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Why the Reds Should Re-Sign Emilio Pagán
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- Why the Reds Should Re-Sign Emilio Pagán
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Emilio Pagán had another solid season with the Cincinnati Reds , warranting a strong case for bringing him back next year now that he is officially a free agent this offseason.
Seeking one last payday, the 35-year-old right-hander declined the player option on his deal. Given the Reds' lack of consistent options outside of Pagán, president of baseball operations Nick Krall would be wise to try negotiating a new contract.
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Pagán compiled a 3.38 ERA with 25 saves while striking out 45 batters through 42.2 innings pitched. If Cincinnati can re-sign him while also bringing back left-hander Brock Burke, they can maintain some much needed stability in their bullpen as they eye a return to contention in the coming years.
However, reuniting with Burke is less likely given that he's five years younger and recorded an ERA of 2.30 plus 74 punchouts this year after making his way to the team via a trade from the Los Angeles Angels last offseason. As a result, Burke could command a larger deal than what Cincinnati's front office may be willing to hand out.
Losing both Pagán and Burke would be a massive blow for the Reds, but Pagán and his veteran experience were especially valuable to the franchise.
Pagán missed 47 games with a left hamstring strain this year, increasing the likelihood that he can be re-signed at a cheaper price point than Burke.
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Pagán remained unfazed in spite of the injury, tallying five saves and two wins in July after making his return. He also wrapped up the season in excellent fashion, earning a save in the Reds' 7-6 win over Atlanta on Sept. 24 that spoiled the Braves' hopes of clinching a first-round bye.
Furthermore, Pagán is no stranger to big-league hitting. Among his greatest feats this year was prevailing in a 14-pitch at-bat against Chicago White Sox left fielder Sam Antonacci. While that was certainly a lot of pitches, it spoke volumes as to how confident Antonacci was at the plate for being just 23 years old.
Many relievers in Pagán's position would've given up a hit or issued a walk long before it got to that point, but he kept grinding until Antonacci finally went down swinging on a 95-mph four-seamer up and in the zone.
With that, Pagán has proved that he not only has the stuff, but also the resiliency needed to win games against tough competition. Keeping him in a Reds uniform will ensure that the team has a reliable arm to lean on if the starters can't get it done and the offense flounders at the plate.
