Gavin Lux (28), who was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after being overshadowed by Kim Hye-sung (26) and leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers, is filled with determination.

On February 22 (Korea time), Lux started as the fourth hitter and third baseman in a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium in Peoria, Arizona, hitting a solo home run in the second inning. He connected on a fastball from right-handed pitcher Logan Gilbert, which came in high at 95.7 mph (154.0 km/h), sending it over the right-field wall. This marked Lux's first home run of the spring training.

Lux extended his hitting streak to three consecutive games, boasting a batting average of .270 (10 hits in 37 at-bats), 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 5 runs scored, 9 walks, 12 strikeouts, and 3 stolen bases in 16 spring training games. His on-base percentage of over .400 stands out.

Defensively, Lux is covering not only his primary position of second base (2 games, 7 innings) but also third base (11 games, 59 innings) and left field (2 games, 11 innings). He is expected to rotate among four positions, including designated hitter, depending on the team’s situation.

Lux is determined to take on any position except catcher. In an interview with 'MLB.com' on February 13, Lux said, "Someone could get hurt, and someone might need a day off. I am willing to take on any position other than catcher." Cincinnati manager Terry Francona also expressed optimism, stating, "Lux is willing to play in the outfield. If he can do it, it will greatly contribute to our versatility."

Lux spent nine years within the Dodgers organization until last year. Drafted in the first round, 20th overall, by the Dodgers in 2016, he made his Major League debut in 2019, and by last year had recorded a batting average of .251 (336 hits in 1,333 at-bats), 28 home runs, and 155 RBIs over 412 games in five seasons, with an OPS of .709.

Despite being expected to be a top prospect, he did not perform as anticipated. In the 2023 spring training, he suffered a right knee anterior cruciate ligament injury during a running play and underwent surgery, resulting in an entire year of rehabilitation. In his return season, he posted a batting average of .251 (110 hits in 439 at-bats), with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and an OPS of .703.

Although those results were not significantly bad, they fell short of Dodgers' standards. The Dodgers acquired Korean infielder Kim Hye-sung for a guaranteed 3+2 years at $12.5 million, with a maximum of $22 million, and traded Lux just three days later. Despite having two seasons left until free agency, they took a bold step in letting him go. Lux was sent to Cincinnati in exchange for a competitive balance round A pick in the 2025 draft along with minor league outfielder Mike Ciriotta.

The Dodgers replaced their starting second baseman, giving Kim Hye-sung the first opportunity, which he could not seize. Kim recorded a batting average of .270 (6 hits in 29 at-bats), with 1 home run, 3 RBIs, and scoring 4 runs, along with 4 walks, 11 strikeouts, and 2 stolen bases in 15 spring training games, but his performance was lacking, leading to his exclusion from the opening series held in Tokyo. Kim was given time to adapt to his changed batting style while starting the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers.

In the opening two-game series in Tokyo, Tommy Edman played as the starting second baseman. Andy Phaeas took over the center field position, which Edman was originally expected to play. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted, "There are players who can play various positions, including second base and center field. Edman will play every day, whether at second base or center field, but the remaining spots will change flexibly depending on the situation." However, if a spot is not fixed, it could become a regrettable moment for Lux, who has been let go.

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