Neander indicated that the Rays would likely limit Lux’s defensive focus to his traditional second base position. The former top prospect worked in a utility role at Cincinnati last year, starting just 16 games at the cornerstone position. He spent most of his defensive work in left field and started more games as a designated hitter than at any individual position.
“In our opinion, second base is his best position, and he plays his best when he focuses all his time there,” Neander told Topkin. “The way it went in Cincinnati last year was there were more opportunities in left field, more DH, more pinch-hit, a little bit at second base, but his work wasn’t focused on second base. I think Gavin is someone we can give him some clarity to: ‘Hey, second base, put your work in there, build your routines there, prepare for that, and really just that.’ And I think we can get the best out of him that way.”
Lux has played more second base than any other position in his career. He was rated as a slightly above average gloveman from 2019 to 2022, both in terms of defensive runs and outs above average. Lux missed the entire ’23 season with a torn ACL. The Dodgers initially planned to move him up the defensive spectrum to shortstop upon his return. They scrapped that when he struggled with his throwing accuracy during Spring Training. Lux’s arm is less of an issue on the right side of the infield, but his overall defensive qualities have declined over the past two years.
The Rays apparently believe that last year’s numbers are due to the role at multiple positions. Committing to Lux as an everyday second baseman would have trickle-down effects for the rest of the roster. That’s probably locked Taylor Walls at shortstop to open the season so they could steer Carson Williams back to Triple-A to resolve contact issues.
Richie Palacios had been the internal favorite for playing time at second base after the Brandon Lowe trade. He is most negatively affected by the acquisition of Lux, who has similar skills. They are all left-handed bats whose games are built around strong on-base skills despite limited power. Palacios scored well in a small group last year, but was limited to 17 games due to a pair of injuries: a broken right ring finger and a more serious knee sprain, which cost him most of the season.
Palacios still has a minor league option and could go to Triple-A for another season. His best path to MLB playing time now is likely in the corner outfield. Palacios played nearly 500 innings as a left fielder during parts of four MLB campaigns. The Rays have a wide open outfield all around Carlo Mullinswho will probably be the everyday midfielder. Jake Fraley, Johnny DeLuca, Chandler Simpson, Justyn Henry Malloy, Ryan rested and trade collection Jacob Melton will also compete for playing time. Fraley, Palacios, Simpson and Melton are all left-handed hitters.
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