Emilio Pagan Declines $10 Million Option to Become Free Agent

Emilio Pagan declined a $10 million player option for 2027 on Saturday to enter free agency after recording 25 saves this season.

Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagan declined a $10 million player option for the 2027 season on Saturday, electing to become a free agent. The 35-year-old right-hander finished the most recent campaign with a 5-1 record, a 3.38 ERA, and 25 saves in 28 opportunities. Pagan missed significant time between May 5 and July 3 due to a strained left hamstring, yet concluded his third year in Cincinnati with 90 career major league saves.

The Reds also declined a $16 million mutual option on Eugenio Suarez and an $8 million mutual option on Pierce Johnson. Suarez, who played 125 games as a third baseman and designated hitter, posted a .212 batting average with 26 home runs and 74 RBI. His season included a stint on the injured list from April 22 to May 23 caused by a strained left oblique.

Pierce Johnson enters free agency following a $1 million buyout of his option. The right-hander produced a 2-1 record and a 4.65 ERA across 56 relief appearances while dealing with right elbow inflammation that sidelined him from May 26 to June 23. Johnson earned $300,000 in performance bonuses on top of a $5.5 million base salary.