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When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim out of Korea, Gavin Lux had a gut feeling that he was going to be traded.
His gut was right, but he is thankful the Dodgers sent him to Cincinnati.
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“Obviously you still don’t really expect it after being in one place for so long. But at the same time, it is a business,” Lux said. “They have to do what’s best for them. And I think they did me a solid by getting me to a place that has the expectation of winning and Tito (Terry Francona) is running the show, which is fantastic.
“He’s one of the most well-respected managers in the game. So I think they did me a favor by sending me to a place where I think they think I can help.”
Lux had spent his entire career with the Dodgers. He was a first-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft and worked his way through the farm system as the organization’s top prospect. Seeing his former team in the opposing dugout Monday took some getting used to.
“It’s pretty surreal, going and seeing all the guys you won a World Series with on the other side. But it’s pretty cool at the same time,” Lux said after the game.
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“I saw Munc (Max Muncy), Teo (Hernandez). (Alex) Vesia gave me a wink after he got me to fly out,” Lux said. “Good relationships. A lot of love for everyone that is still over there. That stuff doesn’t change. You build bonds over years. You never lose those connections with people.”
Lux is getting a look at third base for the Reds with the middle infield positions locked up but being surrounded with teammates who are his age is helping him adjust to the changes.
“I actually played against a lot of these guys in the minor leagues,” Lux added. “A lot of them are right around my age, so I played against them in the showcase circuit and stuff in high school. Honestly, it wasn’t too much of an adjustment. It’s a lot of guys right around my age and it’s a really fun clubhouse to be a part of.”
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Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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