Gavin Lux's expanding role has far-reaching impacts as Reds roster battle escalates

As spring training kicked off, the general consensus surrounding the Cincinnati Reds was that offseason acquisition Gavin Lux would primarily showcase his infield versatility. However, the whispers of an outfield experiment have become a reality. On Tuesday, the Reds officially tested that theory, and deployed Lux in left field against the Colorado Rockies.

While Lux has spent the majority of his time at third base this spring, his defensive capabilities make him a logical candidate for a utility role. If he finds success in this capacity, it could create a significant chain reaction for the Reds' already crowded outfield.

With Opening Day approaching, the Reds’ outfield appears to be shaping up with TJ Friedl locked into center field, while Austin Hays is expected to slot into one of the corner spots. The final configuration, however, hinges on the availability of Spencer Steer, whose status remains uncertain. Stuart Fairchild also seems like a strong candidate to make the roster given his experience, alongside Jake Fraley as well.

Reds roster battle escalates as Gavin Lux's move to the outfield could affect Will Benson and others

But if Lux proves capable in the outfield, what does that mean for Will Benson, a player with undeniable raw talent, or top prospect Blake Dunn? Looking at their 2024 performances, neither did much to cement a starting role with both finishing the season under the Mendoza Line.

Benson, despite hitting 14 home runs and stealing 16 bases, struggled mightily at the plate, striking out 154 times and finishing with a .187 batting average. Dunn, on the other hand, had only a brief stint in the majors, collecting four hits in 29 plate appearances with 11 strikeouts, hardly an upgrade over Benson.

With both players under the microscope this spring, Dunn has taken the early lead in the competition. He’s batting .278 with a home run and four RBI, whereas Benson has posted a .200 average with two solo home runs over 18 plate appearances. While small sample sizes make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions, Dunn’s performance has been encouraging, especially if Steer isn't ready for Opening Day.

Who will grab the final spot on the Reds Opening Day roster?

As much as Reds fans may want to see Benson succeed, his struggles at the plate remain a concern. With Terry Francona now steering the ship, the Reds are shifting toward a win-now mentality, positioning themselves as a legitimate playoff contender in the NL Central. While 2025 may not exactly be their true breakout year, they are much closer than many expected, meaning tough roster decisions are inevitable.

If Lux emerges as a viable outfield option, the Reds may decide that Benson would benefit from refining his mechanics elsewhere, whether that means a stint in Triple-A or even a change of scenery via trade.

Regardless of how the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: the Lux experiment presents the Reds with an exciting problem to solve. In a season where every roster move carries significant weight, the organization must balance development with contention, a welcomed challenge that could shape the team’s trajectory for 2025 and beyond.

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