CINCINNATI — Right-hander Emilio Pagán exercised his $8 million option for 2025 on Saturday, remaining with the Cincinnati Reds rather than becoming a free agent.
Pagán, 33, was 4-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 37 relief appearances and one start, striking out 44 and walking 11 in 38 innings. He was sidelined between May 19 and June 8 by right triceps tightness, returned for a one-inning outing against the Chicago Cubs, then was out until Aug. 11 because of a right lat strain.
If he had declined the option he would have received a $250,000 buyout.
Pagán is 26-23 with a 3.78 ERA in eight major league seasons with Seattle (2017), Oakland (2018), Tampa Bay (2019), San Diego (2020-21), Minnesota (2022-23) and the Reds.
Cincinnati also said catcher Austin Wynns rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A Louisville and elected to become a free agent.
