The Los Angeles Dodgers head into the 2025 season with what they imagine to be a deep roster and loads of offense to defend their World Collection title. That mindset was doubtless one of many largest causes behind their reported commerce with the Cincinnati Reds on Monday.
When the Dodgers swooped in to signal Hyeseong Kim just a few days in the past, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Lux, who missed all of 2023 with a knee damage however got here again to slash .251/.320/.383 with 10 residence runs and 50 RBI to assist the Dodgers declare the Fall Traditional.
Whereas Lux was key final season, the signing of Kim from the KBO additionally made him replaceable this season. Throughout his eight seasons in Korea, Kim has seen motion at second base in 657 video games, simply essentially the most of any place whereas being a menace on the plate and on the bases.
The signing of Kim (plus having Chris Taylor, who can even play second base, on the roster) helped pave the best way for the Dodgers to stay up for the long run by buying a excessive draft choose subsequent yr in addition to Mike Sirota, a participant the Dodgers drafted out of highschool however have been unable to signal.
Ranked as the 50th-best prospect in all of the minors, the 21-year-old Sirota nonetheless wants loads of growth. Nevertheless, he is thought of a strong center-field prospect, and Los Angeles has the posh of letting Sirota develop whereas it continues with its present crop of All-Stars and heavy hitters in 2025 and past.
Dealing from a wealth of expertise on their roster, sending Lux to the Reds is sensible. What may not make sense for the time being, nevertheless, is the place Lux suits right into a Cincinnati lineup that already has Matt McLain penciled in at second base. In 2023, McLain slashed .290/.357/.507 in 403 plate appearances earlier than lacking the 2024 season after shoulder surgical procedure.
With that, one of the best match for Lux could also be at third base, however that is a place he has solely performed in a single recreation with the Dodgers. USA At this time MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that the Reds want to use him as a “super utility” player, which means Lux might roam all through the lineup till Cincinnati can discover a spot for him to turn out to be an on a regular basis participant.
That, nevertheless, nonetheless is not assured, which means this might be one other query for the Reds heading into spring coaching.
The Dodgers shortly discovered their substitute for Lux, whereas the Reds now have to determine the place he suits into the puzzle. Add to {that a} piece the Dodgers imagine in for the long run, plus a draft choose, and it is simple to see why Los Angeles gained this commerce.
