The Los Angeles Dodgers continue remaking their World Series-winning roster — and this time have dealt away a homegrown, two-time World Series champion.
Gavin Lux, who drove in the game-tying run in the Dodgers’ Game 5 World Series clincher, was traded to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday for minor league outfielder Mike Sirota and a competitive-balance pick.
Lux, 27, was chosen 20th overall in the 2016 draft by the Dodgers and debuted in September 2019. He was long regarded as their potential shortstop of the future and after Corey Seager’s departure following the 2022 season, was prepared to take on that role.
But Lux tore both the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his right knee in spring training 2023, sidelining him for the season. Lux was set to start at short again this year, but after struggling in spring training, gave way to Mookie Betts and was shifted to second base.
Lux batted .251 with 10 homers and a league average .703 OPS this season, producing 2.1 WAR. He started 11 of the Dodgers’ 16 postseason games. Yet he became at least somewhat expendable when the Dodgers signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, joining the club’s middle infield options in Betts — expected back as starting shortstop — Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor.
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With the Reds, Lux will be expected to pair with shortstop Elly De La Cruz as the club’s double-play combination on most nights. The club is expecting promising infielder Matt McLain back from shoulder surgery, but McLain could also be deployed in the outfield or around the infield. At the least, McLain and Lux give the club both right- and left-handed hitting options at second base, where a vacancy developed after the trade of Jonathan India to Kansas City for pitcher Brady Singer.
Sirota, 21, was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 16th round of the 2021 draft but opted to attend Northeastern University. Cincinnati drafted him in the third round last July; he has yet to make his professional debut.
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