The Cincinnati Reds are done playing it safe. They have had enough of their share of underwhelming seasons. Now, the front office has made one thing clear: 2025 won’t be one of them; they’re making moves, big ones, with Terry Francona as their new leader, along with bold signings and a revamped roster built for versatility. The truth is—this is a different Reds team. One recent addition is the final piece that completes their puzzle to postseason success—veteran manager Terry Francona, who couldn’t stay away from the field for long, even at the age of 65.

In 2023, Francona stepped down from being Cleveland’s manager and ended his 23-year career with 1,950 wins. Plus, two World Series in Boston, including their epic 2004 championship, which broke the team’s 86-year championship drought. The master manager is known for his strategic outlook and ability to build winning teams. After his break from the field, he’s ready for a new challenge. “I feel I can once again do the work needed to improve a team,” he said. He signed a three-year contract with a club option for the 2028 season.

However, Terry Francona’s presence isn’t just a managerial shift—it’s to build a roster that can compete for the championship trophy. And one of the biggest moves? Bringing in Gavin Lux: On January 6, 2025, the Reds traded minor league outfielder Mike Sirota and a draft pick to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Gavin Lux. Lux has signed a one-year, $3.325 million contract with the Reds, avoiding arbitration. Now, the Reds’ expectations from Lux are pretty simple. His addition needs to bolster the team’s infield depth and strengthen the overall offensive firepower. 

In 2024, Lux posted a .251 batting average with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, a testament to this consistency. However, the real flex is his versatility, which is like that of a Swiss army knife to the Reds’ lineup. And that is something that fits perfectly with Terry Francona’s blueprint for that next-level lineup. The Dynamo brings a left-handed bat and the ability to slot into multiple positions, including second base, shortstop, and outfield. And this isn’t just something he can do, but proven with the Dodgers. 

When Lux was traded in January, he did not expect it. This marks a major shift in his career. In 2016, Lux was drafted by the Dodgers and spent five stunning seasons with the team. He mainly played second base, and he achieved a .252 batting average, contributed 28 home runs, and totaled 155 RBIs over 412 games during his time there. Adding on, Lux also reached the World Series with his former team, the Dodgers. He served as one of the key players on their World Series roster, which gave him valuable postseason experience. Keeping this in mind, the 27-year-old’s addition to the Red’s roster is evidently a calculated play by Francona to maximize the team’s flexibility.

Now, the Reds plan to use him as the ultimate utility weapon by splitting his time between 2B, 3B, and occasional outfield duty. And Lux? Oh, he’s ever-ready. “I’ve got three gloves,” he said. “One for third, one for second, and one for the outfield.” His flexibility and versatility make him that missing piece of Cincinnati’s roster puzzle. And while he may not start in the outfield right off the bat, his ability to adapt in the field gives the Reds options. And as a manager, Francona is thrilled about that. “When we got him, I got more texts and calls about him that said, ‘Hey, you’re getting a baseball player. You’re getting a competitor. You’re getting a great kid,’” Francona said.

That’s a stamp of approval straight from the baseball legends! While Lux’s addition might crowd the infield, his versatility gives the Reds the option to experiment. Now, if the Dynamo lives up to his expectations, then Cincinnati might have landed one of the heck of a difference-maker of the offseason.

Gavin Lux calls facing former teammates “surreal”

In January 2025, the Cincinnati Reds traded Mike Sirota and a draft pick to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Gavin Lux. Although Lux’s performance didn’t show many significant issues, the Dodgers still traded him. This move was a result of the Dodgers signing Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, who bolstered their infield depth. However, Gavin Lux has now moved on. Now, as a Cincinnati Reds player, he faced his former team for the first time during a spring training game. Out of his many possible position options, he started at third base for the Reds, going 0-2 with a walk and a strikeout. Now one would expect this to be an awkward interaction.

The guys he won a World Series with were now playing in the opposing dugout. But reflecting on the game, Lux called it “surreal” seeing his Dodgers teammates. According to a tweet by David Vassegh, Dodger Talk‘s host, it was also a playful twist. Remembering the game, he mentioned that former teammate Alex Vesia gave him a wink after getting Lux to hit a flyout. While the players are now on different teams and have parted ways, the respect and sweet familiarity between the players remain.

The Reds and Dodgers are all set to face each other again on March 4, 2025. Additionally, this will allow Lux to compete against his former team and current rivals. Another “surreal” experience for Lux. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the Reds integrate Lux to create their perfect lineup this season. As the season begins to unfold, Lux’s ability to play different positions along with his postseason experience makes him the puzzle piece the Reds were trying to find.