Brandon Valenzuela has been floated in a trade pitch that would send him to the Reds for Spencer Steer. The Blue Jays would deal catching depth for a bat.

Avery Chenier of The Gate 14 Podcast made the pitch. He described the target as “a utility guy who can play all over,” the type of player Ross Atkins likes.

Steer hit 16 homers over 98 games in 2026. He's topped 20 homers in three of his five MLB seasons.

He had wrist surgery at the end of the year but should be ready for Opening Day, Chenier said. “Steer is great against lefties; it's a perfect fit,” he added.

Chenier even framed him as a better-hitting version of Ernie Clement, able to play second base and the outfield.

The logic for Cincinnati is simple. Tyler Stephenson is a free agent, and Terry Francona's club needs a catcher.

Brandon Valenzuela's Gold Glove-caliber defence is too valuable to move

But should Toronto bite? Not at this price.

Valenzuela was a Gold Glove finalist in his first big-league season. His arm and framing made him one of the best defensive catchers in the game.

He posted 9 Defensive Runs Saved in just 618.2 innings behind the plate. That's elite production in a part-time role.

The bat is still developing. He hit .222 with nine homers, but showed real pop.

Trading Valenzuela for Steer would be a mistake. Alejandro Kirk played just 79 games in 2026.

A team that just won the Team Gold Glove shouldn't give up its best defensive catcher for a .238 hitter coming off wrist surgery.

It's like selling your spare tire to buy a nicer radio. It sounds great until you get a flat.

The Athletic's Mitch Bannon has also said Valenzuela isn't a trade chip. Toronto seems to agree on his value.

Steer would help, but there are other ways to find right-handed thump. If Ross Atkins moves Valenzuela, it should be for far more than a utility bat.