Sam Moll’s chances at Opening Day look slimmer than ever with Reds’ current roster

Sam Moll survived the winter and is surprisingly still part of the Cincinnati Reds roster this spring. But he's on very thin ice. The Reds added two veteran left-handed relievers — Caleb Ferguson and Brock Burke — and will likely need a 40-man spot for Nathaniel Lowe in the coming weeks. Moll's going to need a sterling performance this spring if he hopes to break camp with the big-league ball club.

Moll's problems can be traced all the way back to 2024. After going 24⅔ innings with a 0.73 ERA after being acquired by the Reds in 2023 trade with the Athletics, a left shoulder impingement stalled his debut the following the season. He logged just 37⅔ innings in 2024 and posted a 3.35 ERA before landing on the IL for a second time in September.

The same type of injury plagued Moll yet again last season. The Reds placed Moll on the 15-day IL in mid-April, and after he was activated about a month later, was immediately optioned to Triple-A. The lefty was recalled in early July and then sent back down two months later. In total, Moll made 23 appearances in 2025, and though his strikeout numbers were up (10.80 K/9), so were his walks (4.91 BB/9).

Sam Moll's spring training performance could improve chances of making the Reds Opening Day roster

For all intents and purposes, seven of the eight spots in the Reds bullpen are spoken for. In addition to Ferguson and Burke, EmilIo Pagán, Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft, and Pierce Johnson will all be part of the Reds Opening Day roster — assuming they're healthy. Connor Phillips isn't a sure bet just yet, but he's trending in that direction.

Luis Mey and Zach Maxwell got a taste of the big leagues in 2025 and will looking to make a leap this season. Moll, on the other hand, will be trying to fend off the young guns for the final spot in the Reds bullpen.

Lowe's presence in camp only adds to the pressure Moll will be facing once Cactus League play gets underway. Many observers expect the former Gold Glove Award-winning first baseman to make the Reds Opening Day roster. As such, Cincinnati will need to open a 40-man spot, and Moll could be the most likely player to be shown the door.

Moll is out of minor-league options, meaning he'd have to pass throughout outright waivers if he doesn't make the Reds Opening Day roster. He'll need a strong showing over the next few weeks if he hopes to remain with the organization.