The Cincinnati Reds are once again facing a tricky offseason choice. Emilio Pagán, who initially arrived as a short-term veteran option, has completely rewritten his story in 2025. Though he wasn’t expected to anchor the bullpen, he grabbed the role and emerged as one of the Reds’ most reliable relievers in a year where steadiness was scarce. With free agency on the horizon, the team must decide if his breakthrough represents lasting value or just a one-season spike.
Relievers are notoriously unpredictable, with performance often fluctuating year to year. Still, Pagán proved to be more than a typical bullpen piece for Cincinnati. He brought a fearless edge to the closer’s role, earning respect throughout the clubhouse and from fans. Posting a 2.93 ERA with 31 saves and 80 strikeouts in 67⅔ innings, he not only erased doubts but even outshined several of the game’s top closers in 2025.
Emilio Pagán forced Reds to rethink bullpen plans after surprise 2025 surge
Heading into the season, the Reds were counting on Alexis Díaz to regain his All-Star form. Instead, his uneven performance led to a midseason trade, clearing the way for Emilio Pagán to take over. What started as a presumed closer-by-committee quickly shifted, with Pagán establishing himself as the unquestioned finisher.
Few would have predicted how seamlessly he’d step into the role. For a team long plagued by late-inning collapses, Pagán became the steady hand, showing that a veteran can still thrive when trusted in the most pressure-packed moments.
Still, the decision ahead isn’t as simple as re-signing him and handing him the closer’s job for 2026. Pagán’s career has been up and down — since 2020, this is just the second season he’s posted an ERA under 3.00. His 2025 dominance proved what he’s capable of, but it also leaves the question of sustainability.
What’s undeniable is the impact he’s had this year. He solidified a shaky bullpen, gave fans faith in tight games, and reintroduced confidence to the ninth inning. Even if the Reds hesitate to guarantee him the closer role, the right contract could keep him in the fold as both insurance and a veteran leader. A reunion remains possible — but Cincinnati must decide carefully, balancing the value of his resurgence with the risk of relying on it to last.
