Why the Reds Were Right to Cut Ties with Gavin Lux
For most of the offseason, the Cincinnati Reds had been focused on bolstering their lineup-adding bats, increasing depth, and building out a roster that could compete over the long haul. But sometimes addition comes through subtraction, and that’s exactly what happened Thursday evening when the Reds traded Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays.
With JJ Bleday and Dane Myers now in the fold, Lux had become the odd man out in a crowded positional picture. And while his versatility once made him a valuable piece, the Reds’ current roster construction-and their defensive priorities-left little room for him to carve out a meaningful role.
The Fit Wasn’t There Anymore
Lux came up as a shortstop, spent plenty of time at second base, and more recently shifted to the outfield. That kind of flexibility is usually a plus. But in Cincinnati’s case, it only highlighted the mismatch.
Left field was never going to be a regular gig for Lux-not with other options available. Moving him back to second base?
That was a non-starter. Terry Francona has made it clear: defense matters.
This is a manager who values run prevention, and the Reds’ midseason trade for Ke’Bryan Hayes last year was a clear signal of that defensive-first mindset.
Lux’s numbers at second didn’t help his case. In just over 124 innings there last season, he posted -4 Defensive Runs Saved and -3 Outs Above Average. That’s not just below average-it’s actively hurting you in the field.
And while DH might seem like a fallback for a bat-first player, that wasn’t a viable solution either. Lux hit just five home runs in 2025 and slugged .374. That’s not enough thump to justify clogging up the DH spot, especially when it means sitting more productive bats like Sal Stewart or Spencer Steer-or elite gloves like Hayes.
A Market Surprisingly Quiet
The surprising part wasn’t that the Reds moved on from Lux-it was that more teams weren’t in the mix. Given how many clubs need help at second base, it’s a little puzzling that the market for Lux didn’t heat up.
Teams like the Red Sox, Mariners, Giants, Angels, and Royals all have question marks at the keystone. And while Lux’s defensive metrics might scare off a team like Cincinnati, others might’ve been more willing to live with the glove in exchange for a steady left-handed bat and above-average plate discipline.
Lux owns a career 10.1% walk rate and has consistently made solid contact. Offensively, he’s hovered around league-average production, which-at second base-isn’t insignificant. That’s a playable profile in the right situation.
Timing Was Everything
Could the Reds have waited? Sure.
They could’ve held on to Lux through spring training or even into the season as injury insurance. But that would’ve been a risky play.
If Lux didn’t get consistent reps, his value might’ve dipped even further. And by the time the trade deadline rolled around, other teams may have already patched their infield holes. Waiting could’ve left the Reds with a depreciating asset and fewer options.
Instead, they acted decisively. And with top prospect Edwin Arroyo waiting in the wings, the Reds have internal depth they can turn to if injuries hit. Arroyo’s not just a stopgap-he’s a potential long-term solution.
The Rays Get a Reclamation Project
Now it’s Tampa Bay’s turn to see what they can do with Lux. The Rays have a track record of squeezing value out of players others have moved on from, and Lux still has tools worth exploring. If they can find the right role-or unlock something at the plate-this could end up being a sneaky win for them.
But for the Reds, this was about clarity. Lux no longer fit the puzzle, and hanging on just for the sake of depth would’ve done more harm than good. In a competitive NL Central, roster spots are too valuable to waste.
This was the right move, and the right time to make it.