The Cincinnati Reds made a somewhat surprising move on Friday afternoon after agreeing to a minor-league deal with former Gold Glove Award-winner Nathaniel Lowe. His primary spot on the infield has always been first base, a position the Reds have covered in abundance, but Lowe’s presence could mean the end of Spencer Steer’s tenure at the cold corner.
Reds fans shouldn’t panic, obviously. This move was already in the works. While Steer played phenomenal defense at first base last season and was a finalist for the Rawling’s Gold Glove Award at the position, Sal Stewart’s emergence was already causing a logjam on the right side of the infield.
Nathaniel Lowe’s presence on the Reds roster all but guarantees Spencer Steer will be moving off first base
Adding Lowe, however, will help to narrow Steer’s focus in 2026. Rather than having to cover first, second, and the outfield, he can ditch the infield corner and concentrate on the keystone and left field. Though it’s possible Steer could see time in right field as well when Noelvi Marte is absent from the Reds lineup.
The Reds somewhat stumbled into Steer’s proficiency at first base last season. A shoulder injury kept him off the diamond at the outset of the season, and the lingering effects only permitted him to play first base upon his return to the field.
Steer turned in quite the defensive performance, posting 8 defensive runs saved (DRS) and 6 out above average (OAA). He’s always been an average defender at second base, and will spell Matt McLain on occasion during the upcoming season.
Steer’s defensive metrics don’t score nearly as well on the outfield grass, but his bat will force his name onto Terry Francona’s lineup card most nights. Adding Lowe to the roster gives the Reds even more depth, a veteran presence who’s had plenty of success against right-handed pitching, and a mentor for Stewart.
Though some may scratch their heads given the Reds’ depth at first base, it’s hard to complain about adding a player like Lowe on a minor-league deal. If it doesn’t work out, Cincinnati’s lost nothing. If he excels this spring, however, the Reds just added another bat for pennies on the dollar.