Reds FeedEmilio Pagán
P · Age 35 · Bats Left · Throws Right
Where things stand
Emilio Pagán faces a decision on his $10 million player option with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2027 season, with recent reporting suggesting he is likely to exercise it and remain with the team. The closer posted a 1.88 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 28.2 innings following his July return in 2026 and led the league in saves that season. At 36 years old, Pagán must weigh whether staying with Cincinnati offers better security than testing free agency, though the Reds could potentially shop him this offseason depending on organizational changes.
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Emilio Pagán coverage
Will the Cincinnati Reds be without closer Emilio Pagan in 2027?
Emilio Pagan holds a player option worth $10 million for the 2027 season with the Cincinnati Reds and must decide whether to exercise it or enter free agency. After posting a 1.88 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 28.2 innings following his July return in 2026, Pagan must weigh whether he can secure a larger guaranteed contract on the open market despite being 36 years old. The decision carries implications for both sides, as declining the option would force Cincinnati to find a new closer while potentially limiting Pagan's ability to land a multi-year deal given his age and lack of elite stuff compared to traditional closers.
Redleg NationComplete list of Reds 2026-27 free agents and their outlook
The Cincinnati Reds face an offseason with six impending free agents as a lockout looms following CBA negotiations set to begin after the World Series. Closer Emilio Pagán, 35, likely will exercise his $10 million player option for 2027, while infielder Eugenio Suárez's $16 million mutual option is expected to be declined by the team, though a cheaper reunion remains possible. Relief pitcher Pierce Johnson will enter free agency after the Reds decline his $8 million mutual option, and catcher Tyler Stephenson, the longest-tenured Reds player, appears headed to the open market. Reliever Brock Burke, one of the team's most dependable bullpen arms this season, should be a priority for re-signing but has no agreement in place yet.
Blog Red Machine3 Reds who could be traded this offseason if Bob Castellini finally gets out of the way
Recent reports indicate Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini has blocked numerous trades proposed by general manager Nick Krall. If Castellini follows through on his statement that baseball leaders will make baseball decisions going forward, Krall may pursue trades this offseason. Relief pitcher Emilio Pagán, who posted a 1.88 ERA with 19 saves after returning from injury in July, could be shopped despite being a clubhouse favorite, given his age and the team's $10 million option. Outfielder Dane Myers, acquired from Miami last winter, may also be traded as he enters his arbitration window at age 31 and shows defensive limitations.
Blog Red Machine5 winners, and too many losers to count as Reds enter an offseason full of questions
The Cincinnati Reds face an uncertain offseason after recent reporting exposed internal conflicts between president of baseball operations Nick Krall and owner Bob Castellini. Despite the organization's struggles, several players delivered strong performances: pitcher Chase Burns went 15-3 with a 2.86 ERA and signed a seven-year extension, shortstop Elly De La Cruz had his best season and led the majors in batting average against left-handed pitching, closer Emilio Pagán led the league in saves after returning from injury, rookie Sal Stewart hit over 30 homers with 110-plus RBIs, and reliever Tejay Antone returned to pitch effectively following his third Tommy John surgery. The team's numerous underperforming contributors contributed to Cincinnati finishing in the NL Central basement.
Blog Red MachineReds come from behind to win the series against Atlanta
The Cincinnati Reds rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the first inning to defeat the Atlanta Braves 7-6 and win the series. Hector Rodriguez hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning off AJ Smith-Shawver, and the Reds' bullpen held firm the rest of the way, with Emilio Pagan earning the save. Connor Phillips picked up the win while Smith-Shawver took the loss, and Elly De La Cruz contributed a solo home run as part of Cincinnati's comeback effort.
Redleg NationReds come from behind to defeat the Cubs 6-4
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 in the opening game of their series. After falling behind 4-3 in the fourth inning, the Reds rallied in the sixth with a three-run inning featuring an RBI single by Eugenio Suarez and a two-run single by Jose Trevino to take a 6-4 lead. Julian Aguiar earned the win in his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery, while Emilio Pagan recorded the save despite allowing a walk in the ninth inning.
Redleg NationReds come from behind to beat the Brewers, end losing streak
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 on Sunday to snap a five-game losing streak. Eugenio Suarez's three-run home run in the sixth inning gave Cincinnati its first lead, and Tyler Stephenson's sacrifice fly in the eighth extended the advantage to 4-3. The Reds held on through the ninth inning as closer Emilio Pagan recorded the save, with TJ Friedl making a game-ending catch on Christian Yelich's foul ball.
Redleg NationReds News: Elly De La Cruz HR streak, Emilio Pagán's contract, Sonny Gray's future
Elly De La Cruz is in the midst of an eight-game hitting streak with home runs in five consecutive games, posting a .484 batting average during that span. The Reds shortstop will face the Brewers on Friday with a chance to extend his homer streak, having hit nine home runs in 44 career games against Milwaukee. Closer Emilio Pagán, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with a $10 million player option for 2027, is expected to exercise his option and remain with Cincinnati, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Former Reds pitcher Sonny Gray, now with the Boston Red Sox, is considering retirement after the 2026 season due to family obligations.
Blog Red MachineElly De La Cruz drives in four as the Reds beat the Brewers
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 12-8 on Sunday to secure a series victory. Elly De La Cruz drove in four runs with a two-run home run in the fourth inning and a two-run double in the fifth. The Reds built an early lead behind multiple hits and walks, while the Brewers mounted a comeback attempt in the late innings that fell short when closer Emilio Pagan recorded the final out.
