On January 3, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant move by signing Korean Baseball Organization star Hye-seong Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million contract, with options for the 2028 and 2029 seasons. Kim is expected to take over as the Dodgers’ primary second baseman, which could lead to a shift in the team’s roster and possibly spell the end of Gavin Lux’s time as a regular starter. Lux, who has played 412 games for the Dodgers across various positions, has primarily been used at second base in recent seasons, with 138 appearances at the position last year. However, the Dodgers’ recent moves suggest they may no longer see him as a long-term fit, especially considering their full outfield situation. Lux has not played in the outfield since 2022, and with his contract set to expire after the 2026 season, the Dodgers could trade him for a solid return.
Kim’s signing brings added competition to the infield. Over his eight seasons in the KBO, Kim hit 37 home runs and posted a .766 OPS. In 2024, he had a standout season, slashing .326/.383/.458 with a career-high 11 home runs. By comparison, Lux hit .251 with 10 home runs last season. With Kim now likely to slot in at second base, the Dodgers’ starting infield will feature Max Muncy, Mookie Betts, Kim, and Freddie Freeman. This leaves little room for Lux, especially with the team’s crowded outfield. The Dodgers also recently re-introduced Teoscar Hernández to bolster their outfield lineup alongside Tommy Edman and potential options like Andy Pages, James Outman, or Michael Conforto.
Given the team’s depth, Lux may no longer have a meaningful role as a starter and could be relegated to the bench. This would be a waste of his potential, as he still has value on the trade market with years of club control remaining. His projected free-agent contract, which could land him a four-year, $27 million deal, further emphasizes his worth. If the Dodgers opt to acquire a third baseman, Lux’s position would likely become even more precarious. Even without that addition, it’s clear that the Dodgers’ plans are shifting away from Lux, making it likely he’ll be traded or kept as a backup.
