Emilio Pagán Signs with Detroit Tigers After Opting Out

Closer Emilio Pagán has exercised his opt-out and signed a 1-year, $11 million deal with the Detroit Tigers for 2027, after previously opting out of a $10 million rate with the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Terry Francona expressed his respect for Pagán, who was trusted as closer in 2025 and helped the Reds reach the playoffs. Pagán's decision to leave after testing the market for only a week raises questions, with Detroit's home park potentially suiting his fly-ball tendencies better than Cincinnati's.