Reds release three veteran players into free agency

The Cincinnati Reds have moved to clear three veterans from their roster ahead of the 2027 season.

Emilio Pagan rejected a one year option worth 10 million dollars on Saturday. The right handed closer will now enter free agency. The team also declined a mutual option on third baseman Eugenio Suarez. That contract was valued at 16 million dollars for the 2027 campaign. Cincinnati further declined a mutual option on reliever Pierce Johnson. His option was worth 8 million dollars. Johnson will receive a 1 million dollar buyout payment for the termination of his agreement. All three players are now free agents.

Pagan posted a 5 and 1 record with a 3.38 earned run average this year. He recorded 25 saves in 28 opportunities while earning a 10 million dollar salary. The 35 year old has collected 90 saves over 10 major league seasons. He spent the last three of those years with Cincinnati. He missed time from May 5 to July 3 due to a left hamstring strain.

Suarez batted .212 with 26 home runs and 74 runs batted in during 125 games. He played under a one year contract that guaranteed 15 million dollars. The Venezuelan outfielder was out from April 22 to May 23 with a left oblique strain. He helped Venezuela win the World Baseball Classic by hitting a go ahead double in a 3 to 2 victory over the United States in the final.

Johnson recorded a 2 and 1 mark with a 4.65 earned run average. He posted one save in 56 appearances as a reliever. The 35 year old missed time from May 26 to June 23 due to right elbow inflammation. His base salary was 5.5 million dollars as part of a deal that guaranteed 6.5 million dollars. He also earned 300,000 dollars in performance bonuses based on games pitched.