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There are few places the Minnesota Twins need to rebuild their roster for 2026 more than the bullpen. At this point Derek Shelton simply doesn’t have a major league caliber group, and that needs to be addressed.
Much to the excitement of the Pohlads, bullpen help is often acquired cheaply by team president Derek Falvey. He has constructed some very good units while rarely over-extending himself.
There are a lot of names on the market with ties to Minnesota. Emilio Pagan was once a trade acquisition, but he won’t be back for an encore.
Emilio Pagan signs with Cincinnati Reds
When the Minnesota Twins decided Chris Paddack was a starting arm they had to have, Falvey flipped Taylor Rogers and Brent Rooker to the San Diego Padres. Minnesota also got Emilio Pagan in the deal and hung onto him through thick and thin. After a deal with Cincinnati, he has decided to run it back in free agency.
The Cincinnati Reds, who were hoping to sign reliever Devin Williams before he went to the Mets, are bringing back Emilio Pagan on a 2-year, $20 million deal. He has an opt out after the 2026 season, per @Ken_Rosenthal/@ctrent
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 4, 2025
Last season Pagan made $8 million with the Reds. Now he has a $10 million AAV and the ability to opt out if the market shifts in his favor.
Pagan posted a 4.43 ERA (4.21 FIP) during his first season with Minnesota (2022). The underlying numbers suggested more was on the table though, and the club correctly stuck with him in 2023. Pagan had a 2.99 ERA (3.27 FIP) that season, and his career-low 0.6 HR/9 was largely to credit.
It was curious to see Pagan sign with the Reds given the propensity for home runs at Great American Ballpark. His HR/9 has grown to 1.4 the past two seasons, but the 3.46 ERA (3.74 FIP) is more than respectable. Working as Cincinnati’s closer last year, Pagan recorded a career-high 32 saves.
Last season Pagan posted a 2.88 ERA (3.72 FIP), and presented the Reds with a familiar face after Devin Williams signed with the New York Mets. Cincinnati is a legitimate landing spot for multiple big names as they pursue slugger Kyle Schwaber. The Reds were also floated in a ridiculous proposal that included Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton.
Mentioned in this article: Emilio Pagan
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