Reds might end Lux deal over $5M choice

Billy Heyen

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Reds may cut ties with Gavin Lux over $5 million contract decision image

TL;DR

  • Cincinnati Reds face a decision on Gavin Lux's $5 million salary arbitration projection.
  • Lux, a former top prospect, performed below replacement level for the Reds in 2025.
  • His declining defense and limited power make him a potential non-tender candidate.
  • The Reds may trade Lux before the non-tender deadline or let him become a free agent.

The Cincinnati Reds don't have a ton of tricky decisions to make this offseason with their own roster.

One they do have to make involves Gavin Lux.

Lux is up for salary arbitration, and MLB Trade Rumors projects him to get a salary of $5 million.

MLB Trade Rumors also writes that Lux is a non-tender candidate, meaning that the Reds may choose not to go to free agency with him and instead let him become a free agent.

While Lux was once considered a prime prospect for The Dodgers, his performance for The Reds in 2025, with nearly full-time playing, was actually below replacement level.

He hit.269 but had just five home runs in 446 at bats. Lux's power has never fully developed.

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At this point, he primarily plays left field, representing a decline in defensive capability compared to when he was a middle infielder.

Cincinnati's outfield is quite full. If the team views Lux as a corner outfielder with limited power and minimal speed, he doesn't bring much to the table.

Lux, nearing 28, appears to be the kind of player who might still hold value for another club. It's possible he could be moved prior to Friday's non-tender cutoff in exchange for a minor acquisition.

But if that doesn't happen, Cincinnati has to decide. It doesn't feel like there's a ton of upside to keeping Lux around, and maybe that $5 million could be used more at a position of need instead.

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Staff Writer