Former Minnesota Twins right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan is officially a free agent after declining his $10 million player option with the Cincinnati Reds for 2027, according to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR . Many are surprised that Pagan declined the option, as he is 35, had a rough start to the season and missed two months early in the year with a hamstring strain . However, he excelled upon returning from the IL on July 1, lowering his ERA from 6.43 to 3.38. He finished the year with 25 saves, a 25.9% strikeout rate and a 6.8% walk rate over 42 2/3 innings.
The Twins should be looking to add to the bullpen this offseason, and Pagan, who played for Minnesota from 2022-23, could be a target. The Twins acquired Pagan from the San Diego Padres in 2022 as part of a trade involving Brent Rooker, Chris Paddack and Taylor Rogers .
Pagan posted a 4.43 ERA with 84 strikeouts over 63 innings in his first year with Minnesota. His strikeout rate dropped significantly in 2023, as he struck out just 65 batters in 69 1/3 innings, but he had better results, recording a 2.99 ERA. He threw two scoreless innings across two postseason outings for Minnesota in 2023.
After the 2023 season, Pagan signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Reds. His first season with Cincinnati didn't go well, as he posted a 4.50 ERA over 38 innings. He excelled in 2025, recording a 2.88 ERA with 81 strikeouts and 32 saves across 68 2/3 innings.
After the 2025 season, Pagan re-signed with the Reds on a two-year, $20 million contract. Obviously, the second year of the deal included a player opt-out, which Pagan exercised.
Spotrac gives Pagan a market value of $25,691,040 over two years. The Twins might hesitate to pay that kind of money to a reliever in his mid-30s, but it could be a risk worth taking. If Pagan continues to pitch as he did the past two seasons, he would immediately become one of the Twins' best late-inning arms. Adding Pagan in the back end of the bullpen with Jeff Hoffman and Yoendrys Gmez could make Minnesota's group of relievers one of the best in baseball.
Pagan doesn't induce many ground balls, which is a bit concerning, but his elite strikeout and walk rates make him an All-Star-level reliever. Tom Pohlad plans to increase payroll. Signing a star closer like Pagan would be a good way to start spending.
This article was originally published on www.puckettspond.com as Twins have another bullpen target after former Minnesota righty Emilio Pagan's decision .
