Emilio Pagán Opts for Free Agency After Declining Player Option

Reliever Emilio Pagán has chosen to decline his $10 million player option with the Cincinnati Reds for the 2027 season, as reported by Francys Romero of BeisbolFR. If he does not secure a new contract with the team by the deadline of 4 p.m. CT on November 2, he will enter free agency.

The 35-year-old pitcher has had a varied career, playing for six teams since his debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2017. Pagán joined the Reds in December 2023 on a two-year deal worth $16 million, but his first season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 38 innings with a 4.50 ERA.

In contrast, Pagán's performance improved significantly over the last two seasons, particularly in 2025 when he became the Reds' closer. That year, he successfully converted 32 of 38 save opportunities and achieved a 2.88 ERA across 68 2/3 innings, despite a low ground-ball rate of 28.7%.