The Seattle Mariners are in uncharted territory this offseason. In prior years, Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander like to start fast, making moves on the eve of Thanksgiving in 2016 and signing Mitch Garver just days after Christmas. It seems Dipoto’s preferred method is to move fast and get ahead of the market.
Yet, nearing Christmas and the beginning of 2025, the Mariners are still left with a number of holes.
While the team continues to field calls on their starting pitching, it is a familiar trade partner that could make a lot of sense for the Mariners and fill a massive need.
Spencer Steer could be ideal trade target this offseason for Mariners
On Wednesday evening, rumors were circulating that the Cincinnati Reds were making utility man Spencer Steer available for trade. Steer has been a familiar name amongst Mariners fans and has been a pretty exciting, young offensive weapon.
A breakout 2023 season saw the 25-year-old hit .271/.356/.464 with 23 home runs and 15 stolen bases. His 117 wRC+ and 20.9% strikeout rate showed an advanced hitter for just 28 major league games prior to the 2023 season.
His 2024 season was still solid, although there was some regression. His slash line dropped to .225/.319/.402 with 20 home runs, but he increased the stolen bases from 15 to 25. He maintained a solid ability to control the zone (20.9% K rate and 11% BB rate). His 96 wRC+ is concerning and showed some regression, though his road numbers (107 wRC+) provide some hope.
Steer isn’t a great defender anywhere but can stand in at any corner spot on the diamond and possibly a little bit at second base. Steer is still just pre-arbitration, meaning his financial cost is something that Dipoto, Hollander and John Stanton should find very valuable. And as local kid from the University of Oregon, this move is just making more and more sense.
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