Reds trade for former first-round pick of division rival to address mounting injuries

The Cincinnati Reds are watching injuries pile up right before their eyes, and they've been left with no choice. They need to keep making transactions in order to stay afloat. So, on Friday night, they welcomed Connor Joe to the organization during a mid-game trade with the San Diego Padres.

In a matter of days, the Reds have lost Tyler Callihan (who was transferred to the 60-day IL as the corresponding move), Noelvi Marte and Hunter Greene to the injured list. Others such as Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario were already there. But the lineup has been affected the most, as Terry Francona has been tasked from the jump with moving pieces around.

With Candelario and CES out, that's left Spencer Steer as the everyday first baseman with catcher Austin Wynns getting backup reps. In one fell swoop, the Reds addressed that precarious situation as well as the outfield depth in trading for Joe.

The former first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2014 hasn't had an illustrious MLB career, but he's a versatile defender and has hit .241 with a .724 OPS in 445 career games. Not bad for a last-resort/Triple-A depth option.

Reds, Padres strike mid-game trade with Cincy acquiring Connor Joe

Joe has appeared in just seven games with the Padres this year and has yet to record a hit in 10 plate appearances. He's struck out six times and walked once. This move isn't about the production, though — it's about insurance.

As for who they gave up, pitcher Andrew Moore heads to SD along with a pile of cash. The right-hander has had a bit of a rough go at Double-A to start 2025, logging a 4.15 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in six games. He was acquired from the Seattle Mariners back in 2022, but hasn't entirely impressed.

Though he limits contact and home runs, his 6.6 BB/9 is an indication that the 25-year-old has yet to harness his control, and it doesn't help that he's struggled more ever since arriving to Double-A.

The Reds have enough pitching to aid them through a crisis, so it's safe to say they won't be losing sleep over parting with Moore. As long as Joe can fill in somewhat productively as needed, this will be a win.