Kyle Schwarber buzz will have one Reds player bracing for a Winter Meetings exit

The Kyle Schwarber rumors continue to grow, and with each passing day, the Cincinnati Reds fanbase gets more and more excited (and nervous). Whether the Reds are able to seal the deal is another matter entirely, but the fact that Cincinnati is even in the discussion is something most fans thought would be impossible when the offseason began.

If the Reds are able to get this deal across the finish line, Schwarber would immediately upgrade the lineup. Adding the 33-year-old slugger would bring protection for the Reds superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz, and add a needed veteran presence to the clubhouse.

But if Schwarber and the Reds work out a blockbuster deal ahead of (or during) the MLB Winter Meetings, Gavin Lux is as good as gone. There were some Reds fans who assumed he'd be let go at last month's non-tender deadline, but inking Schwarber would seal Lux's fate for good.

Look for Gavin Lux to be traded if the Reds sign Kyle Schwarber

Lux was traded to the Reds last winter after the Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent infielder Hye-Seong Kim. The same thing could happen this offseason if Schwarber joins the Reds. Though Lux has the ability to play multiple positions, he spent his most time (59 games) at DH last season.

Furthermore, the Reds will need to reallocate some resources, and there's just no way to justify paying Lux an estimated $5 million to be little more than a bench bat. Though he has a good eye at the dish, as evidenced by his .350 on-base percentage ad 11.1% walk rate, there's no power to speak of. Lux posted a meager .374 slugging percentage in 2025 with a .105 ISO while hitting just five home runs.

Even if the Reds didn't add Schwarber to the roster this winter, it's tough to see a spot for Lux in the everyday lineup. De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and Spencer Steer will likely fill out the infield. Sal Stewart would give them far more power from the DH spot, and it's difficult to see the Reds deciding to platoon Lux with their up-and-coming rookie.

The Reds tried to add left field to Lux's repertoire in 2025, only to watch him post horrific defensive numbers. He was worth -5 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -6 outs above average (OAA) across 54 games in the left field, and with a far superior defender in Will Benson also hitting from the left side, it's difficult to see Cincinnati giving Lux many opportunities on the outfield grass.

Lux is already on thin ice, and signing Schwarber would cause it to break through. The Reds may already be fielding offers for Lux, and those calls could increase at next week's Winter Meetings.