Reds decision to move Gavin Lux hints at a big infield promotion

Gavin Lux had become a poor fit on the Cincinnati Reds' roster by the time he was traded. At the same time, in trading Lux, the Reds have exacerbated a pre-existing problem. The infield depth chart leaves something to be desired, especially up the middle.

Theoretically, Cincinnati could have Sal Stewart back up Matt McLain at second, but the top prospect isn't a great defensive fit there, and certainly can't handle short.

Other options include Tyler Callihan, who has seen a lot of his prospect shine wear off, and then there's non-roster invitees Michael Chavis and Garrett Hampson. Chavis last played in the big leagues in 2023 and spent last season hitting .171 in the NPB. Hampson posted a 26 wRC+ in 62 games last season. None of these options is a legitimate backup to Elly De La Cruz.

Trading Gavin Lux could open the door for Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo

It's starting to look like the only place that Cincinnati can turn is to its top prospect, Edwin Arroyo. The 2025 season saw a return to action for Arroyo after his 2024 campaign was wiped out by a torn labrum. The 22-year-old worked the full season at Double-A Chattanooga and showed some promising signs as well as some rust.

Arroyo had only appeared in four Double-A games prior to last season, so this proved to be his first true test in the upper minors. The youngster proved his hit tool; his biggest offensive strength was for real, batting .284 with an impressive 80.5% contact rate and a rock-solid 25% line drive rate. He struck out just 16.9% of the time, which marked the lowest K-rate of his career.

However, the youngster's power potential has always been the question. In the lower levels, he was good for about 13 homers a year; however, against Double-A pitching, he managed just three long balls and a .371 slugging percentage. How much of that was due to rust from the shoulder injury versus the uptick in competition is unclear.

Still, contact is the name of his game. He also throws in speed and a flair for being aggressive on the base paths, with a solid glove at shortstop. These traits are all encouraging and should serve him well.

The young switch-hitter really heated up during the offseason when he returned home to Puerto Rico and generated some buzz playing winter ball. In 70 plate appearances, Arroyo slashed .355/.429/.468 with zero homers, but five doubles and a triple.

Arroyo will have to earn it, but he checks a lot of boxes for the Reds thanks to the balance he can add to the lineup, his defensive prowess at both up-the-middle positions, and his fiery play style. The Reds would likely prefer a more experienced option, but one doesn't exist on the roster, and the funds to go find one are limited when greater needs exist.

At the end of the day, it could be for the best, because if Arroyo arrives and can produce like the club believes he can, he could push for more and more playing time as the year goes on.