On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds made an unexpected trade, acquiring former Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Gavin Lux.
Reds beat writer Charlie Goldsmith reported the news, noting that Lux is expected to take on a super-utility role with Cincinnati, further strengthening their roster depth.
As a consequence of the trade, the Reds designated Roansy Contreras for assignment. The team now has five days to either trade Contreras or place him on waivers. Interestingly, Cincinnati had just claimed him earlier this offseason after he was DFA’d by the Texas Rangers.
Contreras, 25, was ranked as MLB’s No. 71 prospect in 2022. He debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021 and posted a 9-12 record over four seasons, with a 4.83 ERA in 53 appearances (30 starts). Pittsburgh initially acquired him in the deal that sent Jameson Taillon to the Yankees.
Given his youth and former prospect status, Contreras is likely to receive another opportunity this offseason. With pitchers and catchers reporting in about five weeks, he’ll aim to secure a spot before spring training to compete for a roster position.
With Contreras out of the mix, the Reds still have several rotation candidates, including Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene, Nick Martinez, Owen White, Graham Ashcraft, and Brady Singer.
The Reds finished fourth in the National League Central last season, missing the playoffs. They haven’t reached the postseason since the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.
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