Gavin Lux opened Spring Training with the Cincinnati Reds, his first time being with a new club after the better part of a decade with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
The 27-year-old won two World Series with the Dodgers, but faced an uncertain future with a roadblock in position versatility. That led to a trade to the Reds in exchange for prospect Mike Sirota and competitive balance draft pick.
It’s given Lux a fresh start, although he was pulled back to the start of his career on Monday by playing against the Dodgers for the first time.
That prompted Lux to reflect fondly on his time with the Dodgers, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Good relationships. A lot of love for everyone that is still over there. That stuff doesn’t change. You build bonds over years. You never lose those connections with people.”
The Dodgers gave Lux every opportunity to be successful, including a clear runway to being the starting shortstop in 2023 before he suffered a devastating knee injury during Spring Training.
Finding a great landing spot in a trade with the Reds was a best-case scenario for Lux to get as much playing time as he could, which he is appreciative of:
“Obviously you still don’t really expect it after being in one place for so long. But at the same time, it is a business,” Lux said. “They have to do what’s best for them. And I think they did me a solid by getting me to a place that has the expectation of winning and Tito (Terry Francona) is running the show, which is fantastic. He’s one of the most well-respected managers in the game. So I think they did me a favor by sending me to a place where I think they think I can help.”
In five seasons with the Dodgers, Lux batted .252/.326/.383 with 62 doubles, 14 triples and 28 home runs. His talent showed best when put in a utility role, and Lux had spurts when he excelled at the bottom of the lineup.
Lux’s upside was slowed when he had issues with throwing accuracy, leading to a shift to second base toward the end of Spring Training in 2024. The Reds have since shown a willingness to move him around the diamond, opening more of an opportunity for growth.
Lux went 0-for-2 with one walk and one strikeout in the Reds’ win against the Dodgers. He also started an inning-ending double play from third base.
Dodgers’ second base plans after Gavin Lux trade
The Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim to a multi-year contract, with the hope that he can hold a spot at second base and enough of an acumen to play a few positions.
Kim has shown Gold Glove-caliber level of defense, but the Dodgers want to ensure he can shift around, if needed. That’s been accompanied by Tommy Edman making regular starts at second base during Cactus League play thus far.
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