Reds biggest arbitration dilemma could split the fanbase

The Cincinnati Reds have 13 players who'll be up for arbitration this offseason. For those unfamiliar, players with more than three, but less than six years of service time are eligible to receive a pay raise through arbitration. Matt McLain is the lone exception this season, as he's likely to qualify for Super Two status.

The Reds are sure to tender contracts to the likes of McLain, Tyler Stephenson, and Brady Singer. Several players who are up for arbitration, however, will be non-tendered next month. Among them are left-handed reliever Sam Moll, utility infielder Santiago Espinal, and right-handed pitcher Ian Gibaut.

But while moving on from the likes of Moll, Espinal, and Gibaut are relatively easy decisions to make, the same cannot be said for Gavin Lux. He fits the mold of a player who's good enough to be tendered a contract for next season, but the estimated price tag ($5 million according to MLB Trade Rumors) might be a bit too steep.

Reds biggest arbitration dilemma will be whether or not to retain Gavin Lux

Lux came to Cincinnati back in January as part of an offseason trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lux led all qualified hitters on the Reds roster in batting average (.269) last season, but his lack of power and questionable defense may give Cincinnati cause to pause this offseason.

Lux increased both his wRC+ (102) and OPS (.724) from 2024, and his .350 on-base percentage was second only to TJ Friedl. But Lux's defensive shortcomings led manager Terry Francona to turn to the 27-year-old as the team's designated hitter more times than not. Lux acted as the Reds' DH 59 times in 2025, while playing 54 games in left field. He also split 23 games between second and third base.

Can the Reds, who are starved for a power-bat, afford to deploy a light-hitting player like Lux as the team's DH in 2026? On the surface, the answer is a resounding no, but it's difficult to see Lux fitting into the lineup otherwise. McLain is the far superior defender at the keystone, and Lux was worth - 5 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -6 outs above average (OAA) in left field last season.

The Reds will almost assuredly tender Lux a contract heading into the offseason, but he may not remain with the club once spring training rolls around. The Dodgers took the same approach with Lux this past offseason, and decided to trade him after signing international free agent infield Hye-Seong Kim.

Reds fans shouldn't expect to see Lux non-tendered next month, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him dealt before Opening Day next March.