Projected Dodgers Lineup Following the Gavin Lux Trade to the Reds
The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their ability to adapt and evolve, building teams capable of competing at the highest levels year after year. However, recent moves indicate that even a powerhouse like the Dodgers must be willing to make bold decisions to maintain a competitive edge. One of the most talked-about trades this offseason has been the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to send young star Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for a package of prospects. This trade has left many fans wondering what the Dodgers’ lineup will look like for the upcoming season, given Lux’s importance to the team as a potential cornerstone player. The departure of Lux raises several questions about how the Dodgers will fill the void left by his exit and what the future of their roster will look like.
In this article, we will explore the impact of the trade on the Dodgers’ roster, analyze the potential solutions to replace Lux’s position, and predict what the starting lineup could look like as the 2025 season approaches.
Background on the Trade
In early January 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers shocked the baseball world by trading Gavin Lux, their promising middle infielder, to the Cincinnati Reds. The trade came as a surprise for several reasons: Lux had been considered a key part of the Dodgers’ future, and the team’s infield depth appeared strong with him in the fold. However, the Dodgers’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, saw an opportunity to strengthen the roster elsewhere, particularly in the pitching staff and the upper levels of the minor league system. The Reds, in need of a reliable and cost-controlled middle infielder, were eager to acquire Lux, who is known for his strong bat and solid defensive skills.
In return for Lux, the Dodgers received a promising package of young players, including a talented pitching prospect and a versatile infield prospect who could be ready to contribute in the near future. While the details of the trade are still being analyzed, it is clear that the Dodgers are placing their faith in the flexibility and depth of their roster, betting that they can adjust their lineup to accommodate Lux’s departure.
Who Replaces Gavin Lux?
One of the first and most important questions following this trade is how the Dodgers plan to replace Gavin Lux in their starting lineup. Lux had established himself as a versatile player who could handle both second base and shortstop, offering a blend of offensive production and defensive reliability. Replacing him won’t be easy, but there are several players on the Dodgers’ roster who could step in and fill that gap.
Second Base: Miguel Vargas
With Lux out of the picture, one potential solution for the Dodgers is to slide Miguel Vargas into the everyday role at second base. Vargas, who made his MLB debut in 2023, is a highly touted young player with impressive bat-to-ball skills and solid power potential. Although Vargas has mostly played third base in his early career, his ability to handle second base defensively should allow him to take over the position without much difficulty.
Vargas’ offensive game is where he could make a real difference in replacing Lux. The 24-year-old has shown the ability to hit for both average and power in the minors, and he has a keen eye at the plate, drawing walks and getting on base at an impressive clip. While he may not be the same type of speedster as Lux, Vargas can certainly offer an upgrade offensively at the position. His emergence as a full-time player at second base could be one of the bright spots for the Dodgers in 2025.
Shortstop: Chris Taylor or Mookie Betts
With Lux no longer available to hold down shortstop duties, the Dodgers are likely to turn to a combination of Chris Taylor and Mookie Betts to handle the position in the short term. Taylor has been an invaluable utility player for the Dodgers since 2016, playing nearly every position on the field, including shortstop. While he may not be an elite defender at short, he is a capable one and brings the versatility to adjust to a variety of roles.
Mookie Betts, on the other hand, is one of the best all-around players in the league. Though primarily an outfielder, Betts has experience playing second base and could also handle the shortstop role if needed. His elite athleticism and ability to make highlight-reel plays could make him a viable option in the infield, though the Dodgers would likely prefer to keep him in the outfield as much as possible.
Projected Starting Lineup
With Lux now part of the Reds, the Dodgers will need to find new ways to fill out their lineup while maintaining a strong and competitive team. Below is a projected starting lineup for the 2025 season, based on the current roster and recent trends.
- Mookie Betts – Right Field
Betts remains the centerpiece of the Dodgers’ offense, bringing elite defense, power, and leadership to the table. While he may spend some time at shortstop, Betts is far more valuable to the team in right field, where he remains one of the league’s best defenders. At the plate, Betts continues to be one of the most consistent hitters in the game, combining high on-base percentages with power and speed. He’s a natural leadoff hitter who sets the tone for the rest of the lineup. - Freddie Freeman – First Base
Freddie Freeman, one of the premier hitters in the game, continues to be a constant in the Dodgers’ lineup. His ability to hit for average, power, and get on base makes him the perfect candidate to bat second. Freeman’s disciplined approach at the plate and his veteran leadership are crucial to the success of the team. - Will Smith – Catcher
Will Smith has emerged as one of the best all-around catchers in baseball. His combination of power and defensive prowess behind the plate has made him a key figure in the Dodgers’ lineup. Smith’s ability to handle a pitching staff and contribute offensively makes him one of the team’s most valuable players, and he will continue to play a central role in 2025. - Max Muncy – Third Base
Max Muncy is one of the most dangerous hitters in the Dodgers’ lineup, known for his power and ability to draw walks. While he has been a staple at second base and first base in the past, Muncy has seen time at third base and could shift over to fill the void left by Lux’s departure. His ability to provide home-run power will continue to be a major weapon for the Dodgers in the middle of the lineup. - Miguel Vargas – Second Base
As mentioned earlier, Miguel Vargas is expected to take over second base full-time after the trade of Gavin Lux. Vargas is a potential breakout candidate in 2025, and the Dodgers are betting on his bat to help carry the offense. If he continues his upward trajectory, Vargas could become one of the key contributors in the middle of the lineup. - Chris Taylor – Shortstop
Chris Taylor will likely assume the everyday shortstop role, given his experience and versatility. While Taylor may not be the long-term solution at the position, he provides the Dodgers with a steady hand at shortstop and will likely bat in the bottom half of the lineup. His ability to play multiple positions gives the team flexibility as they navigate the season. - James Outman – Center Field
James Outman will have the opportunity to solidify himself as the everyday center fielder in 2025. Outman has shown flashes of power and speed, and the Dodgers are hoping he can build on his promising 2024 season. His ability to play solid defense in center field while contributing offensively makes him an exciting player to watch. - David Peralta – Left Field
The veteran David Peralta will continue to provide stability in left field. Peralta’s steady bat and veteran presence offer the Dodgers depth at the bottom of the lineup. While he may not be the high-ceiling player some fans hope for, Peralta is a reliable option and an important piece of the puzzle.