Dodgers Trade Gavin Lux to Reds After Signing Infielder Hyeseong Kim

LA Dodgers

By Associated Press

Published 6 months ago on

January 7, 2025

Second baseman Gavin Lux was traded from the Dodgers to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, three days after Los Angeles agreed to a $12.5 million, three-year contract with infielder Hyeseong Kim. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

Lux, a World Series champion with Dodgers, joins Reds after returning from ACL injury and position change to second base.
Reds president Nick Krall sees Lux as versatile addition, potentially playing multiple positions in Cincinnati's lineup.
Dodgers plan to use Mookie Betts at shortstop, with Chris Taylor, Tommy Edman, and Hyeseong Kim as second base options.

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LOS ANGELES — Second baseman Gavin Lux was traded from the Dodgers to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, three days after Los Angeles agreed to a $12.5 million, three-year contract with South Korean fielder Hyeseong Kim.

Los Angeles received minor league outfielder Mike Sirota, a grand-nephew of Hall of Fame pitcher Whitey Ford, and a pick in competitive balance round A of the amateur draft in July, currently No. 37 overall.

Lux had a $1,225,000 salary last year. He is eligible for arbitration this winter and next, then can become a free agent after the 2026 World Series. The 27-year-old was a member of the Dodgers’ World Series championship teams in 2020 and ’24.

“He’s a guy who has a chance to come in and be in our lineup and lengthen that lineup out,” Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. “Just us being able to add a left-handed hitter that hits well against right-handed pitching.”

Lux’s Return and Position Change

Lux returned last year after missing the 2023 season with a torn right ACL sustained during a spring training game against San Diego that February. He was moved from shortstop to second base in 2024 after defensive struggles early in spring training.

Los Angeles plans to use Mookie Betts at shortstop this season. Betts started 61 games at shortstop last year but none after June 16, when he broke his left hand on a pitch from Kansas City’s Dan Altavilla. Betts returned Aug. 12 and primarily played right field. He finished with 12 starts at second base and 42 in right field.

Chris Taylor, Tommy Edman and Betts also are second base options in addition to Kim.

Lux’s Performance and Potential Role with Reds

Lux made 117 starts at second last year and batted .251 with 10 homers and 50 RBIs. He has a .252 career average with 28 homers and 155 RBIs in five seasons, all with the Dodgers.

Krall said Lux could see time at second base, third, shortstop, outfield and designated hitter. Second baseman Matt McLain is expected back for Cincinnati after missing last season following shoulder surgery.

Second baseman Jonathan India, who made 132 starts for the Reds last year, was traded to Kansas City on Nov. 22 with outfielder Joey Wiemer for right-hander Brady Singer.

Roster Moves and Additional Acquisitions

Sirota was a 16th-round pick of the Dodgers in the 2021 amateur draft, but he didn’t sign and played college ball at Northeastern. He was drafted by the Reds on the third round last summer with the 87th overall pick and signed for an $863,300 bonus.

To open a roster spot for Lux, right-hander Roansy Contreras was designated for assignment. Cincinnati claimed Contreras off waivers from Texas on Dec. 19.

Earlier in the day, the Reds acquired right-hander Owen White from the Texas Rangers for cash.