BREAKING NEWS: CINCINNATI REDS SIGN EMILIO PAGAN! | MLB News, Analysis, Off-Season, Podcast, Rumors

Описание: Emilio Pagán Returns to the Reds: A Bullpen Anchor Secured

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds made a pivotal move to stabilize their bullpen, agreeing to re-sign veteran closer Emilio Pagán to a two-year, $20 million contract, pending a physical. The deal, first reported by Ken Rosenthal and C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, includes a player option for the second year, allowing Pagán to opt out after 2026 and test free agency once more. This agreement marks the Reds' first significant splash of the offseason, addressing a glaring need after losing key relievers like Nick Martinez, Scott Barlow, Brent Suter, and Ian Gibaut to free agency.

Pagán, who turns 35 in May 2026, emerged as one of the National League's most reliable late-inning arms in 2025. Acquired by Cincinnati in a 2024 trade from the Minnesota Twins, he initially struggled, posting a 4.50 ERA in his debut season while battling a right lat strain that sidelined him for over two months. However, 2025 marked a stunning resurgence. Transitioning into the primary closer role for the first time since 2019 with the Tampa Bay Rays, Pagán appeared in a career-high 70 games, logging 68.2 innings with a stellar 2.88 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. His 32 saves tied for second in the NL behind San Diego's Robert Suarez, while his 81 strikeouts against just 22 walks underscored his command.

What fueled this turnaround? Pagán's refined pitch arsenal played a starring role. His 96 mph four-seamer held opponents to a .171 average, and his cutter limited them to .225. But the splitter stole the show—a devastating pitch with 36.2 inches of vertical drop and a 41% whiff rate, against which batters hit just .121. This induced a career-high 32.6% chase rate, his best mark since 2019, helping him strand runners and slam the door in high-leverage spots. Pagán's late-season heroics were unforgettable: four scoreless outings over four days, including saves in the Reds' final three wins, propelled Cincinnati to its first playoff berth in a full season since 2013.

For the Reds, a young core featuring Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, this signing is a masterstroke. Cincinnati's bullpen ranked fourth in MLB with 1.4 Wins Above Average in 2025, but Pagán's departure loomed as a catastrophe. His durability, clubhouse presence, and familiarity with pitching coach Kyle Boddy's system make him invaluable in a division stacked with offenses from the Cubs and Brewers. At $10 million annually—roughly double his prior $8 million AAV—it's a premium for a 35-year-old, but one Pagán earned after flirting with DFA whispers earlier. Fans on X erupted in approval, with @SleeperReds declaring "HE IS BACK" and @CharlieG__ praising his consistency.

As the Reds eye further upgrades, like pursuing DH Kyle Schwarber, Pagán's return signals ambition. In a town starved for sustained success, this deal buys time for contention, blending veteran savvy with youthful fire. Pagán isn't just closing games; he's closing the gap to October glory.

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