REPORT: Terry Francona changes major spring training plans for third base Spencer Steer
New Reds manager Terry Francona confirmed this week that the team plans for Matt McLain to be their everyday second baseman in 2025. After rehabbing in the Arizona Fall League with reps at multiple positions—including shortstop, second, third, and the outfield—McLain is expected to take over at the keystone, replacing Jonathan India.
With McLain set to pair with superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz, the Reds’ middle infield appears solidified. However, the corner infield spots remain uncertain, with Gavin Lux, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, and Jeimer Candelario all in the mix for time at first and third base.
According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Lux, Encarnacion-Strand, and Marte will see significant reps at third base this spring, along with top prospect Cam Collier. Notably absent from that group is Steer, which could indicate that he is settling in as Cincinnati’s everyday first baseman for the 2025 season.
Spencer Steer may be the Reds primary first baseman in 2025
Many Reds fans expected Christian Encarnacion-Strand to take over first base full-time, and he will certainly see plenty of action there. However, Spencer Steer’s lingering shoulder issue appears to be limiting him early in spring training. For now, the 27-year-old is expected to serve primarily as a DH and first baseman without throwing.
Last season, most of Steer’s starts came in the outfield. Originally an infielder, former manager David Bell shifted him to left field, where he started 92 games. He also made 56 starts at first base while seeing additional time at second base, shortstop, and right field. Given his versatility, Steer’s role could still evolve as the Reds sort out their infield and outfield alignments for the 2025 season.
Steer’s transition to the outfield showed his team-first attitude, but his defense there was below par. FanGraphs showed he had -3 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -4 outs above average (OAA) in left field. In contrast, his defensive numbers at first base were much better with 2 DRS and -1 OAA, which explains why Francona is prioritizing more reps for him at first base this spring.
Meanwhile, according to Reds insider Charlie Goldsmith, Cincinnati is splitting Encarnacion-Strand’s playing time between first and third base. CES reportedly worked on improving his athleticism during the offseason, and the Reds are willing to test him more at the hot corner. This battle for third base could end up being a competition between Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario.
Francona could be eyeing an Opening Day infield of Steer (1B), McLain (2B), De La Cruz (SS), and Encarnacion-Strand (3B), with Candelario or Gavin Lux potentially starting at DH. While versatility is a strength, it seems Francona wants to solidify his lineup and give players a clearer role heading into the season.