The Dodgers traded second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday.
Although a trade involving Lux had been highly anticipated, the 27-year-old said he was shocked the Dodgers traded him. He learned the news on the same night of his grandfather’s 91st birthday.
“It’s initially a little bit of a shock,” Lux said Tuesday. “That’s a big deal, a lot going on, but we just said, ‘Whatever, we’re going to enjoy the night and celebrate his (grandfather’s 91st) birthday and go from there.’ We just kept on going.”
The Dodgers drafted Lux in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft. The Kenosha, Wisconsin native made his debut in Sept. 2019 and spent the first five seasons of his MLB career with Los Angeles.
“Obviously, the last nine, 10 years, Dodgers are the only thing I’ve ever known,” Lux said.
Lux revealed that the trade has evoked a lot of emotions. He said he is feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness about joining the Reds.
“A lot of emotions, man,” Lux said. “I’m sure anyone who’s gotten traded can attest to that. You’re excited, you’re nervous, it’s a new place, a place you’ve never been.”
Lux will add to Cincinnati’s young group of growing talent.
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz and starting pitcher Hunter Greene each earned their first All-Star selections this season. The pair were the Reds’ only All-Stars in 2024.
“It’s a lot of emotions but I’m excited to get over there and be with that group of guys. There’s a lot of really good, young talent. I’m excited to get over there and help those guys win in any way I can.”
The Reds have not won a World Series since 1990. The franchise also made an appearance in the NL Wild Card Series in 2020 after a seven-year postseason drought, but has not returned to the postseason since.
Lux – a reigning World Series champion – will bring valuable postseason experience to the Reds in 2025.