Reds Utility Star Spencer Steer Recognized With Prestigious MLB Honor

The beloved Reds utility man earns a deserving award.

Jul 17, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Spencer Steer (7) rounds the bases on an inside the park home run in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Reds have been looking like a completely different team since season play resumed after the MLB All-Star break.

While the team has been dealing with one injury after another, it's not out of the realm of possibility for the Reds to somehow sneak into the postseason once again this year.

One of the important players on the injured list for the Reds right now is utility man Spencer Steer. No matter where he is asked to play, Steer gives his all and is an important part of this franchise.

On Friday, the Reds shared on their official X account that Steer has received an incredible honor amongst his peers.

Ultimate Baseball Guy

Cincinnati Reds central fielder Spencer Steer (7) catches a fly ball in the ninth inning between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sunday, July 12, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association has announced Steer as the winner of the Hustle & Heart Award.

According to the official MLB website, the award is voted on by current players and alumni and is given to an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit, and traditions of the game.

If you were to describe one player on the Reds' roster who fits the description of this award, it would have to be Steer.

The beloved Reds star will play any position in the outfield, third base, second base, or first base. If manager Terry Francona asked him to pitch or catch, Steer would give it all he has.

Terribly Missed

Jul 26, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Spencer Steer (7) is checked on by Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) and training staff during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steer suffered a right wrist sprain back in late July that sent him to the injured list. The recent update is that Steer will have his wrist re-evaluated on August 10th.

Before his recent stint on the injured list, Steer was batting .238 with an OPS of .739. The numbers are not why Steer is in the spotlight. It's his approach to the game that is and should be celebrated.

Steer's injury also came at a very strange time for the Reds. As the trade deadline was approaching, many felt Steer would be a name to watch for the franchise. However, his wrist injury put him on the shelf and shut down any potential moves the team may have made.

Jul 12, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (7) hits a single in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's really hard to see a reality where the current Reds roster can make a postseason run. The starting pitching staff has been decimated, and it is uncertain if Steer can even return this season.

Coming into Saturday's game with the Washington Nationals, the Reds are five games out of the last Wild Card spot in the National League. Maybe if the team gets a good report on Steer, the hope meter will rise for those playoff dreams.