Reds roster changes just reshaped one veteran’s role for 2026

For the majority of his career, Gavin Lux had been an infielder. Originally a shortstop when he came up, Lux developed versatility as a way to stay in a crowded Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup. Second base eventually became his primary home. That was, until 2025, when Lux landed with the Cincinnati Reds and began playing a whole lot more left field.

With the Reds declining Austin Hays' option and Miguel Andujar likely joining him in finding a new home in free agency, it was assumed that when Lux survived the non-tender deadline, left field would be his primary home in 2026.

Things have changed, however. JJ Bleday was signed to serve as the strong-side platoon in left. Shortly thereafter, the Reds acquired Dane Myers from the Miami Marlins. With a career .816 OPS against southpaws, Myers brings a much-needed right-handed presence to the outfield.

The acquisitions of JJ Bleday and Dane Myers likely cause a dramatic role shift for Gavin Lux with the Reds

If Lux is going to find regular at-bats with Cincinnati, it likely won't be in the outfield. The quartet of Bleday, Myers, TJ Friedl, and Noelvi Marte should have the bulk of those reps covered, and if the Reds feel they need a shot in the arm, it appears top prospect Hector Rodriguez could arrive after an impressive surge in 2025.

With Matt McLain's struggles in 2025, it seems that Lux would be a prime insurance policy at second base. That's the position in which he has the most experience, and could serve as a platoon option, complementing the right-handed McLain with his lefty bat should McLain fail to get back on track. In a more dire scenario, perhaps Lux takes over second base completely.

The Reds under Terry Francona, however, have placed an emphasis on defense. With some truly poor defensive metrics, -4 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -3 outs above average (OAA), at second base in 2025, it's questionable how much run Cincinnati will give Lux at that position.

The other, more likely option, is regular reps at DH. Lux's 59 appearances at DH edged out left field (54 games) for his most commonly played position in 2025. There's a bit of an issue there as well, though. The corner infield logjam between Spencer Steer, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and Sal Stewart means either Steer or Stewart needs to be able to get regular work at DH in order to facilitate Hayes' exceptional glove work at the hot corner. That can't happen if Lux clogs up the position.

Ultimately, the most likely scenario is that Lux is something of a nomad. Channeling his versatility, he can fill in around the diamond and cobble together semi-regular at-bats, providing value in the diversity of options he gives Francona. Now he needs to spend the offseason shoring up his defense in order to prove to be a worthy super utility man, given the club's focus on defensive excellence.