Days after Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes reiterated the team’s plan for 2025 was to have Gavin Lux play second base and Mookie Betts start at shortstop, a trade with the Cincinnati Reds meant otherwise.
The Dodgers traded Lux to the Reds in exchange for prospect Mike Sirota and a Round A competitive balance pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. By trading Lux the Dodgers alleviated a bit of a logjam with middle infielders and seemingly are poised to give Hyeseong Kim an opportunity to take hold of the second base position.
It also represents significant change for Lux, who was drafted by the Dodgers in the first round in 2016. While the trade has brought about some mixed feelings, Lux has an optimistic view of joining the Reds, via MLB Network:
“A lot of emotions, man. I’m sure anyone who’s gotten traded can attest to that. You’re excited, you’re nervous, it’s a new place, a place you’ve never been. Obviously, the last nine, 10 years, Dodgers are the only thing I’ve ever known.
“It’s a lot of emotions but I’m excited to get over there and be with that group of guys. There’s a lot of really good, young talent. I’m excited to get over there and help those guys win in any way I can.”
Ironically, the Reds also have a bevy of middle infielders and it could result in Lux filling a utility role. The Dodgers did previously attempt playing their former top prospect at third base, left field and center field after his initial struggles to remain at shortstop.
The Dodgers nevertheless planned to have Lux play shortstop in 2023, only for a significant knee injury in Spring Training caused him to miss the entire year. Lux again was poised to start at shortstop last season but struggled during the spring and was flipped to second base, which he adequately played.
Gavin Lux’s Dodgers career
After establishing himself as the top Dodgers prospect, Lux made his MLB debut in September 2019. He was limited to a bench role during a portion of the shortened 2020 season before taking on a larger role the following year.
Over parts of five seasons with the Dodgers, Lux batted .252/.326/.383 with 62 doubles, 14 triples, 28 home runs and 155 RBI over 412 games.
Lux’s final at-bat with the Dodgers was a game-tying sacrifice fly that also advanced a second runner who later scored the game-winning run on Betts’ fly ball in Game 5 of the World Series.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
