Stephen "Steve" James Reed (born March 11, 1965) is an American former professional baseball player. He played as a right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 17 seasons, from 1988 to 2005. Known for his distinctive sidearm delivery and durability, Reed was a highly effective setup man throughout his career.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Reed was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 1986 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut with the Giants in 1988.
Throughout his extensive career, Reed played for several MLB teams, including:
- San Francisco Giants (1988–1992, 1999–2000)
- Colorado Rockies (1993–1997)
- Boston Red Sox (1997)
- San Diego Padres (1998)
- Atlanta Braves (2002–2003)
- New York Mets (2004)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (2005)
Reed was a consistent and reliable bullpen arm, often serving as a bridge to the closer. His low-slot, sidearm delivery made him particularly difficult for right-handed batters to hit. He was a key component of the Colorado Rockies' "Blake Street Bombers" era bullpens in the mid-1990s and contributed to playoff-bound teams with the Braves and Mets later in his career. By the end of his career, Reed ranked among the all-time leaders in appearances for a relief pitcher, a testament to his longevity and effectiveness.