"A return to the Reds is also a possibility since Wittenmyer says the two sides have had some talks, though Cincinnati president of baseball operations Nick Krall didn't give any hints on the subject. " I don't want to say yes or no. I don't know," Krall said about a potential new contract with Pagan. " I loved Emilio. He was great for our club. I would absolutely be open to bringing him back. It just depends on how everything fits together.""
"Despite this mutual interest, Wittenmyer feels the amount of league-wide interest in Pagan could push his price tag beyond the Reds' comfort zone. Krall has stated that Cincinnati's 2026 payroll will roughly match its 2025 payroll, which sat in the $116MM-$119MM range by season's end. With a limited budget and multiple roster needs to address, Wittenmyer believes the Reds will again "be waiting out the market for value buys" in free agency."
Emilio Pagan is a free agent with contact from at least ten teams and his representatives. A return to the Cincinnati Reds remains possible after preliminary talks and mutual interest. Cincinnati’s president of baseball operations praised Pagan and said a reunion would depend on how roster and payroll fit together. The Reds plan for 2026 payroll to roughly match 2025 levels ($116MM–$119MM), which could limit their ability to compete financially. Cincinnati may wait for value buys or pursue cheaper bullpen options. Pagan previously signed a two-year, $16MM deal, stayed for 2025 at $8MM, and posted a 2.88 ERA with a 30% strikeout rate this past season.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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