The Cincinnati Reds were recently swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving them 4.5 games behind the final NL Wild Card spot. While the season isn’t officially over, the team should already start looking toward the offseason. One player who could be moved is Gavin Lux, acquired last year with high expectations but ultimately delivering a lackluster performance.
The Reds traded their 14th-ranked prospect, Mike Sirota, and a competitive balance pick to acquire Lux, hoping he would improve on Jonathan India. Offensively, Lux has been slightly better than India, posting a .732 OPS, but his defense has been problematic. Baseball Savant reports a -7 Outs Above Average for Lux, the worst in his career, which has lowered his bWAR to -0.1.
Lux has only one year of team control left before free agency in 2027. Trading him could allow the Reds to acquire a promising prospect, free up salary for free-agent acquisitions, and create opportunities for players like Ke’Bryan Hayes and Miguel Andujar, who have proven themselves defensively and offensively.
Cincinnati’s roster already features solid defenders, with Elly De La Cruz standing out offensively. Lux’s struggles highlight the need to prioritize defense, particularly as top prospect Sal Stewart has been excelling in Triple-A. Stewart, a third baseman, could fill the flex role currently occupied by Lux and potentially play multiple positions to strengthen the roster.
By trading Lux, the Reds could free up resources to improve both the lineup and bullpen. Potential targets include defensive-minded outfielders like Harrison Bader or Cedric Mullins. With these moves, the Reds could build a stronger team capable of competing for a National League playoff spot in 2026.
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