Mariners linked to Reds' .782 OPS utilityman who'd be a perfect trade deadline fit

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Mariners linked to Reds' .782 OPS utilityman who'd be a perfect trade deadline fit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Mariners aren't having the best 2026 season so far, with the injury to Cal Raleigh recently being the biggest concern for this team.

But, at 21-23, they're still very much in the playoff hunt this season. It would not be a surprise if, come the August 3rd trade deadline, the Mariners were serious buyers.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report linked the Mariners to a few players as deadline targets, with one being Cincinnati Reds utilityman Spencer Steer.

"... but this is a roster that would benefit from a Spencer Steer- or Willi Castro-type who can play virtually any position on the diamond while also hitting the occasional home run," Miller writes.

Steer, the versatile infielder/outfielder, would be a perfect trade deadline addition for the Mariners. Instead of trying to land the best player on the trade block, Steer would be just what this team needs to round out a good roster.

Spencer Steer would be perfect trade deadline target for Mariners​

Steer is 28 years old and will be a free agent after the 2028 season. If Seattle were to trade for him, it would cost a little bit, but he would be a great pickup for the next few years.

This season, he has a .782 OPS with a .259 batting average and nine homers in 147 at-bats. That's some quality offensive production. But, he's more than just a hitter.

Steer would also give the Mariners some flexibility on defense, as he's played a bit of second base, third base, right field, left field, and first base during the 2026 season so far.

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He's also played shortstop at one point during his MLB career, so Steer, the five-year MLB veteran, is someone that the Mariners should strongly consider trading for if possible.

The only issue might be the Reds keeping pace with the National League Wild Card race, which might make Steer someone who's not available for trade.

But if the Mariners could add Steer, he'd be a perfect addition to give Seattle a player who can slot in at one of many different positions every night while also being an above-average hitter.

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