The first big free agent signing of the 2026-27 MLB offseason took place in the early-morning hours of November 11. Emilio Pagan, the closer for the Cincinnati Reds over the past two seasons, will head up north to join the Detroit Tigers on a one-year deal.
A Look at Pagan
The 2026 campaign was Emilio Pagan‘s second season as closer for the Reds. Pagan assumed that role in 2025 after it was unclear who would take that mantle from Alexis Diaz. Over two years, Pagan handled it very well.
Last season was a fine season overall for Pagan, who notched 25 saves and struck out 45 over 42 innings for the Reds. The right-hander only worked in 44 contests, as Pagan did miss some time due to a hamstring injury.
Still, it was a fine year for the veteran reliever, who re-signed with the Reds last December after a sensational campaign. Pagan re-joined what was on paper a strong bullpen core, one that seemed to get better in the winter with the additions of Caleb Ferguson and Pierce Johnson. However, Tony Santillan and Connor Phillips, two key relievers from 2025, had down years.
That reinforced just how important Pagan was to the Reds’ bullpen.
Pagan, as a whole, does a tremendous job of expanding the zone. His 33.9% Chase% on four-seam fastball was well above the league median and one of the top figures among MLB pitchers. Plus, his overall Chase% was one of the top figures with the Reds.
Back to that fastball, it’s a doozy of an offering. Pagan’s fastball sits in the mid-90s, capping out at 97 MPH this season. But it’s an offering that can explode on hitters, with riding action that plays very well up in the zone.
And as you’d expect for a reliever, Pagan heavily relied on the fastball in 2026. In fact, more so than in 2024 and 2025. It is one of three pitches in his arsenal, alongside a cutter and a splitter that was an ace pitch for him in 2025.
That splitter (28.5% Barrel%) was hit around a bit when opposing hitters got to it.
Per reports, including from the New York Post, the Tigers signed Emilio Pagan to a one-year deal worth $11MM.
Analysis
It’s a big addition for the Tigers, who landed the fourth-best relief pitcher available per our rankings. And more importantly, one of the few notable closers available in free agency this winter.
With Kenley Jansen off the Tigers’ roster, adding a reliable high-leverage reliever was a need for Detroit this winter. Between injuries and down years from other relievers, including one-time closer Kyle Finnegan, having that ace reliever available at any given time is an obviously critical thing to have.
Especially for the Tigers, as A.J. Hinch has been more than willing to be creative with his bullpen usage.
Losing Pagan is a big one for the Reds. Cincinnati still has a need for bullpen help, although the club could try to see if one of their internal options can run with things now that Pagan is gone.
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