Height
6'2"
Weight
208 lbs
Age
34
College
Belmont Abbey
Draft
2013, Rd 10, #297
Experience
9 yrs
Bats/Throws
L/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB+
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 479 | 3.6601179 | 28-27 | 583 | 1.0707269 | 0.0 | 66 |
Current Contract
Length
2 years
Total Value
$20.0M
Guaranteed
$12.0M
AAV
$10.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Emilio Pagán's two-year, $10M AAV deal with the Reds earns a C CVI — a middling value proposition for a 34-year-old closer coming off elite production. His B+ performance grade reflects legitimate closer-caliber stuff, but the contract represents a significant financial commitment for a reliever entering his age-34 and 35 seasons when decline curves typically steepen. At $10M annually, Pagán sits in the upper tier of closer salaries, creating heightened expectations for sustained dominance in high-leverage situations. The Reds clearly view him as their bullpen anchor, with the organization signaling confidence in his ability to maintain his current level through 2027. While the two-year term limits long-term risk, paying closer money to a veteran reliever rarely ages well, making this a classic "win-now" investment that could become an albatross if his performance dips. Cincinnati is betting heavily that Pagán's nine years of experience and recent elite production will translate into continued success in the back end of their bullpen.
Fan & Media Sentiment
Emilio Pagan, a relief pitcher for the Reds, carries mixed-to-positive public sentiment based on their elite production. His A performance grade positions him among the elite at the relief pitcher position. While he has yet to earn major individual awards, his contributions to the Reds keep him in the conversation. On a contract worth $10.0M/year, the mid-range salary creates reasonable expectations for solid contributions. Fan sentiment leans positive overall, though some segments remain watchful for more sustained production before fully buying in. At 34, he is in the veteran phase of his career where sustained health and consistency will determine how fans and analysts judge his remaining value.
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