UPDATE: Emilio Pagán has officially re-signed with the Cincinnati Reds, finalizing a $20 million, two-year contract on Thursday, solidifying his role as the team’s closer. Pagán expressed his excitement, stating it was an “easy choice” to return to Cincinnati, where he feels a strong connection to the team and its ambitions.
In his own words, Pagán emphasized the importance of comfort and team dynamics in his decision:
“I wanted to go somewhere where I felt comfortable, where I felt like I had a chance to win games and be around a special group of people, and Cincinnati checks all three of those boxes.”
The 34-year-old right-hander became the Reds’ closer early last season, boasting an impressive record of 2-4 with a 2.88 ERA and a career-high 32 saves in just 38 chances. His performance ranked him second in the National League for saves and tied for fifth across Major League Baseball, underscoring his value to the team.
As he looks forward to the upcoming season, Pagán aims to enhance his repertoire by integrating his split-finger fastball more effectively. He stated, “The splitter has, in my opinion, changed the way that I can attack both left-handed and right-handed hitters.” Improved command of the pitch will be crucial for his strategy as he prepares for the 2024 season.
Pagán’s re-signing comes at a pivotal time for the Reds, who are building on their momentum after finishing with an 83-79 record and securing the final wild-card spot in the National League under new manager Terry Francona. With a youthful pitching staff led by ace Hunter Greene and promising talents Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo, Pagán’s experience will be invaluable as the team aims for further postseason success.
Looking ahead, fans can expect to see Pagán in action as the Reds prepare for an exciting 2024 season, with the potential for Pagán to opt out after the 2026 season. This move solidifies the Reds’ commitment to maintaining a competitive roster while fostering a winning culture in Cincinnati. Keep an eye on further developments as the offseason unfolds.
