What the Reds’ Gavin Lux Trade Really Means — and What Could Be Next

The Reds made a three-way trade on Thursday night.

Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Gavin Lux (2) celebrates after scoring in the eighth inning of the MLB National League Wild Card Game 2 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. The Reds were eliminated from the postseason with an 8-4 loss to the reining World Series Champions La Dodgers. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds made a move that feels like a prequel on Thursday night.

The Reds were part of a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Angels and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Reds are acquiring left-handed relief pitcher Brock Burke from the Angels and sending Gavin Lux to LA.

The importance of this deal is the money that just got dumped back into the budget. Lux was due to make $5.25 million this season. Burke is set to make $2.33 million. Nick Krall now has about $3 million on top of the likely $2-3 million he had.

This puts them in position to acquire a legitimate hitter that could give their lineup a boost.

It likely won’t be Eugenio Suarez, as that would still require more money than most deem the Reds have left to spend. Another trade would have to happen or a surprising increase in payroll would have to take place.

They could approach Rhys Hoskins with an offer close to what they should have available and the lineup would look better. Some predictions have him close to the range of payroll the Reds should have available.

Lux just didn’t have a role. He was listed as the team’s designated hitter, but he does not hit for power. He has experience playing multiple positions but none of them well. He has been on winning teams, but how much does that really matter if it's clear the current roster doesn't have enough hitting help?

It's better to use the money you freed up by trading him and improve the lineup in a meaningful way.

Reds President of Nick Krall has to have another move up his sleeve.

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