BREAKING: Gavin Lux’s expanding role reaching impacts as Reds roster battle escalates
As spring training began, the general expectation for the Cincinnati Reds was that offseason acquisition Gavin Lux would primarily demonstrate his versatility in the infield. However, rumors of an outfield trial have now come to fruition. On Tuesday, the Reds officially tested this idea, starting Lux in left field against the Colorado Rockies.
Though Lux has mostly played third base this spring, his defensive skills make him a natural fit for a utility role. If he succeeds in this position, it could lead to significant changes in the Reds’ already crowded outfield.
With Opening Day nearing, the Reds’ outfield is taking shape, with TJ Friedl firmly in center field and Austin Hays expected to occupy one of the corner spots. The final outfield alignment will depend on the availability of Spencer Steer, whose status is still uncertain. Stuart Fairchild also seems to be a strong contender for the roster due to his experience, along with Jake Fraley.
Reds roster battle escalates as Gavin Lux’s move to the outfield could affect Will Benson and others
If Lux proves capable in the outfield, it raises questions about the futures of Will Benson, a player with undeniable raw talent, and top prospect Blake Dunn. Both players had underwhelming 2024 seasons, failing to secure a starting spot, as each finished the year below the Mendoza Line.
Benson, despite hitting 14 home runs and stealing 16 bases, struggled at the plate, striking out 154 times and posting a .187 batting average. Dunn, who had a brief stint in the majors, recorded just four hits in 29 plate appearances, with 11 strikeouts, offering little improvement over Benson’s performance.
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With both players under close scrutiny this spring, Dunn has taken an early lead in the competition. He’s hitting .278 with a home run and four RBI, while Benson is at .200 with two solo home runs in 18 plate appearances. While these small sample sizes make it hard to make firm conclusions, Dunn’s performance has been promising, particularly if Steer isn’t ready for Opening Day.
Who will grab the final spot on the Reds Opening Day roster?
As much as Reds fans may hope for Benson to succeed, his ongoing struggles at the plate continue to be a concern. With Terry Francona now in charge, the Reds are embracing a win-now mentality and positioning themselves as a legitimate playoff contender in the NL Central. While 2025 may not be their breakout year, they’re much closer to contention than many expected, making tough roster decisions unavoidable.
If Lux proves to be a viable outfield option, the Reds might consider sending Benson to refine his mechanics elsewhere, whether that means a stint in Triple-A or even a potential trade for a change of scenery.
No matter how this situation plays out, one thing is clear: the Lux experiment gives the Reds an intriguing problem to solve. In a season where every roster move has significant implications, the team will need to balance development with the pursuit of contention—an exciting challenge that could impact their trajectory for 2025 and beyond.