US EditionCincinnati Reds Re-Signing Free Agent Closer Emilio Pagán to 2-Year Deal
Pagán's two-year, $20 million contract includes an opt-out after one year following his career-high 32 saves and 2.88 ERA last season, boosting Reds' bullpen stability.
- On Wednesday, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and C. Trent Rosecrans reported Emilio Pagán agreed to return to the Cincinnati Reds on a two-year, $20 million contract pending physical with an opt-out after year one.
- An Alexis Díaz injury pushed Emilio Pagán into the closer role in 2025, where he excelled with 32 saves and a 2.88 ERA while Cincinnati Reds rebuilt their bullpen after multiple free agency departures.
- Before Cincinnati, Pagán's career totals show his nine-season résumé, including a 3.66 ERA and 65 saves with teams like the Mariners and Padres.
- The club has not yet announced the move publicly, but Emilio Pagán's return secures the closer role and observers questioned whether this limits payroll flexibility to pursue free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber.
- With an 83-79 record and a return to the postseason, Cincinnati enters the offseason with momentum as more than 2 million fans attended Reds home games in 2025 at Great American Ball Park.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Emilio Pagan re-signing with Reds on two-year, $20 million contract
The back end of the Reds bullpen is going to look similar to the one that made the playoffs last season. Cincinnati re-signed its closer Emilio Pagán to a two-year, $20 million contract, according to The Post’s Jon Heyman. The deal does include an opt-out after 2026.
Associated Press News
Reds closer Emilio Pagán returns on $20 million, 2-year deal, AP sources say
Free agent closer Emilio Pagán has agreed to return to the Cincinnati Reds on a $20 million, two-year contract, two people familiar with the negotiations tell The Associated Press.
Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TodayCincinnati Reds re-signing free agent closer Emilio Pagán to 2-year deal
Emilio Pagán's two-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds guarantees $20 million over two years and includes a player opt-out clause after the first year.
Puerto Rican pitcher Emilio Pagán will return to the Cincinnati Reds for the next Major League Baseball season, after reaching a two-year, $20 million agreement, journalist Mark Feinsand reported.
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