Sports · Baseball · 10 hrs ago
Emilio Pagán Declines $10 Million Reds Option for 2027
Emilio Pagán declined his $10 million option to play for the Cincinnati Reds in 2027.
The 35-year-old right-handed reliever is set to become a free agent, though he could still agree to a new deal with Cincinnati.
Pagán spent the past three seasons with the Reds and became their closer in 2025.
He recorded 25 saves in 28 chances and a 3.38 ERA in 2026, despite missing nearly two months with a hamstring strain.
He returned in July and saved 19 straight games, helping strengthen his case for another contract.
Turning down the option gives him a chance to seek a new deal with the Reds or another team; the Reds have until Nov.
2 to reach an agreement with him.
Emilio Pagán declined his $10 million player option with the Cincinnati Reds for 2027 and is set to become a free agent unless he agrees to a new deal with the club.
The 35-year-old closer went 5-1 with a 3.38 ERA and converted 25 of 28 save chances in 2026.
A strained left hamstring kept him out of action for much of May and June.
Pagán has spent the past three seasons with Cincinnati and has recorded 90 saves in 10 major league seasons.
The Reds also declined mutual options for Eugenio Suárez and Pierce Johnson.
- Who
- Emilio Pagán, the Cincinnati Reds’ 35-year-old closer.
- What
- He declined his $10 million player option for 2027 and will become a free agent unless he agrees to a new deal with the Reds.
- When
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.
- Where
- Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pagán took over as the Reds’ closer and converted 32 of 38 save chances with a 2.88 ERA.
Pagán went on the injured list with a hamstring strain.
MLB Trade Rumors reports that Pagán returned from the injured list.
Pagán declined his $10 million player option for 2027.
- Option
- $10 million player option for 2027
- 2026 record
- 5-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 25 saves in 28 chances
- Injury
- Strained left hamstring
- Age
- 35
- Reds tenure
- Three seasons
- Career saves
- 90 in 10 major league seasons
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Sources: Emilio Pagán declined the Cincinnati Reds’ $10 million option for the 2027 season and will become a free agent, with a strong chance of landing a multi-year contract. Pagán had a notable second half of the season, going 3-0 with a 1.71 ERA, 29 SO in 26.1 IP and 18 SV.