Gavin Lux Trade Rumors: Mariners vs. Yankees

The Seattle Mariners have taken the lead in trade talks for Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux, surpassing the New York Yankees in an aggressive offseason move, according to Pat Raggazzo of Sports Illustrated.

Lux, a 27-year-old versatile second baseman, is under team control through arbitration until 2027. While his overall numbers in 2024 included 139 games, 10 home runs, and 50 RBIs, his season was a tale of two halves.

Lux struggled in the first half of the season with a .562 OPS, ranking 12th on the team, likely due to confidence issues in his surgically repaired knee after missing the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL.

By the All-Star break, he began to regain trust in his leg, leading to a significant improvement in the second half with an .899 OPS, ranking 4th on the team behind Shohei Ohtani, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernandez, showcasing his resurgence and potential value.

The Dodgers recently added Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim to their roster on a three-year, $22 million deal. Known for his defensive skills and offensive consistency, Kim’s arrival could make Lux expendable. While Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes initially named Lux the starting second baseman, Kim’s presence provides roster flexibility.

Seattle’s aggressive push for Lux aligns with their strategic goals this offseason. After missing out on other free-agent targets, the Mariners want to add a versatile infielder who can enhance their lineup balance and overall depth for cheap. Lux’s profile fits their needs perfectly.

Meanwhile, the Yankees remain interested in Lux. Adding a left-handed bat to their lineup could benefit the Yankees, but Seattle’s rumored proactive approach has positioned them as frontrunners.

With the Dodgers’ infield depth and the Mariners’ urgency to solidify their team, trade discussions surrounding Lux could intensify.