One reliever (not named Alexis Díaz) the Reds cannot afford to trade at the deadline

The word on the street is that Cincinnati is shopping several of their relief pitchers with the MLB trade deadline on the horizon. Though Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall has yet to take a firm stance ahead of the July 30th deadline, common sense would seem to suggest the club may look to both buy and sell.

There are a number of free agents to-be on in the Reds bullpen. Lucas Sims, Justin Wilson, and Buck Farmer will all enter the open market after the 2024 season comes to a close. The same is true for Brent Suter, but with the lefty on the IL, he's not going to be dealt at the deadline.

But while Cincinnati may look to part ways with a few of their relievers, there's one pitcher (not named Alexis Díaz) who should be all but untouchable at the trade deadline, and that's Sam Moll.

Sam Moll is the one reliever the Reds cannot deal at the trade deadline

Ironically enough, Moll was a trade deadline acquisition last year when the left-hander came over from Oakland. The Reds and A's worked out a deal that brought Moll to the Queen City and sent pitching prospect Joe Boyle to Oakland.

A year later, one could make the argument the deal was a win-win for both sides. While Boyle has had his ups and downs, the talent is there and the flamethrower won't become a free agent until 2030. For the Reds, Moll has been an anchor at the backend of the bullpen since returning from the IL earlier this season.

Moll represents exactly what Krall and Co. wanted last season — a skilled reliever with multiple years of team control. The Reds may be on the lookout for a similar type of player this summer, but perhaps one who can step into the batters' box rather than toe the pitching rubber.

Moll has been lights out in his second season with the Reds. The southpaw is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.986 WHIP in 31 appearances this season. Moll has 24 punch outs in 23.1 innings pitched and is the left-handed equivalent of Fernando Cruz — David Bell's go-to pitcher when he needs an out.

While it's hard to put a value on some players, the fact that Moll is still pre-arbitration eligible and under team control for three more seasons is not something that can be quickly dismissed. Though pitchers like Sims, Wilson, and Farmer may be on the move next week, expect Moll to stay put.

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