The Cincinnati Reds made a noteworthy roster move Thursday night, finalizing a three-team trade that shipped utility infielder Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays. While Lux brought versatility to the roster, his role always seemed a bit crowded in Cincinnati’s infield mix. Now, with Lux off the books, the Reds not only clear a path for one of their promising young players but also create some financial flexibility that could come in handy before Opening Day.
Let’s start with what this means on the field. Rookie Sal Stewart, who’s been turning heads with his potential, suddenly has a much clearer runway to earn regular playing time in 2026.
The Reds have been high on Stewart, and now the opportunity is there for him to prove he belongs at the big-league level. But while this move opens a door for Stewart, it doesn’t fully solve the Reds’ lineup puzzle.
Cincinnati has been in the market for another bat this offseason, but like many mid-market clubs, they’ve been walking a tightrope with payroll. Trading away Lux and his $5.525 million salary while taking back left-hander Brock Burke and his $2.3 million deal gives the Reds about $3.2 million in extra room to maneuver. That might not sound like a game-changer, but in a tight market, every dollar counts - and it could be just enough to bring back a familiar face.
Enter Austin Hays.
The Reds signed Hays to a one-year, $5 million deal last offseason, banking on the version of him that earned an All-Star nod in 2023. Unfortunately, a kidney infection and multiple trips to the injured list in 2024 limited his availability and impact.
Still, when he was healthy, Hays flashed the kind of production that makes a difference in the heart of the lineup. He slashed .266/.315/.453 with 15 homers, 64 RBIs, and a 105 OPS+ - solid numbers, especially considering the stop-and-start nature of his season.
Now, with a healthier, deeper roster that includes Sal Stewart, JJ Bleday, and Dane Myers, the Reds are in a better position to absorb the occasional absence and maximize matchups. Bringing back Hays wouldn’t just be about nostalgia or loyalty - it would be a savvy baseball move.
He brings right-handed pop, can handle a corner outfield spot, and gives manager Terry Francona another chess piece to play with when constructing the lineup. He also offers some protection for Elly De La Cruz, who figures to be a focal point of the offense again this season.
Financially, the Reds are still operating with a cautious approach. If they’re intent on staying under last year’s payroll figure, they’ve got around $7 million left to work with.
That’s likely enough to make a one-year offer to Hays in the $6 million range, possibly with a mutual or player option tacked on for 2027. It’s not a blockbuster move, but it’s the kind of incremental upgrade that can pay off over a long season.
Sure, there are bigger bats still out there. But with limited financial wiggle room, the Reds need to be smart, not splashy.
Re-signing Hays checks a lot of boxes - familiarity, upside, positional fit, and lineup depth - without breaking the bank. And if he can stay healthy, he’s exactly the kind of steady presence that can help Cincinnati stay competitive in a tough division.
The Lux trade might not have made national headlines, but it could end up being a key domino in shaping the Reds’ 2026 roster. Don’t be surprised if it leads to a reunion with Hays - a move that makes baseball sense and fits the budget.