The Cincinnati Reds have made a notable move to upgrade their lineup and add depth to their infield and outfield mix by acquiring veteran middle infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Reds, looking to bolster their offensive production and defensive flexibility, sent an outfield prospect to the Dodgers in exchange for Lux. This deal comes at a time when the Reds are still trying to find consistency with their positional players, particularly in the infield corners where they struggled in 2024.
While Lux is primarily known as a middle infielder, having played both second base and shortstop during his career, he brings more versatility to the table, making him a valuable asset for a team like the Reds, who have had issues with defensive consistency. Last season, the Reds struggled to produce at the infield corners, including third base and first base. To help address this, Lux might see time at multiple positions, including third, shortstop, second base, and even first base, despite having no big-league experience at the latter. Lux does, however, have some experience at third base, having logged four games there in the minors, and has played left field at the major-league level, adding more positional flexibility to an already fluid Reds lineup.
Lux’s addition to the Reds’ roster is part of an ongoing effort to build a more well-rounded team, one that can compete both offensively and defensively. Lux has been a consistent defensive performer in the major leagues, and that was a big draw for the Reds, who have been challenged on that front in recent seasons. The hope is that Lux can help solidify the team’s defense while also providing a veteran presence in the lineup, something the Reds have been lacking in recent years.
One of the key reasons the Reds made this move is Lux’s ability to hit from the left side of the plate, a much-needed addition to the team’s predominantly right-handed lineup. With right-handed hitters like Nick Senzel, Joey Votto, and Jonathan India, the Reds lacked a consistent left-handed bat in the lineup that could add balance. Lux is a capable hitter who, when healthy, has shown a good approach at the plate. In 2024, despite some struggles, Lux was a key contributor for the Dodgers during their postseason run, and he showed flashes of his potential as a contact hitter with extra-base power. Adding Lux will provide the Reds with a reliable option at the plate, capable of making solid contact and working counts.
The acquisition also presents an opportunity for the Reds to develop their highly regarded middle-infield prospect, Matt McLain. McLain was expected to be the starting second baseman for the Reds in 2025 after his promising 2024 campaign. The addition of Lux now gives the Reds flexibility, as McLain could rotate between second base and other positions in the infield or outfield. McLain even saw some action in center field during the Arizona Fall League this offseason, and the Reds could experiment with using him in that role as well. This allows the Reds to keep McLain’s bat in the lineup while testing him at different spots to maximize his value and create more matchup flexibility.
For the Reds, having a player like Lux who can seamlessly move around the diamond is an asset. Lux’s defensive versatility—having played shortstop, second base, left field, and even third base in the minor leagues—gives the Reds a tool they can use to adjust their lineup and defensive positioning depending on matchups. The ability to move Lux around means that the Reds will have an additional safety net if injuries or slumps affect any of their regular starters, especially in areas like the infield corners. In fact, given the Reds’ struggles in these areas in 2024, adding Lux as a possible option to fill those gaps should be seen as a key improvement.
While Lux does bring defensive stability, the question of where he will play is still unresolved. With multiple players vying for roles in the infield, the Reds will need to figure out the best fit for Lux. The team already has some established players in place, such as Jonathan India at second base and Jose Barrero at shortstop, and Lux’s arrival may force some shuffling to find the right mix. If Lux plays primarily at second or shortstop, it could push McLain into a super-utility role, while Lux himself could rotate in and out of different positions based on need. His ability to fill in at the corners will be key for the Reds, and his experience at multiple positions could help mitigate some of the team’s previous issues with depth and consistency.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his exact role, Lux’s acquisition does give the Reds flexibility and a more balanced lineup. His ability to play multiple positions will allow manager David Bell to experiment and get the best production out of the team’s young stars. Additionally, Lux’s veteran presence will likely benefit some of the Reds’ younger players, especially in terms of helping them grow as major-league contributors and instilling the importance of adaptability and hard work.
Looking at the long-term impact of this trade, the Reds will benefit from adding a left-handed bat to their mix. While the team continues to rebuild and develop their young talent, having a steady veteran presence like Lux provides a stabilizing force. His ability to play different positions, hit for average, and contribute defensively makes him a smart move as the Reds continue to round out their roster.
Ultimately, the acquisition of Gavin Lux by the Cincinnati Reds addresses several areas of need for the team. With the need for increased production at the infield corners, defensive flexibility, and a left-handed bat, Lux fits the bill. While his exact role may evolve over time, the Reds now have the ability to move players around, experiment with different lineups, and increase their depth—crucial elements for a team that is looking to stay competitive in the National League Central division.
As the Reds look to build on their positive momentum from the previous season, Lux’s versatility, experience, and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball could prove to be a difference-maker. Whether he’s playing second base, shortstop, third base, or even moving to the outfield, Lux will be an important piece of the puzzle for the Reds as they look to make a run at the postseason in 2025.
