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Reds lose closer Emilio Pagán and setup man Brock Burke to free agency

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 1, 2026, 4:02 AM

Last updated Nov 1, 2026

Reds lose closer Emilio Pagán and setup man Brock Burke to free agency

Summary

The Cincinnati Reds face significant challenges as both closer Emilio Pagán and setup man Brock Burke are set to enter free agency. Pagán declined his $10 million player option for 2027, leaving the Reds without their most reliable late-inning option after a disappointing season. Burke, who had a strong 2026 campaign with a 2.30 ERA, is likely seeking a better contract on the open market. The Reds finished their season last in the National League Central Division and are looking to improve an underperforming bullpen that saw a team ERA worsen significantly over the year. Retaining Pagán and Burke would require a larger financial commitment from the Reds, complicating their offseason plans.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Cincinnati Reds finished the 2026 season with a 75-87 record.
•Pagán recorded a 3.38 ERA with 25 saves in 28 opportunities.
•Burke posted a 2.30 ERA in 77.1 innings over 74 games.
•Reds ranked 28th in MLB with a 4.83 team ERA this season.
•Both players may require substantial contracts to retain.

Latest Updates

4:02 AMYahoo Sports — Reds to Lose Two Best Relievers From Already Bad Bullpen

What they're saying

"
The Cincinnati Reds just had their worst season in four years and came stone cold last in the National League Central Division. There is a lot to do, and a lot of holes to plug in both the line-up and the pitching stuff. It will not help them, then, that their roster just got worse. […] The post Reds to Lose Two Best Relievers From Already Bad Bullpen appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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