MLB Trade Grades: Reds acquire much-needed left handed reliever

The Oakland Athletics traded their expiring southpaw reliever, Sam Moll, to the Reds for Top 30 prospect Joe Boyle. Who won the trade?

For the better part of the season, Reds fans and media have been calling for Cincinnati to add another lefty to their bullpen.

That wish has finally come true as the Reds finally made a deal before the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 1.

MLB trade grades: Reds acquire LHP Sam Moll from the Athletics

The Oakland Athletics continued their path as being a big-time seller at the deadline as they’ve shipped Sam Moll to the Reds for a pitching prospect in return. Moll doesn’t fit the Athletics timeline, as he’s already on the wrong side of 30.

But for the Reds, a win-now team, his timeline fits rather well, while the prospect in question doesn’t.

On the surface, this looks like a typical win-win deal, but let’s see how it shapes up with a deeper look.

Cincinnati Reds trade grade: A

This trade simply makes sense for the Reds. They needed a left-handed reliever, preferably one that has team control and gets lefties out. Sam Moll has both of those features.

Moll is still in the pre-arbitration part of his contract, which gives him team control until 2028. He’ll be 36 years old by that point. The lefty is also the definition of a lefty specialist, as he has all the features it takes to effectively pitch against them. He throws from a lower three-quarters arm slot and features a tremendous sweeping slider, which are both big reasons for his tremendous .577 OPS allowed to southpaws.

Not only did the Reds add a perfect piece for their 2023 season and beyond, but they didn’t lose much in the deal either. Joe Boyle has a tremendous command problem, good for 8 walks per nine innings this season. Cincinnati has a plethora of top prospects that will help them before Boyle would have.

Oakland Athletics trade grade: B-

The Athletics are in full on sell mode. While Sam Moll is under contract until 2028, the A’s likely won’t need his production for the next few seasons. They are just a few big steps away from putting a contending team on the field and Moll wouldn’t be worth much to them when they are contending again.

In terms of what they added, Boyle does have a serious command problem, but he also has an incredible strikeout rate. He strikes out over 13 batters per nine innings and still holds a 4.50 ERA despite the walks. If the Athletics can figure his command woes out, the 6’7 righty has a ton of untapped potential.

At the end of the day, both teams “won” the trade. They were both able to work towards their goals in a mutually positive deal. But if a true winner had to be decided, it would be Nick Krall and the Cincinnati Reds.