Reds' Gavin Lux Connected to Brendan Donovan Rumors Amid MLB Offseason

Cincinnati Reds utilityman Gavin Lux is one of his team's most reliable players, but he might not be in town for long. The 28-year-old is scheduled to hit free agency next offseason, and there's no guarantee that the Reds will bring him back.

That's why FanSided's Drew Koch suggested that Cincinnati could send Lux to the Seattle Mariners if the latter team strikes out on landing St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Brendan Donovan.

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"The Seattle Mariners could be one of those teams who might be interested in trading for the Reds' utility player, especially if their efforts to land Brendan Donovan fall short.," he wrote. "The Mariners have been linked to the St. Louis Cardinals' top trade chip, but there are a number of teams — including the San Francisco Giants — who are also looking to add Donovan this offseason."

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon previously reported that talks between the Cardinals and Mariners regarding Donovan "have yet to bear fruit."

"Free agent Jorge Polanco could have been [the Mariners' target], but he signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets," they wrote. "[Starling] Marte also might fit, but is restricted to second base. The St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan holds greater appeal because of his defensive versatility, but the talks between the clubs have yet to bear fruit. A reunion with free agent Eugenio Suárez could be an option if all else fails."

Lux is useful for a Cincinnati team that needs position player depth outside of franchise cornerstone Elly De La Cruz. The former Los Angeles Dodger notched a .269 batting average and a .724 OPS with five homers and 53 RBIs over 140 games in 2025 while spending time at second base, third base, left field and designated hitter in his first season with the Reds.

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However, the longer Cincinnati keeps Lux, the more it risks him walking away for nothing in return next offseason. The MLB Trade Deadline is at the end of July, but why wait until then when it could leverage the Mariners' desire for another bat?

If Seattle doesn't land Donovan, who hit .287 with a .775 OPS this past season, then it would make sense for Cincinnati to offer Lux for talented young players it can build with. They could be either young big-leaguers or prospects, but ideally players who can contribute before De La Cruz hits free agency in 2029. Having as much talent on the roster as possible will be a good way to convince its star to re-sign.

This is the ideal scenario for the Reds, as it would turn a short-term asset into long-term gains.