The Seattle Mariners find themselves in a familiar position as the MLB trade deadline approaches: a competitive team in search of targeted upgrades to push deeper into the postseason picture.
One name generating buzz as a potential fit is versatile Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer, who could address key weaknesses in the Mariners’ lineup.
In fact, Jim Bowden of The Athletic has tabbed Steer as the best match for Seattle before Aug. 3.
“The Mariners, like the Tigers, really struggle against left-handed pitching, so Steer would be a solid pickup. He can play first base, third base, corner outfield and DH. He’s already up to 16 homers through Wednesday and has hit 20 or more in each of the last three seasons,” Bowden wrote.
The Mariners have shown resilience this season but continue to face challenges against left-handed pitching, a vulnerability that has hampered their offensive consistency at times.
Steer stands out as a player who could provide immediate help in that area while bringing positional flexibility that aligns well with Seattle’s needs. Capable of playing a variety of positions while possessing a reliable bat, he offers the kind of multi-tool utility that modern contenders value highly.
The 28-year-old had posted three straight campaigns of over 20 home runs entering 2026, and he seems primed to rack up another 20-dinger season this year.
From the Reds’ perspective, trading Steer could make sense as part of a broader strategy to reshape their roster, especially if they opt to sell at the deadline.
For Seattle, acquiring him would represent a calculated move to add a right-handed bat who can contribute both now and potentially in future playoff runs. His ability to slot into multiple lineup spots would give manager Scott Servais additional tactical options, particularly in matchups against southpaws.
Trade discussions are still in the early stages across the league, but the Mariners’ interest in players like Steer underscores their commitment to making incremental improvements rather than pursuing splashy, high-cost acquisitions. With their farm system offering enough depth to facilitate deals, Seattle could pursue Steer without sacrificing too much long-term potential.
As the deadline clock ticks down, expect the Mariners to explore options like this one closely. Adding a player of Steer’s profile could provide the kind of boost needed to strengthen their lineup and improve their chances in a tightly contested AL West race.
Whether a deal materializes will depend on negotiations in the coming days, but the fit appears promising on paper for a team hungry to take the next step.
