Emilio Pagán opts for free agency as Reds decline options on players
5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 31, 2026, 10:59 PM
Last updated Oct 31, 2026
Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán has declined his $10 million player option for the 2027 season, opting for free agency. The Reds also passed on mutual options for third baseman Eugenio Suárez and right-hander Pierce Johnson, both of whom can become free agents as well. Pagán, who recorded 25 saves this past season, faced injury issues earlier in the year but returned to strong form. Suárez contributed 26 home runs in 125 games, while Johnson made 56 appearances in relief. The Reds will need to fill key roles in their bullpen moving forward.
- •Pagán had a 3.38 ERA and 25 saves in 2026
- •Suárez hit 26 homers with a.212 batting average
- •Johnson appeared in 56 games with a 4.65 ERA
- •Reds now have more flexibility in roster spending
- •Cincinnati's 40-man roster stands at 35 players
- 11:41 PMESPN MLB — Closer Pagan declines $10M player option with Reds
- 10:42 PMYahoo Sports — Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán free agent after declining option
- 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Pagán declines option with Reds, who turn down options on Suárez and Johnson
- 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Emilio Pagán declines option to stay with Reds, reaches free agency
"CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán declined a $10 million player option for 2027 on Saturday, deciding to become a free agent.Cincinnati also declined a $16 million mutual option on third baseman/designated hitter Eugenio Suárez and an $8 million mutual option on right-hander Pierce Johnson, who gets a $1 million buyout.
"Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán declined a $10 million option for 2027 to enter free agency. Neither Pagán nor the Reds has ruled out a reunion.
"Reds closer Emilio Pagan declined a $10 million player option for 2027 on Saturday, deciding to become a free agent.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBOct 31, 2026, 11:41 PMCloser Pagan declines $10M player option with Reds
Reds closer Emilio Pagan declined a $10 million player option for 2027 on Saturday, deciding to become a free agent.
- Yahoo SportsOct 31, 2026, 10:42 PMCincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán free agent after declining option
Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán declined a $10 million option for 2027 to enter free agency. Neither Pagán nor the Reds has ruled out a reunion.
- Yahoo SportsOct 31, 2026, 10:30 PMPagán declines option with Reds, who turn down options on Suárez and Johnson
CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán declined a $10 million player option for 2027 on Saturday, deciding to become a free agent.Cincinnati also declined a $16 million mutual option on third baseman/designated hitter Eugenio Suárez and an $8 million mutual option on right-hander Pierce Johnson, who gets a $1 million buyout.
- Yahoo SportsOct 31, 2026, 10:30 PMEmilio Pagán declines option to stay with Reds, reaches free agency
Cincinnati will now need to find a closer for 2027, assuming they plan on ever having a lead in the 9th inning.
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