Former top prospect and two-time World Series champion Gavin Lux joined the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year, \$3.325 million deal. So far, he’s delivered about what was expected, all while embracing a full-fledged utility role for the first time in his career.
Now deep into the second half of the season with the Reds pushing for a playoff spot, Lux remains a part of that effort. But as the team looks ahead, one key question looms: should Cincinnati re-sign him for next year or allow him to move on elsewhere?
Reds Face Offseason Decision on Gavin Lux
Lux’s 2025 Performance
Through 97 games this season, Lux has posted a neutral 0.0 bWAR while serving as a versatile everyday utility player, rotating between left field, second base, and third base.
At the plate, he’s been reliable, hitting .272/.358/.374 with a .732 OPS and a 100 OPS+. His plate discipline has notably improved to career bests:
- 18.9% Chase Rate — ranking in the 96th percentile
- 21.6% Whiff Rate — 67th percentile
- 23.1% Strikeout Rate — 40th percentile
- 11.8% Walk Rate — 83rd percentile
Lux’s offensive approach leans more traditional, focusing less on power—he’s hit just four homers this year—and instead emphasizes making contact and drawing walks. His spray chart shows he can hit to all fields, fitting the profile of a light-hitting, patient batter.
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One challenge that has come up this season is Lux’s defense. Being asked to cover multiple positions he’s never fully mastered before hasn’t gone smoothly.
Lux’s Defensive Issues
Although Lux’s natural position is second base, this season he’s been used all over the field:
- Left Field — 43 games
- Designated Hitter — 36 games
- Second Base — 11 games
- Third Base — 6 games
With Matt McLain firmly holding down second base (despite a rough season), Lux has spent most of his time in left field — unfortunately his weakest spot defensively.
Looking at Defensive Runs Saved (DRS):
- 2B: 79⅓ innings, -1 DRS
- 3B: 32 innings, 0 DRS
- LF: 320⅓ innings, -6 DRS
His reads and reactions in left field have sometimes hurt the team, especially in high-pressure moments. While some responsibility lies with Lux, much of the fault falls on the Reds’ organization for placing him there despite knowing he’s not the ideal fit.
Typically, teams tolerate defensive struggles from players who more than make up for it offensively. But Lux’s 100 OPS+ is solid, not spectacular, and doesn’t compensate enough for his defensive shortcomings in left field.
For a team like Cincinnati, which depends heavily on its pitching staff to carry them, solid defense is crucial. Saving runs on defense directly translates to more wins, making this a key area of concern.
Should Cincinnati Bring Back Lux?
That brings us to the big question: should the Reds re-sign Gavin Lux?
It’s a tough call. At \$3.325 million, his production matches the price, but the team doesn’t really have a clear role for him.
If they do bring him back, it would probably be on a similar contract. There’s no way they’d make him their everyday left fielder again, but second and third base spots are locked down by Matt McLain and Ke’Bryan Hayes.
McLain is a key piece for Cincinnati who had a breakout 2023 but missed all of 2024 with a shoulder injury. He’s back full-time in 2025, struggling offensively, but the Reds still trust he’ll rebound. Plus, his defense at second is much stronger than Lux’s.
If McLain continues to struggle at the plate next year, Lux could potentially step in as the everyday second baseman — though that seems unlikely.
At third base, Hayes is the everyday starter and widely regarded as the best defender in baseball, a huge priority for GM Nick Krall. Despite Hayes’s offensive woes, the Reds probably won’t move him for Lux, who isn’t a natural third baseman.
That basically leaves only the designated hitter role as a realistic everyday spot for Lux — but that would be a questionable move. The Reds usually treat DH as a revolving door, giving rest days to catchers or filling in for injured players, so committing Lux there full-time doesn’t fit their current approach.
The Last Word
Although Lux has fulfilled his role this season and contributed offensively, it’s hard to picture a realistic situation where keeping him on the roster would significantly benefit the 2026 Cincinnati Reds.
