The trade deadline is right around the corner, and while most Atlanta Braves fans are focused on starting pitching, the need for a bat persists. Alex Anthopoulos can improve Atlanta's lineup in a multitude of ways, but one low-cost option could prove the most valuable.
Entering the season, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski was supposed to be in a strict platoon against right-handed pitching. The Jurickson Profar suspension and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s hamstring troubles have forced some less than ideal Yaz-platoon partners into action. To solve this issue, Anthopoulos should target Cincinnati Reds utility man and lefty-masher Spencer Steer.
Spencer Steer hits his second home run of the night 😤 pic.twitter.com/4lzY2Ug0ZJ
— MLB (@MLB) June 3, 2026
Spencer Steer is the perfect platoon partner for Yaz, and gives the Braves depth for future seasons
The Reds are in the basement of the NL Central and should be clear sellers at this year's trade deadline. Steer is a 28-year-old, controllable utility man who has strong career numbers against left-handed pitching.
For his career, Steer has a .270/.358/.481 slash line and 126 wRC+ against LHP. Steer is lighting up lefties this season at a career rate; In 97 games played thus far, Steer has an incredible 1.062 OPS and 184 wRC+ against southpaws. This would be a massive upgrade over Yastrzemski's usual platoon partner, Eli White, who has a 95 wRC+ against LHP on the season, and even lower (70 wRC+) against lefties for his career.
Additionally, Steer could platoon with Yaz beyond this season. Steer is under team control through 2028, which just so happens to be the same amount of time Yaz is in Atlanta should they pick up his team option following the 2027 season. Steer's versatility with the glove (played every position except shortstop and catcher this season) would give Atlanta a bit of Mauricio Dubon insurance should the Braves fail to retain him in free agency this offseason.
What we arrive at next is the cost for Steer, which may be steeper than most realize. Steer's ceiling is not that of someone who should command a top-three organizational prospect, but his floor and the multiple years of control do mean Cincinnati could demand someone in Atlanta's top half of most top 30 prospects lists. Considering the upgrade, this is a cost Anthopoulos should go for, but time will tell if the Reds are even interested in trading Steer this trade deadline.
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