Reds trading Gavin Lux suddenly makes this Orioles bat affordable

Ryan Mountcastle, Baltimore Orioles | Brandon Sloter/GettyImagesThe departure of Gavin Lux (and his $5.525 million contract) provides the Reds with more payroll flexibility than they had in 2025. Even with the addition of Brock Burke’s $2.3 million salary, Cincinnati has an estimated $7 million in reserve compared to last year’s payroll according to FanGraphs. While the massive contracts being signed recently might imply that there isn’t quality available for such a low sum, a popular trade candidate fits the bill perfectly.

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who would add some much-needed pop to the Reds’ lineup, just happens to be in line to make $6.8 million next season.…