Once the Los Angeles Dodgers signed second baseman Hyeseong Kim, a Gavin Lux trade seemed practically inevitable.
It wasn’t a complete surprise, then, when Lux was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for prospect Mike Sirota and a Round A competitive balance pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Still, it represented a significant change for Lux, who was drafted by the Dodgers in the first round (No. 20 overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft and has spent his entire pro career with the organization.
In an appearance on MLB Network following the trade, Lux shared his raw reaction to the news and looked ahead to his new opportunity in Cincinnati.
“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. Obviously, the last nine, 10 years, Dodgers are the only thing I’ve ever known.
The newest member of the @Reds, Gavin Lux joins us on #MLBNHotStove!
The World Series champion shares his raw reaction to being traded and his excitement to get to work with Terry Francona and the young group of talent in Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/qaaRsIUaiX
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 8, 2025
In words alone, Lux said he was excited to join the Reds – after all, who wouldn’t be excited about going from a World Series champion to a National League Central basement dweller?! – but his tone and demeanor seemed more indicative of his genuine feelings about being traded to Cincinnati.
“It’s a lot of emotions, but I’m excited to get over there and be with that group of guys,” Lux continued in an expressionless, monotone voice. “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.”
Poor guy. He tried.
Gavin Lux completely failed at attempt to seem happy about Dodgers-Reds trade
Over parts of five seasons with the Dodgers, Lux slashed .252/.326/.383 with 62 doubles, 14 triples, 28 home runs and 155 RBI over 412 games. He struggled to lock down an everyday infield position at the Major League level and suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss the entire 2023 season.
After being moved from shortstop to second base with the Dodgers in 2024, Lux will likely fill a utility or even a DH role on a Reds team that has no shortage of middle infielders. Regardless of where he slots defensively, though, Lux adds an above-average lefty bat to a lineup that desperately needs a boost, so the Reds will do whatever they can to get him into the lineup on a nightly basis.
Still, the Reds trying to overhype Lux’s so-called “excitement” about the trade is honestly a little painful to watch. He doesn’t need to be excited right away. Let the guy feel his emotions.
Fire us up, Gavin‼️ pic.twitter.com/qHuf9Yt2oO
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 8, 2025
Yes, fire us up, Gavin … with that extremely normal sentence.
