Peculiar Gavin Lux trade isn't as complicated as some Reds fans want to believe

Regardless of what Cincinnati Reds fans may think, acquiring Gavin Lux is a benefit in more ways than one. Cincinnati has been actively building their roster these last few months, and winning the sweepstakes over other clubs who were interested in Lux is another move that only solidifies an impressive winter for Nick Krall and his front office staff.

Lux will have a versatile role with the Reds on defense. He can play any infield position at a respectable rate, but also has the ability to roam the outfield when needed. This is a major plus for the Reds, considering they need help at third base during the upcoming season. Cincinnati will also be getting Lux at a discounted rate of about $2.5 million, with one more year of team control beyond 2025.

The 26-year-old is a left-handed hitter, which will balance out a righty-heavy Reds lineup this year. Besides Jake Fraley and TJ Friedl, there are no other full-time lefties in the batting order (though both Elly De La Cruz and Jeimer Candelario can hit from both sides of the plate). Reds manager Terry Francona now has even more flexibility when filling out his lineup card.

Gavin Lux trade adds more versatility to the Reds lineup

Lux has turned in two-straight seasons of 2-plus bWAR, and plenty of that comes from his hitting metrics. He tallied 36 extra-base hits last season and drew 44 walks. To make his resumé at the plate a bit more appetizing, Lux ended the season on a four-game hitting streak that saw him go 7-for-15 with five runs, two doubles, two walks, and two runs batted in.

Lux was also clutch in the postseason, as the Los Angeles Dodgers went on to win the World Series over the New York Yankees. Having that playoff experience mixed into the lineup bodes well for the Reds in 2025.

Lux already appears to be comfortable at Great American Ball Park as well. He's a career .296 hitter in Cincinnati, which is his second-best mark at any stadium (minimum 30 plate appearances). Lux is also batting .300 in his career at Busch Stadium with two home runs and two doubles across six games. Dominating the St. Louis Cardinals is what Reds fans love to see, and Lux fits right in already.

Is Lux going to be the franchise's savior? Probably not, but that's fine. His ability to play anywhere on the diamond with tons of playoff experience makes him a tremendous get for Cincinnati. One can only hope he maintains his impressive slash lines in the NL Central, but regardless, Krall and Co. did a nice job securing his bat for the 2025 season.

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