Reds retaining Emilio Pagan could prove to be huge for the club

Jared Bloom

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Reds retaining Emilio Pagan could prove to be huge for the club image

There are tons of things to be excited about if you are a Cincinnati Reds fan. Elly De La Cruz is one of the most entertaining players to watch, and the club is managed by an all-time great, Terry Francona. 

They made the postseason this past season for the first time since the 2020 season, but they drew the short end of the stick. They faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card, which did not go well for Cincinnati. 

Now, the front office has been working to put the team in a better position for the 2026 season. They have made a few moves, but none bigger than re-signing Emilio Pagan. 

MORE: Reds sign 3.05 ERA right-handed pitcher from Braves

Reds retaining Emilio Pagan could prove to be huge for the club

Emilio Pagan served as the club's closer in 2025 and did well. He saved 32 games, pitching 68.2 innings while posting a 2.88 ERA, the second lowest of his career. 

He agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal, which could be considered a bargain. Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer believes he signed way under value, which is great news for the Reds. 

"After saving 32 games in his 38 tries last year, Pagan figures to resume closing duties for the Reds once the 2026 season opens. Their bullpen will otherwise look largely the same as it did in 2025, for which it finished in the middle of the pack in ERA. It would certainly look worse off if Pagan had escaped to another city. And at that price, it's hard to believe he couldn't do better."

Devin Williams, who is coming off the worst season of his career, just signed a three-year, $51 million deal. Ryan Helsley, another reliever who struggled mightily in 2025, signed a two-year, $28 million deal. 

The Reds should be thanking Pagan for not looking to sign elsewhere and for more money.

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Contributing Writer