The Reds need to add more offensive firepower this offseason, but they’ll also need to add to their bullpen. <\/p>\n
The Athletic recently picked a deal for each MLB team that makes the most sense. For the Reds, that deal was bringing back closer Emilio Pagan. <\/p>\n
“Pag\u00e1n rebounded from an ugly first season in Cincinnati to save 32 games with a 2.88 ERA in 2025,” The Athletic’s Andy McCullough wrote.<\/a> “Might as well run it back. I\u2019m sure Reds fans would prefer to read about Kyle Schwarber making a triumphant return to his hometown. This is the best homecoming I can offer you.”<\/p>\n Pagan is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. ESPN is projecting Pagan to get a deal for two years, $22 million. <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI love these guys. They know that,” Pag\u00e1n told MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon<\/a>. “I would love to be with them and continue to help them get back to where this organization is winning championships.\u201d<\/p>\n While Pagan would love to come back and the Reds would love to have him back, Cincinnati has a tight budget to work with. <\/p>\n It would be surprising to see them spend $22 million on a closer. It feels more likely they give someone like Tony Santillan a chance to win the role in spring training. <\/p>\n If the Reds are willing to spend that kind of money in free agency, it should be on a bat, not a relief pitcher. <\/p>\n You can see each team’s best fit here. <\/a><\/p>\n Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk<\/a> for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!<\/p>\n You May Also Like:<\/p>\n Reds Infielder Matt McLain Reflects on Frustrating Season After Wild Card Series Loss<\/a><\/p>\n One Under-The-Radar Reds Prospect Participating in Arizona Fall League<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds on Wrong Side of History After Another Postseason Loss<\/a><\/p>\n Former Cincinnati Reds All-Star Removed From Braves\u2019 40-Man Roster<\/a><\/p>\n Exclusive Interview With Cincinnati Reds Minor League All-Star<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Squander Chances in Season-Ending Loss to Dodgers<\/a><\/p>\n Sal Stewart Makes Reds History in Game 2 of National League Wild Card Series<\/a><\/p>\n Former Reds Pitcher Gets Out of Bases-Loaded Jam for Yankees, Has Epic Reaction<\/a><\/p>\n MLB Analyst Suggests Reds’ Ace Hunter Greene Was Tipping Pitches Against Dodgers<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Make Major League Baseball History<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Utility Player Elects Free Agency<\/a><\/p>\n Four Cincinnati Reds Players Nominated For All-MLB Team<\/a><\/p>\n Reds Become First Team Ever to Reach Playoffs Without Meeting These Statistical Marks<\/a><\/p>\n Brent Suter Does Impression of Terry Francona After Reds Clinch Playoff Berth<\/a><\/p>\n Milwaukee Brewers Show Pure Class After Cincinnati Reds Clinch Playoff Spot<\/a><\/p>\n Former Cincinnati Reds Outfielder Designated for Assignment<\/a><\/p>\n Former Cincinnati Reds Fan Favorite Claimed By Atlanta Braves<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Sign Former Wake Forest Pitcher to Minor League Deal<\/a><\/p>\n Cincinnati Reds Sign Former George Mason Pitcher to Minor League Deal<\/a><\/p>\n —–<\/p>\n Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter\/X: @RedsTalkSI<\/a><\/p>\n Like Our Facebook Page<\/a><\/p>\n Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast<\/a><\/p>\n