Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagan declined a $10 million player option for 2027, choosing free agency after a season marked by injury and strong performance. The 35-year-old right-hander posted a 3.38 ERA with 25 saves in 28 chances, though he missed over two months due to a strained left hamstring. The Reds also declined mutual options for third baseman Eugenio Suarez ($16M) and reliever Pierce Johnson ($8M), both of whom now become free agents. Suarez batted .212 with 26 home runs and 74 RBI in 125 games, despite missing time with an oblique strain. He notably helped Venezuela win the World Baseball Classic, delivering a key RBI double in the final. Johnson, who earned $5.5M in base salary plus bonuses, went 2-1 with a 4.65 ERA in 56 appearances but was sidelined with elbow inflammation. All three players are now open to sign with other teams.
Pagan, who has 90 career saves across 10 MLB seasons, spent the last three years with Cincinnati. Suarez and Johnson also depart after contributing to the 2026 roster. The Reds now face decisions in the offseason to rebuild their bullpen and infield depth.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing