Gavin Lux Bids Farewell to a Congested Dodgers Infield, Welcomes a Congested Reds Infield
The Los Angeles Dodgers shook up their infield, and the Cincinnati Reds did too, in a different way. Gavin Lux hopped aboard a train heading for Cincinnati in exchange for minimal league outfielder Mike Sirota and the 37th overall pick in the 2025 draft.
Lux, once a highly-touted top prospect, found his time with the Dodgers a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. The southpaw second baseman finished the 2024 season with a .251 batting average, a .320 on-base percentage, and a .383 slugging percentage in 139 games. His rWAR (Baseball-Reference version) clocked in at 2.1, and a 101 OPS+ indicated a 1% edge over average hitters.
Though a valuable contributor, Lux's output fell short of his once-prominent status as a top prospect. Before the 2020 season, he rested comfortably in second position on the MLB Pipeline Top 100, took the field as a regular in 2021, and floundered at the plate with a .242 average. Fans noticed his bat lagging behind, with a .242/.328/.364 slash line and an 85 OPS+—a far cry from his projection. Defensively, it became clear that Lux wasn't capable of delivering the power arm to secure his spot at shortstop.
Finally, in 2022, Lux showcased a notable turnaround. With a .276 batting average, .346 on-base percentage, and .399 slugging percentage, he amassed a seven-triple National League record. Sadly, his joy was brief—Lux tore his ACL during spring training in 2023 and was sidelined for the entire season. A swift recovery during the following years positioned him for a successful 2024.
The Dodgers reeled in Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim on a three-year, $12.5 million contract. Kim's skillset mirrored Lux's, with the exception that Kim was capable of thriving at shortstop. By allowing Mookie Betts to take up second base regular duties (where he excels), the Dodgers secured their infield with Kim, Miguel Rojas, and Chris Taylor.
Curiously, natural talent isn't lacking in Cincinnati now that Lux has joined their ranks. Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz hold their spots at the top of the Reds lineup, providing exceptional quality at second base and shortstop. De La Cruz's defensive prowess led to the departure of Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals earlier this offseason.
Lux boasts the versatility to play multiple positions, with his greatest experience rooted in the outfield. Though his arm strength barely scratches the top 75% among MLB players, third base might be a distant possibility. The Reds' infield options include candidates Joimer Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and former prospect Noelvi Marte.
Mike Sirota, the Reds' third-round draft pick in 2024 from Northeastern University, has yet to see action in the minors. The draft pick is a competitive balance pick, representing one of the few options teams can trade.
Lux commences his journey in Cincinnati with two remaining seasons of arbitration before reaching free agency following the 2026 campaign. MLB Trade Rumors projects his 2025 earnings at an approximate $2.7 million. The Reds, not unlike the Dodgers, seem to be grappling with a roster surplus. Time will reveal if another trade or a potential position change lurks around the corner for the Reds' middle infield depth.
Gavin Lux's trade to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Mike Sirota and the 37th overall pick in the 2025 draft signified a significant shift for both teams. With Lux joining the Reds, they now have a versatile player who can contribute at multiple positions, including the outfield.
Lux's journey with the Dodgers was marked by highs and lows, particularly in his batting performance. Despite being a highly-touted prospect, his output fell short of expectations, and his defensive skills at shortstop were questionable. However, his 2022 season saw a notable turnaround, with impressive batting stats before his ACL injury in 2023.
In the Reds' lineup, Lux joins natural talents like Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz, providing exceptional quality at second base and shortstop. With Joimer Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Noelvi Marte as potential infield options, the Reds are grappling with a roster surplus, similar to the situation the Dodgers faced due to Lux's high talent level.
