Reds Release Three Veterans To Free Agency

Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán rejected a 10 million dollar team option on Saturday, becoming a free agent for the 2027 season. The organization simultaneously declined mutual options on third baseman Eugenio Suárez and right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson. All three players will now test the open market.

Pagán finished the 2026 campaign with a 5-1 record and a 3.38 earned average. He recorded 25 saves in 28 opportunities while earning a 10 million dollar salary. The 35-year-old missed time between May 5 and July 3 due to a left hamstring strain. He now has 90 career saves in ten major league seasons, with his last three spent in Cincinnati.

The club also declined a 16 million dollar mutual option on Suárez. The 35-year-old Venezuelan hit .212 with 26 home runs and 74 RBI in 125 games. He played under a one-year contract that guaranteed 15 million dollars. Suárez missed time from April 22 to May 23 with a left oblique strain. He contributed a walk-off double in the World Baseball Classic final, a 3-2 victory over the United States.

Cincinnati also declined an 8 million dollar mutual option on Pierce Johnson. The 35-year-old right-hander posted a 2-1 record with a 4.65 earned average in 56 appearances. He recorded one save during the season. Johnson missed time from May 26 to June 23 with right elbow inflammation. He earned a 5.5 million dollar base salary and 300,000 dollars in performance bonuses under an agreement that guaranteed 6.5 million dollars. He will receive a 1 million dollar buyout payment upon the contract termination.

The moves clear space on the Reds roster ahead of the winter transfer window. No official announcement has been made regarding specific replacement candidates for the departed positions. The front office has not commented on the timing of the releases relative to the upcoming offseason schedule.