Gavin Lux has turned this former Reds fan-favorite into a distant memory

When Jonathan India was traded this past offseason, many fans throughout Reds Country weren't exactly sure how to feel. India's detractors always cited his below-average defense as a reason to move on from the former NL Rookie of the Year, but there was no denying his leadership in the clubhouse and an inherent ability to get on base with regularity.

But dealing India wasn't the only trade the Cincinnati Reds made this past offseason. The Reds also made a move to bring in former first-round pick Gavin Lux. While Lux isn't considered an elite defender, his bat has been among the best on the team, and his play of late will have many Reds fans forgetting why there was even a mild uproar when India was dealt to the Kansas City Royals.

Gavin Lux has turned former Reds fan-favorite Jonathan India into a distant memory

To his credit, India is doing something in KC that he never did in Cincy. Though then-manager David Bell considered moving India all over the diamond in 2024, the early-season injury to Matt McLain and Noelvi Marte's 80-game suspension forced the Reds' former skipper to keep him at the keystone.

Since arriving in Kansas City, however, India has played multiple positions, including second and third base as well as left field. Unfortunately, shifting India to various positions this season has not improved his overall defense. As a whole, India has been worth -4 defensive runs saved and -10 outs above average.

Offensively, India has been a shell of the player Reds fans remember from his tenure in the Queen City. During his first four big league seasons, India hit .253/.352/.412 with 63 home runs, a 108 wRC+, and was worth 7.9 fWAR. Since joining the Royals, India is hitting just .245/.323/.341 and has only four home runs in 2025. His 86 wRC+ is the worst of his career, and he's currently worth -0.4 fWAR.

Lux, on the other hand, is flourishing with the Reds. Oftentimes finding his home as the No. 2 batter in Cincinnati's lineup behind leadoff hitter TJ Friedl, Lux is hitting .270/.360/.383 on the year with a 106 wRC+ and 0.3 fWAR. Defensively, Lux isn't much better than India (-4 DRS and -3 OAA), but he's absolutely owned right-handed pitching this season. He's hitting .292/.376/.427 and 122 wRC+ against righties.

India certainly endeared himself to the Reds' fanbase and the Cincinnati community during his rookie season, but his downturn in production almost seemed to exasperate fans during his final year with the club. Meanwhile, the Reds have filled his spot in the lineup with Lux's bat and haven't looked back. While Lux may not have the same winsomeness of India, the production he provides has been a welcome change.

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