rookie of the Year voting, though he didn’t take home the award that Shohei Ohtani grabbed in the AL.

Major League Baseball Records

Steer hasn’t broken any huge MLB records like single-season home runs or snagged a Cy Young Award, but he’s been a steady presence for the Reds.

In his first full season (2023), Steer played in 153 games—pretty impressive for a rookie. His numbers looked like this:

• 23 home runs
• 86 RBIs
• .271 batting average

He’s played first, third, and left field, making himself a true asset to the roster.

Steer keeps building his reputation as a reliable utility player with some real power potential as he moves forward with the Reds.

Personal Life and Community Impact

Spencer Steer juggles his baseball career while diving into community work and charitable projects. He doesn’t just stick to the diamond—he’s gotten involved in healthcare advocacy and backs a bunch of community programs, too.

Community Involvement

Steer keeps close ties to his hometown, Long Beach, California. He was born there on December 7, 1997, and even after joining the Cincinnati Reds, he hasn’t forgotten his roots.

Since landing in Cincinnati, he’s jumped right into the local scene. You’ll often find him at Reds fan events, signing autographs and chatting with fans, young and old. People really seem to gravitate toward him, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

When the season winds down, Steer leads baseball clinics for kids, especially in neighborhoods that don’t always get those opportunities. He teaches the basics, but he also talks a lot about sticking with school and not giving up, which feels pretty important.

You might catch him at Cincinnati schools, reading to kids and supporting literacy initiatives. He doesn’t just show up for the photo op—he actually connects with the students.

Charitable Activities

Since his MLB debut on September 2, 2022, Steer has stepped up as a generous supporter of several causes. Even though his salary with the Reds is a modest $780,000, he still puts a good chunk toward charity.

He joins in on Reds Community Fund events, which boost youth baseball and softball across Greater Cincinnati. Thanks to his help, more kids get equipment, better fields, and coaching they might not have had otherwise.

Steer teams up with local food banks to fight food insecurity in Cincinnati. Around the holidays, he pitches in with food drives and even delivers meals himself to families who need a hand.

He’s also a big animal lover. You’ll see him at shelters, spending time with the animals and using his social media to encourage people to adopt pets.

Medical Aid and Advocacy

Steer’s got a real soft spot for healthcare causes, especially when it comes to supporting children’s hospitals. He actually visits Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center pretty regularly, hanging out with young patients and handing out signed memorabilia.

He teams up with the medical center to spread the word about pediatric cancer treatment options. On his social media, you’ll often see him sharing patient stories or celebrating new treatment breakthroughs.

After his own family dealt with illness, Steer started speaking up for better access to medical aid. He’s shown up at fundraising events that help families pay for those pricey treatments insurance just doesn’t fully cover.

Steer also works quietly with the Reds’ medical staff to spot families who need help. Then, he connects them to the right resources and support networks.