As seen in recent years, a bullpen can make or break a postseason run. A group of hot arms can shut down the league’s best offenses, but one hiccup can also change the trajectory of a World Series run.
Cincinnati Reds’ 2026 Closer Options
For the Cincinnati Reds, a team with postseason aspirations going into 2026, they have a few options for their closer role. Emilio Pagan was great as the Reds closer in 2025 but is now a free agent. Should they bring him back or look elsewhere? Or should they have someone from within the organization slot right into the currently vacant spot?
Emilio Pagan’s 2025 Season
After an underwhelming 2024 season that saw Pagan throw just 38 innings for a 4.50 ERA, questions arose regarding the closer role for the 2025 Reds. Heading into the season, manager Terry Francona opted against the traditional “closer” role, instead utilizing the strategy of riding the hot hand. Whoever was hot was hot or available was going to save the game that day.
In theory, this was a good idea. Pagan had regressed significantly the year prior, and at age 34, there was a chance that his best days were behind him. However, this strategy came back to haunt the team immediately, with Ian Gibaut blowing the save on Opening Day. Pagan would wind up earning the closer role and delivered perhaps his best season yet.
He appeared in 70 games, totaling 68 2/3 innings with a 2.88 ERA. His 32 saves were a career high, shattering the previous high of 20 saves back in 2019 with the Rays.
Pagan was one of the best relievers in MLB at inducing swings and misses, a pivotal trait for relievers. His 30.0 K% (89th percentile), 29.2 Whiff% (78th percentile), and 32.6 Chase% (90th percentile) were all at the top of the league.
Emilio Pagan’s Metrics
With how volatile the reliever position is, the peripheral numbers can sometimes tell a different story. For Pagan however, his metrics show that he was even better than the surface level numbers.
2.91 xERA: 91st percentile
.183 xBA: 99th percentile
37.0 Hard-Hit%: 78th percentile
Pagan was simply dominant all year, limiting runs and loud contact. At age 34, his arm remained as lively as ever, averaging 95.8 MPH on his fastball (75th percentile).
To put it simply, Emilio Pagan was one of the better relievers in MLB, and his free agency market will be an interesting one.
Emilio Pagan’s Free Agency Market
Teams are always in desperate search of bullpen help. In Pagan’s case, his age is a downside for him. At 34 years-old, he isn’t necessarily old, but he is certainly looking at a two-year deal. The monetary value will be anywhere between $16 to $22 million in total. He will likely see an increase from his $8 million mark in 2025.
At that price, it is an obvious yes for the Reds, especially now that he has proven himself to be more than capable of being a full time closer. However, if the Reds do decide to go towards other routes, there are some good options there too.
Other Closer Options
One option from directly in the organization is simply moving Tony Santillan from the set-up man to the closer. Santillan himself enjoyed a career year in 2025, pitching 73 2/3 innings for a 2.44 ERA. At 28 years-old, he is much younger than Pagan, if that is something the Reds want to take into account.
He will also come at a much lower price as he is just now entering his first year of arbitration, where he will be paid $2.5 million in 2026. The obvious downside is that he has very limited experience as a closer, and if things go south, the backup options aren’t great.
If they decide to look outside of the organization, there are countless options in the free agency market currently. They will most likely stay away from the big names such as Robert Suarez, Edwin Diaz, and Devin Williams, but there are still great options other than the elite free agents.
Regardless, there are many avenues for the Reds to head towards in terms of their 2026 closer.
Main Photo Credits: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
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