Reds Re-sign Closer Emilio Pagán to $20 Million, 2-Year Deal
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Emilio Pagán has officially put pen to paper on a $20 million, two-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds, reuniting him with the club as their closer. The 34-year-old right-hander expressed his desire to remain with the Reds, citing a comfortable team environment and a chance to win games with a 'special group of people.' Pagán's new deal includes a $10 million salary for the upcoming season, with a $10 million player option for 2027 and no buyout. He also stands to gain a $500,000 assignment bonus if traded. In a breakout season last year, Pagán established himself as the Reds' closer, posting a 2.88 ERA and 32 saves in 38 chances. He ranked second in the National League in saves and tied for fifth in the majors. The right-hander aims to improve his split-finger fastball, which he felt he mastered towards the end of last season. Pagán primarily relies on his four-seam fastball, but his splitter has become a game-changer, allowing him to effectively target both left-handed and right-handed hitters. The Reds' pitching staff is expected to feature a young starting rotation, with right-hander Hunter Greene as the ace, followed by the lefty duo of Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo. Cincinnati's momentum is still high after reaching the postseason in Terry Francona's first year as manager, finishing 83-79 and securing the National League's final wild-card spot.
