Reds have a built-in replacement that makes Gavin Lux expendable this offseason

Cincinnati Reds infielder Gavin Lux | Jason Mowry/GettyImagesCincinnati Reds utility man Gavin Lux had his ups and downs in 2025. During his first season in Cincinnati, Lux shows tremendous versatility and team-oriented attitude, but his overall production was lacking.

The Reds were hoping to see the same player who posted a .274/.363/.432 slash line and 124 wRC+ during the final two months of the 2024 season, but instead, Lux hit .269/.350/.374 with a 102 wRC+. While those aren't horrific numbers, the Reds now have to decide whether or not that type of performance is worth an estimated $5 million in arbitration.

Though Lux's versatility will surely be cited as a reason to retain the…