Sam Moll – the Oakland A’s hidden trade chip

Every team wants to find bullpen pieces as they look to make a push to the postseason. If that bullpen piece happens to be left handed and has years of team control left, so much the better. Depending on how long that team control would last, virtually every team could be interested in bringing that type of arm onto their roster.

Enter Sam Moll. After bouncing through seven different organizations, including a previous stint with the Oakland A’s, he was finally given an extended look this season. As he is 30 years old and had just 19 major league appearances prior to this season, this may have been his last chance to prove himself.

Sam Moll turning himself into trade chip for Oakland A’s

Suffice to say, he did exactly that. Moll has posted an excellent 1.72 ERA and a 1.149 WHiP over his 31.1 innings, striking out 35 batters with 16 walks. Opponents have mustered a .179/.285/.259 batting line in their 130 plate appearances as he has allowed just two homers and posted a 51.3% ground ball rate.

There are some concerns. Moll has never been a paragon of control and his 4.6 BB/9 rate is the highest of his time in the majors. At the same time, he keeps the ball on the ground and limits hard contact, making those command issues less of a problem than they may otherwise be.

Overall, he has the type of profile that fits as a second lefty/middle relief option for teams in need of bullpen depth. Teams such as the Cardinals, Twins, or Phillies could be a fit, especially as the prospect cost is likely to be minimal. As he would be far more than a rental, he could help solidify these bullpens for years to come.

Sam Moll is not going to generate headlines as a trade target. Nonetheless, the Oakland A’s reliever could be a valuable piece at the deadline.