Story by
Reds Must Decide on Suarez and Pierce Johnson as Pagan Weighs Player Option
- Story by
- Reds Must Decide on Suarez and Pierce Johnson as Pagan Weighs Player Option
(Dale Zanine IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
The Cincinnati Reds may need to make important roster decisions in the coming week, as the option deadline could come as early as Sunday, Nov. 1. The deadline falls five days after the World Series ends, and the Milwaukee Brewers are currently up on the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 in the series.
The Reds have to decide on two players, Eugenio Suarez and Pierce Johnson, while Emilio Pagan has a player option.
Advertisement
Suarezplayed in 125 games in 2026, hitting .212/.307/.433 with 26 home runs and 74 RBIs. He signed this past offseason to fill a power-bat need, but he ultimately disappointed by not hitting enough home runs to justify his poor batting average and OPS.
The Reds could retain Suarez by either exercising his option or signing him to a cheaper free-agent deal. Suarez was part of a group of players who participated in the World Baseball Classic this past spring and then had disappointing MLB regular seasons, along with Paul Skenes, Cal Raleigh, Roman Anthony, and Vinnie Pasquantino, among others.
Suarez's option is for $16 million.
If Suarez can bounce back with a 35- to 40-homer season next year, which he still seems to have in the tank, he could be a worthwhile signing.
Advertisement
For a while, Pierce Johnsonwas Cincinnati's most dependable bullpen arm. He finished with a 4.62 ERA, appeared in 56 games, and threw 48 2/3 innings. He started the year strong, posting a 1.93 ERA in April. From late July into August, he posted a 1.42 ERA in eight appearances and did not allow a walk.
He went on the 15-day injured list, missing nearly a month from May 27 to June 22. He has a mutual option to return to the Reds for $8 million.
Emilio Pagan was one of baseball's best relievers after coming off the injured list in June following a hamstring injury. He went 19-for-19 in save chances after returning, posting a 1.88 ERA in 30 appearances, striking out 34 in 28 2/3 innings and holding opponents to a .188 batting average from late May through the end of the season.
Pagan, 35, has a player option to re-sign with the Reds for $10 million. He told reporters near the end of the season that he wants to pitch in more high-stakes games since he's nearing the end of his career. He could decline the option to sign with a team that can contend much sooner than Cincinnati.
