Former top prospect and two-time World Series winner Gavin Lux joined the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year, $3.325 million deal, embracing a full-time utility role for the first time in his career. He’s performed mostly as expected in that spot, but as the Reds push toward the postseason, the question now looms—should they bring Lux back next year or move on?
A Mixed Bag in 2025
Through 97 games this season, Lux has posted a 0.0 bWAR, reflecting average overall value. He’s been deployed all over the field—mostly in left field, but also at second base, third base, and designated hitter. Offensively, he’s been consistent, slashing .272/.358/.374 for a .732 OPS and a league-average 100 OPS+. His strength lies in his plate discipline:
• Chase Rate: 18.9% (96th percentile)
• Whiff Rate: 21.6% (67th percentile)
• Strikeout Rate: 23.1% (40th percentile)
• Walk Rate: 11.8% (83rd percentile)
While he’s not hitting for power—just four home runs—he’s spraying the ball across the field and drawing walks, which fits an old-school offensive mold. However, issues have emerged on the defensive side.
Defensive Growing Pains
Lux has been stretched thin defensively, playing in unfamiliar spots. Here’s how he’s fared:
• Left Field: 43 games (320.1 innings) — -6 DRS
• Designated Hitter: 36 games
• Second Base: 11 games (79.1 innings) — -1 DRS
• Third Base: 6 games (32 innings) — 0 DRS
Left field has been especially problematic. His instincts and reads have led to costly defensive missteps. While some responsibility falls on Lux, much of it lies with the Reds for placing him in a position he’s not equipped to handle.
Normally, poor defenders stay in the lineup because of elite offensive production, but Lux’s league-average bat doesn’t provide enough value to overlook his defensive shortcomings—especially on a team that leans heavily on pitching and needs strong defense behind it.
Gavin Lux
Is There a Future Fit?
Lux’s production this year has justified his salary, but roster fit is the real concern. With second base and third base locked down by Matt McLain and newly acquired Ke’Bryan Hayes, there’s no clear path to regular playing time. McLain, despite a rough 2025 campaign, is a key part of the Reds’ future and plays solid defense. Hayes, one of baseball’s premier defenders, isn’t going anywhere, even if his bat remains cold.
Lux’s only potential opening might be as a full-time DH—a role the Reds typically fill on a rotating basis to rest injured or fatigued players. Making Lux the primary DH would be unorthodox and unlikely.
Bottom Line
While Gavin Lux has held his own in 2025 and contributed at the plate, the Reds face a tough decision. Without a natural position or standout offensive numbers, it’s hard to see how re-signing him would benefit the club going into 2026.
