Reds have a built-in replacement that makes Gavin Lux expendable this offseason

Cincinnati Reds utility man Gavin Lux had his ups and downs in 2025. During his first season in Cincinnati, Lux shows tremendous versatility and team-oriented attitude, but his overall production was lacking.

The Reds were hoping to see the same player who posted a .274/.363/.432 slash line and 124 wRC+ during the final two months of the 2024 season, but instead, Lux hit .269/.350/.374 with a 102 wRC+. While those aren't horrific numbers, the Reds now have to decide whether or not that type of performance is worth an estimated $5 million in arbitration.

Though Lux's versatility will surely be cited as a reason to retain the 27-year-old, Spencer Steer can serve a similar role in 2026 and allow the Reds to free up another $5 million in payroll. Steer's presence on the roster may allow the Reds to non-tender Lux before next month's deadline or shop him during the offseason.

Reds slugger Spencer Steer makes Gavin Lux expendable this offseason

Steer didn't have a phenomenal year in his own right, though he did appear to turn a corner during the final month of the season. Steer was limited to DH duty early on in 2025 because a lingering shoulder injury, and even once he was cleared to throw, spent most of his time at first base.

One can assume that if Steer enjoys a healthy offseason he'll come into Goodyear ready to take on the role that he did in 2024; one of a super utility player. Throughout his minor league career, Steer has been widely viewed as a versatile fielder. Though he may not be an elite defender anywhere outside of first base, Steer ability to play a variety of different positions is one of his greatest assets.

With Sal Stewart earning a call-up last September and logging meaningful time at first base, it's safe to assume that he and Steer will (at the very least) be sharing defensive duties in 2026. If that's the case, Steer could be deployed all over the diamond, much like Lux was in 2025, and thus eliminate the need for Cincinnati to spend that additional $5 million on a redundant position.

It seems unlikely that Cincinnati will non-tender Lux and lose him for nothing, but Reds fans shouldn't rule out an offseason trade.