Reds FeedSam Moll
P · Age 34 · Bats Left · Throws Left
Where things stand
Sam Moll's tenure with the Cincinnati Reds has ended after the team designated the left-handed reliever for assignment to make room for Graham Ashcraft's return from the injured list. Moll cleared waivers and elected free agency, becoming available to sign with any team for the remainder of the season and beyond. The 34-year-old posted a 4.79 ERA across 65 appearances in 2026 while dealing with ongoing shoulder injuries that have limited his effectiveness, particularly against right-handed batters.
Synthesized by MLB Feed Network from the 6 stories below. How we write these
2026 season
Stats from the MLB Stats API.
Contract
See the full Reds payroll.
Sam Moll coverage
Reds could solve a bullpen problem with former Braves lefty who just hit free agency
The Cincinnati Reds face a shortage of left-handed relievers after trading Caleb Ferguson and designating Sam Moll for assignment, leaving them with none on their 40-man roster if they don't re-sign Brock Burke. Bailey Falter, a 29-year-old left-hander who just became a free agent after playing for the Atlanta Braves, could address this need as an inexpensive option. Falter struggled early in 2026 with Kansas City but improved significantly in Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 4.44 ERA over 54 games from 2024-2025 and offering versatility as both a reliever and occasional starter. The Reds also face pitching depth concerns with Hunter Greene undergoing Tommy John surgery and Brady Singer expected to leave in free agency.
Blog Red MachineSam Moll's departure makes one Reds decision all too obvious
The Cincinnati Reds designated left-handed reliever Sam Moll for assignment to make room for Graham Ashcraft's return from the injured list, and Moll subsequently cleared waivers and elected free agency. Moll posted a 4.79 ERA with a problematic 11.7% walk rate across 65 appearances this season. With Moll's departure, Brock Burke becomes the Reds' only left-handed reliever, making him a priority to retain before free agency in November given his strong 2.50 ERA and 71 appearances this season.
Blog Red MachineSam Moll Elects Free Agency
Left-handed reliever Sam Moll cleared waivers after the Reds designated him for assignment and is now free to sign with any team. The 34-year-old posted a 4.79 ERA in 56 1/3 innings this season while performing well against left-handed batters but struggling significantly against right-handers. Moll has dealt with multiple shoulder injuries over the past several seasons, including three IL stints in 2024-25, and his fastball velocity has declined from its peak. Any team signing him now could use him for the final weeks of the regular season and would retain control through next season via arbitration.
MLB Trade RumorsReds DFA Sam Moll, activate Graham Ashcraft from the IL
The Cincinnati Reds designated reliever Sam Moll for assignment to make room for right-handed pitcher Graham Ashcraft, who was activated from the 60-day injured list. Ashcraft suffered a UCL tear in late May but chose to rehabilitate rather than undergo Tommy John surgery, returning to action with Triple-A Louisville on August 25th and pitching five games before his activation. Moll struggled this season with a 4.79 ERA across 65 games for Cincinnati, though he was still arbitration eligible and under contract through 2027.
Redleg NationReds Designate Sam Moll For Assignment
The Cincinnati Reds designated left-handed reliever Sam Moll for assignment to make room on their roster. Right-handed reliever Graham Ashcraft is returning from the 60-day injured list to take Moll's spot.
MLB Trade Rumors7 Reds who are playing their way out of the team's 2027 plans
With about a month remaining in the 2026 season, several Cincinnati Reds players are underperforming and facing potential roster changes. Outfielder TJ Friedl, once a fan favorite and playoff contributor, has declined significantly this year and may not be retained due to arbitration costs. Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes provides elite defense but has struggled offensively while carrying a $25 million contract through 2029, creating a difficult decision for the organization. Relief pitcher Sam Moll performed well early in the season but has been unreliable since the All-Star break, and his future may depend on the team's plans for free agent Brock Burke. Prospect Michael Toglia was recently called up but has not translated his Triple-A success to the majors and faces likely release after the season since he has exhausted his minor-league options. Shortstop Noelvi Marte continues to underperform relative to expectations, with manager Terry Francona having criticized his work ethic.
Blog Red Machine