Emilio

Pagan

The deal is now official. Pagán returns to shore up the back-end of Cincinnati’s bullpen after converting 32 of 38 save opportunities to accompany a strong 2.88 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 81/22 K/BB ratio across 68 2/3 innings over 70 appearances this past season. The 34-year-old veteran projects as a top-20 range closer for fantasy purposes heading into drafts next spring.

C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic notes that the deal does contain an opt-out after the 2026 season. Pagán received considerable interest from other clubs, but the 34-year-old will remain with Cincinnati for at least one more year. The 34-year-old forged a 2.88 ERA and saved 32 games in 2025, and barring another move, he should remain the stopper for the Reds in 2026.

There is still a strong likelihood that Pagán will return to the Reds, but he will at least explore the other options. The 34-year-old took the Reds’ closer job at the beginning of the season and ran with it, posting a 2.88 ERA with 32 saves in 68 2/3 innings. He has a career 3.66 ERA and 28.3 percent strikeout rate, but has only two seasons with under a 4.00 ERA since 2019, so it will be interesting to see how much money teams feel willing to spend on him.

Pagán once again handled his business without issue, getting Sal Frelick on strikes, Christian Yelich on a pop out to shortstop and Jackson Chourio on a ground ball to short to end it. He has been one of the top closers in baseball this season and wound up being one of the top overall bargains in fantasy leagues.

The 34-year-old right-hander has been a rock in the ninth inning for the Reds this season and that was definitely the case once again on Friday. He needed just 12 pitches to retire the Brewers in order, including a punchout of William Contreras. On the season, he boasts a 2.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and an 80/22 K/BB ratio over 67 2/3 innings of work to go with 31 saves in 37 chances.

Bryan Reynolds hit a ball not quite far enough over the wall in right with one out. Pagan has given up 10 homers, but he has a 2.97 ERA anyway. He’s nearly doubled his career saves total this year. He came into 2025 with 33 in eight seasons, 20 of which came with the Rays in 2019.

Both Santillan and Emilio Pagán pitched Friday and Saturday, but Santillan had the easier outings, throwing a total of 22 pitches, and thus was available today, whereas Pagán, who totaled 31 pitches, apparently wasn’t. Santillan walked two and threw 23 pitches before finishing off the Cubs, so he will need some rest after this one. Fortunately, the Reds have Monday off before a home series against the Pirates.

Pagán was summoned in the ninth inning to close out the game against the Cubs with a three-run lead. He worked around one hit, striking out the final batter to secure the win and convert his 29th save of the season to go with a 3.06 ERA over 64 2/3 innings.

It’s just Pagan’s second save in September and third since Aug. 9, as he had blown three of his previous five chances. Still, this does make five consecutive scoreless outings for him now.

Pagán was summoned in the bottom of the ninth to close out the game after the Reds took a two-run lead in the top of the inning. He tossed a clean frame, striking out the final batter to secure the win and convert his 27th save of the season to go with a 3.26 ERA.