The Cincinnati Reds have just made a bold offseason move, officially cutting ties with Gavin Lux. After being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers and falling 4.5 games behind the final NL Wild Card spot, the front office finally pulled the trigger on a decision fans had been anticipating: Lux is now on the market.
Acquired just last year from the Dodgers in a trade that cost the Reds their No. 14 prospect Mike Sirota and a competitive balance pick, Lux was expected to be the answer at the hot corner. While his bat has shown flashes—a .732 OPS slightly better than Jonathan India—his defense has been a glaring liability. Baseball Savant rated him at -7 Outs Above Average, the worst of his career, dragging his bWAR down to -0.1.
With Ke’Bryan Hayes now locked in long-term at third base and Miguel Andújar outperforming him as a designated hitter, it became clear Lux no longer fit Cincinnati’s vision. The Reds acted quickly, trading him while they still had one year of team control before 2027 free agency, aiming to recoup a promising prospect and free up payroll for next season.
The move also opens the door for top prospect Sal Stewart, who has been tearing up AAA Louisville with a 1.055 OPS. Stewart, who can play second or third, gives the Reds lineup flexibility and takes pressure off Matt McLain, whose production has slipped after a strong rookie campaign.
The money saved from Lux’s departure will likely be redirected to shoring up the bullpen or adding a defensive outfielder, with Harrison Bader and Cedric Mullins already mentioned as potential targets.
Cincinnati is sending a loud, clear message: they’re serious about building around Elly De La Cruz’s prime and positioning the team for a 2026 playoff push. Trading Lux wasn’t just a move it was a statement.
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