By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: AP
Emilio Pagan is returning to Cincinnati on a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first year. The contract is worth $20 million.
The Reds needed to bolster their bullpen, and bringing back Pagan was very important and a no-brainer. The 34-year-old is coming off an impressive season for the Reds. Pagan posted a 2.88 ERA in 70 appearances for the Reds. He recorded 32 saves and achieved a career low 0.92 WHIP.
We hope his performance in 2025 isn’t a fluke, because the team will need him to repeat it. Pagan was sensational in his last 10 games. He’s one of the key reasons why the Reds made it to the playoffs. The eventual World Series champions eliminated the Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Wild Card Series.
Could Kyle Schwarber Join the Reds? Exploring Trade Possibilities?
Aside from signing Pagan, is there a possibility that the Reds could land Kyle Schwarber? Kyle grew up in Ohio. He would love to play for his hometown someday. The Reds are missing a big at-bat in their lineup. Schrwarber is a power hitter. He smacked 56 home runs last season for the Phillies and finished second in the NL MVP voting.
Schwarber and Terry Francona together in Cincinnati with Elly De La Cruz would be a dream for the Reds fans. The organization should risk it and target him. How much will the owner spend on Schwarber? That’s the biggest question we would like to know, because Cincinnati isn’t a big city.
The Winter Meetings will take place in Orlando, Florida, in the coming days. Cincinnati has the ball in its court. Don’t drop the ball.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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