LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers traded second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, shortly after finalizing a $12.5 million, three-year deal with South Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim.
In return, Los Angeles received minor league outfielder Mike Sirota, a grand-nephew of Hall of Fame pitcher Whitey Ford, along with the No. 37 pick in competitive balance round A of July’s amateur draft.
Lux, who earned a $1,225,000 salary last season, is arbitration-eligible for the next two winters and can become a free agent after the 2026 season. The 27-year-old contributed to the Dodgers’ World Series titles in 2020 and 2024.
“He’s someone who can step in, contribute to our lineup, and give it more depth,” Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. “Adding a left-handed bat that performs well against right-handed pitching is a big plus for us.”
Lux’s Comeback and Role Transition
Lux returned in 2024 after missing the entire 2023 season with a torn right ACL sustained during spring training. Initially a shortstop, he transitioned to second base in 2024 following early defensive struggles.
For the upcoming season, the Dodgers plan to use Mookie Betts as their primary shortstop. Betts, who started 61 games at shortstop last year before a broken hand sidelined him in mid-June, returned in August and mostly played right field. He ended the season with 12 starts at second base and 42 in right field. Chris Taylor, Tommy Edman, and Kim are also expected to be second base options.
Lux’s 2024 Stats and Potential Role in Cincinnati
Last season, Lux made 117 starts at second base, hitting .251 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs. Over five seasons with the Dodgers, he has a career batting average of .252, with 28 home runs and 155 RBIs.
According to Krall, Lux’s versatility makes him a candidate to play second base, third base, shortstop, outfield, or designated hitter for the Reds. Cincinnati also expects second baseman Matt McLain to return after missing last season due to shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Jonathan India, who started 132 games at second base for the Reds in 2024, was traded to Kansas City on Nov. 22 in a deal that brought pitcher Brady Singer to Cincinnati.
Additional Roster Moves and Transactions
Mike Sirota, initially drafted by the Dodgers in the 16th round of the 2021 draft but unsigned, played college baseball at Northeastern before being selected by the Reds in the third round last summer. He signed with Cincinnati for $863,300.
To make room for Lux, the Reds designated right-hander Roansy Contreras for assignment. Contreras was claimed off waivers from Texas on Dec. 19. Earlier on Monday, Cincinnati also acquired right-hander Owen White from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash.
Leave a Reply