Rays land former Dodgers standout in trade: How Gavin Lux can help Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Rays are not big spenders. They never have been. Although the Rays have made an effort to acquire the game's best players, they reportedly sent an offer to Freddie Freeman in 2021 and to Juan Soto last offseason. 

They do, however, have a knack for making under-the-radar trades. Tampa Bay was involved in a three-team agreement on Thursday night, overshadowed by the breaking news that Kyle Tucker had joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

In the deal involving the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds, second baseman Gavin Lux landed with the Rays. Outfielder Josh Lowe went to the Angels, and the Reds acquired left-hander Brock Burke. 

How Lux can help the Rays 

Lux was once a top prospect in the Dodgers system, winning two World Series titles with the organization. He can play second base for the Rays after the AL East club traded Brandon Lowe to the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

The left-handed hitter batted .269/.350/.374 with five home runs in 140 games in 2025 with the Reds. 

"It’s not an exciting pickup for the Rays, but Lux fits their roster better than Josh Lowe and is more likely to deliver some positive value this year, even though Lowe probably has more upside in the bat," The Athletic's Keith Law wrote Friday.

"Assuming Lux heads back to the infield, the trade frees up some outfield playing time in Tampa, which could allow newly acquired Jacob Melton to grab the centerfield job, or at least part of it, as he’s the best defensive outfielder on their roster and has power, especially against righties." 

The Rays also received minor league right-hander Chris Clark, who has a career 5.25 ERA in 269 innings in the minors. 

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