The Cincinnati Reds are reportedly finalizing a trade to acquire infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The Dodgers will receive a Competitive Balance Round A pick (around No. 37) and outfield prospect Mike Sirota in return.
Lux, a former first-round draft pick, has faced a series of setbacks in his career, including a slow start and injury struggles. While he showed promise in 2024, hitting .251/.320/.383 with 10 home runs in 139 games, the Dodgers’ acquisition of Hyeseon Kim in addition to the plentiful stock of infielders made Lux a redundancy on the roster.
Dodgers Acquired Hyeseong Kim, Trade Gavin Lux
Shortly after acquiring Kim, general manager Brandon Gomes downplayed speculation surrounding Lux’s trade possibility, suggesting that the team intends to integrate Kim into the existing roster rather than immediately pursuing a trade.
“I think it’s more that we’re adding a really talented player, and [then we’ll] see where things play out,” Gomes told reporters. “It’s helpful to have really strong pieces at a lot of different areas. So that’s how we’re viewing it right now.”
While primarily a second baseman, Kim possesses experience at both middle infield positions and in left field, adding further flexibility to the roster. His career .304 batting average, coupled with 37 home runs and 211 stolen bases in 953 KBO games, shows his offensive potential. Given the league’s recent rule changes around base running, Kim’s base-stealing acumen will add an additional element to the Dodgers lineup.
The team already boasts a versatile core of utility players, including Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor, and Tommy Edman, who is expected to assume the role of everyday center fielder.
The Reds, who recently traded second baseman Jonathan India to the Royals, will add Lux to a promising young core that includes Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain.