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Fantasy baseball: Analyzing the Cincinnati Reds after their win streak comes to a close

By Chris Timoney

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: Spencer Steer #7 of the Cincinnati Reds throws to first base in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark on March 10, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: Spencer Steer #7 of the Cincinnati Reds throws to first base in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training game at Goodyear Ballpark on March 10, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The longest winning streak of the MLB season came to an end Saturday at the hands of one of the best teams in the league. The 12-game winning streak for the Cincinnati Reds had been the talk of baseball. However, thanks to one of the best teams in baseball, it’s all over. The Reds managed to beat the Atlanta Braves Friday night for their 12th victory in a row, but dropped two 7-6 decisions in a row to the National League’s best team and are eager to get another win streak going.

With the national spotlight on them now dimmed a bit, let’s take a look at the fantasy baseball prospects for some Cincinnati Reds players so that you can get a winning streak of your own going

Spencer Steer, First Baseman/Third Baseman

With all the excitement around Cincinnati’s win streak, you would think everyone in the lineup rode the wave of success and upped their production numbers. Not exactly. Although second-year cornerman Spencer Steer is enjoying a nice sophomore season in the Bigs, he wasn’t exactly a reason the Reds won 12 in a row. On the season, Steer is .274 with 11 homers and 43 RBI, but his average is down .017 since peaking at .291 on June 7, two games prior to the Reds season-high win streak.

During the captivating run for the Reds, Steer stumbled going only 8-for-42 (.190) with two home runs, eight RBI and nine strikeouts. Along with his batting average, Steer’s OBP, SLG and OPS all fell significantly while his team was shooting up the NL Central standings. It’s quite possible Steer is going through a June swoon and sophomore slump at the same time after a solid May where he hit .318. Since that June 7 game against the Dodgers, Steer has hit just .218 with three homers, 11 RBI, three stolen bases and 10 strikeouts.

With the Reds run of victories in the record books, Steer may be coming back to life. In the two losses to Atlanta over the weekend, Steer went 3-for-8 with a home run, three RBI and a stolen base. The Reds have Baltimore, San Diego, Washington and Milwaukee on the schedule heading into the All-Star break. On the season, Steer is 5-for-24 against the Padres and Brewers, while the Reds have yet to face the Orioles and Nationals this season.

Since he plays at both first and third base, Steer is a quality depth guy to have on your roster. He performs a touch better at the plate when playing third base, but still more than reliable when he’s holding down first base. Go grab him and stash him. If he heats up back to those June 7 numbers, he could be trade bait in your league if an injury around the league pops up.

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