The Los Angeles Dodgers made a major trade on Monday, sending infielder Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. In exchange for Lux, the Dodgers are getting outfielder Mike Sirota and a comp pick, as first reported by Ari Alexander. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports it’s a Competitive Balance Round A pick, which is around No. 37.
This move doesn’t come as a surprise, as the Dodgers’ recent acquisition of infielder Hyeseong Kim crowded up the team’s middle infield. Kim is a Gold Glove defender at both second base and shortstop from his time in the Korean Baseball Organization, and he’ll assume Lux’s spot in the lineup.
As for Lux, he gets an opportunity to start fresh in Cincinnati, a team with much lower expectations than the Dodgers.
Who is Mike Sirota, Dodgers Return in Gavin Lux Trade?
Sirota was ranked as the No. 14 prospect in the Reds system, per MLB Pipeline. He was initially drafted by the Dodgers in 2021, but didn’t sign, and instead went to college. Now, he’s ending up with the Dodgers in a major trade for Lux.
Sirota was selected in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Reds. The 21-year-old is known for his speed and defense. Here’s a scouting report from MLB.com:
“Lean, athletic and strong, Sirota has an intriguing collection of tools. He has plus bat speed with excellent bat-to-ball skills from the right side of the plate, though his timing was off for much of the spring, keeping him from squaring up the ball as consistently as he has in the past. There’s raw power for him to tap into — he had 18 homers in his sophomore season — and when combined with his plus speed, he has 20-20 potential at the highest level.
“That speed makes Sirota a legitimate longterm center fielder. He makes good reads and routes and has a tick-above-average arm to boot, with his all-around tools and makeup giving the Reds confidence he can rediscover his consistency.”
The Dodgers will now be taking a chance on the 6-foot-3 youngster.
