2 Reds trade deadline successes & 1 failure

The MLB trade deadline came and went on Tuesday, and for the most part, it was rather quiet. Outside of Justin Verlander rejoining the Houston Astros, there were very few major acquisitions.

The Cincinnati Reds were thought to be buyers at the trade deadline, but aside from a minor pickup on Monday, Nick Krall and front office didn't make any moves.

So, with the 2023 MLB trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, what are the team's two biggest successes from the past few days and where did Krall and his team make a mistake?

Reds trade deadline success: Addressed major need.

The Cincinnati Reds made one trade before the deadline, and it was a good one. Cincinnati landed Oakland Athletics' relief pitcher Sam Moll in a deal that saw pitching prospect Joe Boyle headed out to the Bay Area.

Adding a left-handed reliever was a must for the Reds at the trade deadline. While pitchers like Brent Suter and Brad Hand were also available, Cincinnati decided to go with Moll. The southpaw, while 31 year old, has several years of team control remaining; something that Krall and his team were adamant about securing.

Prior to Monday's transaction, the Reds had been managing the bullpen with just one left-hander. After Reiver Sanmartin landed on the 60-day IL earlier this season, Alex Young was it. The veterans has pitched well, but adding Moll now gives David Bell two lefties he can turn to when necessary.

While fans tended to bicker back and forth about whether or not a reliever or starter was more necessary, I think almost everyone in Reds Country will agree that acquiring a left-handed arm for the bullpen was absolutely essential. Time will tell how effective Moll can be out of the Reds bullpen.