Unlike many other small-market teams, the Cincinnati Reds have been slow to adapt to the extension game. They're late to the game in their attempts to extend Elly De La Cruz, missed the boat on keeping a key piece in Tyler Stephenson in the fold, and have several other extension candidates where, if no action is taken soon, they'll be left out in the cold.
One of the underrated players whom they should consider getting a jump on is Spencer Steer. While not a star, Steer can be a big part of putting all the pieces together in 2026, and his willingness to put the team first could be a key to Cincinnati making another playoff run in 2026.