Sports · Baseball · 1 day ago
Emilio Pagán Declines Reds Option and Enters Free Agency
Emilio Pagán declined his $10 million option with Cincinnati, making the 35-year-old right-handed reliever a free agent.
He has pitched for the Reds since signing in December 2023 and served as their closer.
Pagán recorded 57 saves in 2025 and 2026, more than all but seven Major League closers over that span.
His strikeout and walk numbers since 2024 have been strong, but he gives up many home runs and few ground balls.
He had a 3.44 ERA in nearly 150 innings with Cincinnati, including a higher 4.50 ERA in 2024 and lower marks in the next two seasons.
The Reds may sign him again, after previously bringing him back on a two-year, $20 million deal.
One projection is another two-year, $20 million contract, but his next team has not been announced.
Emilio Pagán declined his $10 million player option with the Cincinnati Reds and became a free agent.
The 35-year-old right-handed reliever recorded 57 saves for the Reds in 2025 and 2026.
He posted a 3.44 ERA in just under 150 innings with Cincinnati.
Pagán struck out 28.4% of batters and walked 7.4% across at least 100 bullpen innings since 2024.
MLB Trade Rumors projected him to receive a two-year, $20 million deal and said a return to the Reds would not be surprising.
- Who
- Emilio Pagán, a right-handed relief pitcher.
- What
- He declined his $10 million player option with the Reds and became a free agent.
- When
- By November 8, 2026.
- Where
- Cincinnati, Ohio; Pagán’s option was with the Cincinnati Reds.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Reds signed Pagán to a two-year, $16 million deal.
Pagán posted a 4.50 ERA in 38 innings and missed time with right triceps and lat injuries.
Pagán recorded 57 saves for the Reds, with ERAs of 2.88 in 2025 and 3.38 in 2026.
Pagán declined his $10 million player option and became a free agent.
- Player option
- $10 million
- Reds saves
- 57 in 2025–26
- ERA with Cincinnati
- 3.44 in just under 150 innings
- Strikeout rate
- 28.4% since 2024 among pitchers with at least 100 bullpen innings
- Projected contract
- Two years, $20 million