The Cincinnati Reds made a notable roster move this week, sending infielder Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team deal that brought left-handed reliever Brock Burke over from the Los Angeles Angels. On the surface, this looks like a cost-cutting move - the Reds shave about $3 million off the books - but dig a little deeper, and there's more at play here than just payroll flexibility.
This trade opens the door for one of Cincinnati’s most intriguing young talents: Sal Stewart.
Stewart, a 2022 first-round pick, got a brief taste of the majors last September, and while it was a small sample size, the flashes were hard to ignore. Now, with Lux off the roster, the Reds have cleared a path for Stewart to step into a more prominent role - potentially as the team’s everyday designated hitter.
Why the Move Makes Sense for Cincinnati
Let’s be honest - Lux’s fit in Cincinnati was never seamless. The Reds tried to make it work, even giving him innings in the outfield, but his defense struggled to the point where it became a liability.
Eventually, he settled in as a DH, where his solid plate discipline helped him maintain value. Lux rarely chased pitches and drew walks at a healthy clip, but his lack of pop was hard to ignore.
A .374 slugging percentage simply doesn’t cut it in a role that typically demands more offensive punch.
Enter Stewart.
The 22-year-old brings a different kind of offensive profile - one that fits the DH role far better. He’s not just patient at the plate; he’s dangerous.
Stewart’s exit velocities during his September call-up were eye-popping, and his expected slugging percentage (.626 xSLG) was elite, even in limited action. That’s the kind of bat that can change a lineup - and now, he’s got the runway to prove it.
A Logjam Clears
Before the trade, it was tough to see how Stewart would consistently crack the lineup. The Reds’ infield is already crowded with Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, and Ke’Bryan Hayes all locked into starting roles. Stewart has the versatility to move around the infield, but there just wasn’t enough room to get him regular at-bats - especially with Lux occupying the DH spot.
That changes now.
With Terry Francona at the helm, you can expect Stewart to get every opportunity to earn his place in the everyday lineup this spring. The Reds didn’t just clear a roster spot - they cleared a path. And if Stewart’s bat plays the way many believe it can, he won’t be giving that spot back.
What’s Next?
While this trade helps the Reds in the long term and gives Stewart a chance to shine, it also leaves a question unanswered: Will the front office reinvest the savings from this deal into another bat or arm before Opening Day?
That remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that Cincinnati is betting on its youth - and Stewart is at the center of that bet. If his power translates over a full season the way it hinted at last fall, the Reds might have just unlocked a key piece of their future lineup.
For now, all eyes turn to spring training, where Stewart will have the spotlight - and the opportunity - to show he belongs.