Dodgers trade Gavin Lux to the Reds before facing the Red Sox on July 25, 2025. Shohei Ohtani leads LA into Fenway as the team acquires prospect Mike Sirota.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
While the Dodgers were preparing to battle the Red Sox under the lights at Fenway Park, the front office made its own big move. In a surprising pre-deadline strike, the team traded infielder Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds, signaling a major strategic pivot as the team loads up for both the present and the future.
In a major roster shake-up, the Dodgers traded infielder Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds for top outfield prospect Mike Sirota and a competitive balance draft pick.
The biggest news of the day dropped just before the team took the field in Boston. The Dodgers sent Gavin Lux to Cincinnati in a move that significantly bolsters the farm system. In return, Los Angeles acquired promising minor league outfielder Mike Sirota and the Reds' competitive balance Round A pick in the 2025 draft. Sirota, a highly-touted prospect, will report to Double-A Tulsa and could be a name to watch for a late-season call-up. This trade provides the Dodgers with high-end prospect depth and valuable draft capital, giving them immense flexibility ahead of the trade deadline.
With the trade buzz swirling, the Dodgers kicked off a crucial three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Entering the game with a 60-43 record, the NL West leaders faced a hot Red Sox team at historic Fenway Park. The matchup featured a spotlight on Shohei Ohtani, who leads the team with 37 homers, and the ever-consistent Will Smith, boasting a .323 average. Boston countered with the power of Wilyer Abreu and the dynamic Ceddanne Rafaela, setting the stage for a weekend series with serious playoff implications.
The bullpen continues to be a major storyline. Just this week, lefty Tanner Scott was placed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation, leading to the recall of righty Alexis Díaz from Triple-A. The long-term outlook is a mixed bag. Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) is still targeting a September return, and Michael Kopech (knee) has begun a throwing progression, aiming for late August. However, Kiké Hernández's elbow inflammation is proving stubborn, and Evan Phillips (Tommy John) is out until 2026. These injuries underscore the constant need for pitching depth as the team pushes towards the postseason.
In a smaller but notable move, the Dodgers also signed first baseman Matt Gorski to a minor league contract. Known for his power potential, Gorski will head to Triple-A Oklahoma City to provide organizational depth. Along with the acquisition of Mike Sirota, this signing shows the front office is focused on strengthening the entire system from top to bottom.
With the trade deadline looming and a crucial series underway, the Dodgers are firing on all cylinders, both on the diamond and in the front office. The Lux trade signals a clear intent to remain competitive for years to come, while the team's performance at Fenway will set the tone for the final stretch. All eyes are now on what Andrew Friedman does next and whether the Boys in Blue can leave Boston with a series win.