Redleg NationREDS POSTCAST: Cincinnati Reds and Elly De La Cruz CRUSH Milwaukee Brewers in Rain-Soaked Thriller
The Cincinnati Reds ended their losing streak against the Milwaukee Brewers with a power-hitting performance led by Elly De La Cruz, who had a strong game on his Bobblehead Day. Eugenio Suarez contributed a clutch double and smart baserunning, while Tyler Stephenson and Matt McLain also went deep as the Reds' offense overwhelmed Milwaukee despite a two-hour rain delay. The bullpen, featuring Julian Garcia and Emilio Pagan, shut down the Brewers in the late innings to secure the victory.
Locked On RedsReds come from behind to beat the Brewers and even the series
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 to tie their series at one game apiece after falling behind early. William Contreras gave Milwaukee a 1-0 lead with a first-inning home run, but Elly De La Cruz answered with a 438-foot blast to tie it. The Reds took control with runs in the fourth and sixth innings, including a two-run home run by Tyler Stephenson, and held on despite the Brewers scoring in the seventh. Emilio Pagan closed out the game by striking out the final batter with the bases loaded to secure the win.
Redleg NationReds homer three times, win Williamson’s return to the mound
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres 7-3 on Wednesday, with Brandon Williamson earning the win in his first appearance since April after recovering from injury. Cincinnati's offense came alive in the second inning, scoring four runs highlighted by Juan Brito's first career home run and Hector Rodriguez's solo shot, then added insurance in the seventh when JJ Bleday hit a two-run homer. The Reds' pitching staff held firm after Williamson exited, with relievers Pierce Johnson, Tejay Antone, Tony Santillan, and closer Emilio Pagan combining to keep San Diego off the board for the final three innings.
Redleg NationCincinnati Reds rally in the 8th inning to beat the Padres
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres 4-3 on Tuesday, with the decisive runs coming in the eighth inning when Jose Trevino drove in Elly De La Cruz with an RBI single and Juan Brito followed with a sacrifice fly. The Reds trailed at multiple points but matched San Diego's scoring throughout the game, with Fernando Tatis Jr. hitting a two-run homer in the ninth that made the final score closer than it appeared. Burke earned the win while Morejon took the loss, and Emilio Pagan recorded his second consecutive save despite allowing a run. The victory evened the series at one game apiece.
Redleg NationREDS POSTCAST: The Cincinnati Reds SHOCK the Cubs as Hector Rodriguez and Tyler Stephenson Blast Off
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 7-5 on Sunday Night Baseball, powered by home runs from Hector Rodriguez, Tyler Stephenson, Dane Myers, and Sal Stewart. The episode examines whether this offensive explosion signals sustained success for the young Reds roster, while also discussing Chase Burns' strong pitching performance, Emilio Pagan's save, and concerns about Elly De La Cruz's quad injury heading into a matchup against San Diego.
Locked On RedsReds Hit Four Home Runs in a 7-5 Win Over the Cubs
The Reds defeated the Cubs 7-5 at Wrigley Field, with Chase Burns earning the win after allowing two earned runs over 5.2 innings. Cincinnati's offense produced four home runs, including two by Pete Crow-Armstrong for the Cubs and solo shots from Dane Myers, Tyler Stephenson, and Sal Stewart for the Reds. Elly De La Cruz left the game with left quad tightness but may be available for the next day's game. Emilio Pagan recorded the save as the Reds' bullpen combined for 3.1 innings of relief.
Redleg NationReds rally to come from behind and beat the Cubs 10-8
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 10-8 in a comeback victory at Wrigley Field to open their three-game series. After trailing 3-0 early, the Reds scored five runs in the sixth inning, including a three-run home run by Tyler Stephenson, to take control of the game. Elly De La Cruz went 3-for-4 with two hits driving in runs, while Sal Stewart hit his 29th home run of the season. TJ Friedl added an insurance run with a two-run home run in the ninth inning before Emilio Pagan closed out the win.
Redleg NationReds make historical comeback to defeat the Giants 10-9
The Cincinnati Reds rallied for seven runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat the San Francisco Giants 10-9, avoiding a sweep. The comeback was historic—the Giants had never before lost a game when leading by six or more runs in the ninth inning, and it marked the first time in 68 years that Cincinnati had come back from down six or more in the ninth to win. Hector Rodriguez hit two home runs and drove in key runs, while Eugenio Suarez hit a grand slam during the ninth-inning surge, and Emilio Pagan closed out the bottom of the inning for the save.
Redleg NationPagán back to old dominant self after 2-month hamstring injury
MLB.com RedsReds News: Chase Burns' innings limit, Emilio Pagán's absence, Brandon Williamson rehab
Manager Terry Francona has no plans to shut down All-Star pitcher Chase Burns despite him reaching a career-high 124 innings pitched, saying the team will continue trying to win games while Burns remains healthy. Closer Emilio Pagán is dealing with hand soreness and will be examined Friday after appearing in only one game over the past eight days. Left-hander Brandon Williamson is progressing through his rehabilitation assignment and will make another appearance on August 16, though he has yet to pitch more than two innings in any rehab outing since going on the injured list in April.
Blog Red MachineReds might have an Emilio Pagán problem if he keeps pitching like this
Reds closer Emilio Pagán struggled early in 2026 with a 6.43 ERA and three blown saves in nine opportunities before suffering a hamstring injury in May. After returning from the injured list in late June, Pagán has been one of baseball's best relievers, posting a 1.46 ERA with 18 strikeouts over 13 appearances. Pagán holds a player option for 2027 and his strong recent performance could lead him to test free agency for a more lucrative deal rather than accept the $10 million the Reds would owe him to stay.
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