The decision to move on from Lux was questionable for a Reds team that already needed more offense.
On Thursday, the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay acquired OF/INF Gavin Lux and RHP Christian Clark, Los Angeles acquired OF Josh Lowe and Cincinnati added LHP Brock Burke in the deal.
Acquiring Burke is a fine move, but moving on from Lux was a questionable decision. The Reds' starting rotation is their strength. In all reality, Cincinnati's lineup is its weakness at the moment. Moving on from a veteran hitter in Lux was not the move they needed to make.
Trading Gavin Lux Was a Questionable Decision
Lux, 28, will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Cincinnati's reasoning for moving him in that sense is understandable. For a ball club that already lacks offense but is hoping to compete, though, moving on from one of their more reliable veteran position players was far from an ideal decision.
Once a highly-regarded prospect with the Dodgers, Lux never quite met his lofty expectations in Los Angeles. He dealt with injury trouble which limited him, though. Lux had a strong 2022 campaign with LA and was seemingly poised for a breakout season in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury in spring training.
The Dodgers ultimately moved on after the 2024 season, as they traded Lux to the Reds. In his first and only season with Cincinnati, Lux slashed .269/.350/.374 across 140 games played. He only hit five home runs, but Lux recorded career-high marks of 28 doubles and 120 total hits.
Lux is not a player who provides much in the power department. He is a steady offensive presence who gets on base at a respectable rate. For a team like the Reds, Lux would have offered a necessary boost.
Additionally, Lux's versatility is crucial. In fact, he has experience playing almost every position on the diamond. In his career, Lux has played at least one game at shortstop, second base, third base, left field, center field and right field.
Bringing in Gavin Lux projects to be a good move for the Rays. One has to wonder why the Reds were willing to move on from Lux without acquiring offensive help in return, however. Maybe they have something planned, but if they don't, the Reds' current lineup uncertainty will be a serious question mark during the upcoming '26 campaign.
The Reds should look to add another bat or two before spring training.