Cincinnati Reds Release Pagán, Suárez, and Johnson as Options Declined

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell confirmed on Saturday that the team declined contract options for reliever Emilio Pagán, third baseman Eugenio Suárez, and right-hander Pierce Johnson. The moves place three veteran players on the open market and reshape the Reds pitching staff for the upcoming season.

Pagán rejected a club option worth 10 million dollars for the 2027 season. The 35-year-old closer recorded five wins and one loss with a 3.38 earned average while converting 25 of 28 save opportunities this year. He earned a 10 million dollar salary despite missing the stretch from May 5 to July 3 due to a left hamstring strain. Pagán has collected 90 saves across 10 major league seasons, with the last three spent in Cincinnati.

The Reds also passed on a mutual option for Suárez, which would have paid him 16 million dollars. The 35-year-old Venezuelan batted .212 with 26 home runs and 74 runs batted in during 125 games. His one-year contract guaranteed 15 million dollars. Suárez missed time from April 22 to May 23 with a left oblique strain but helped Venezuela win the World Baseball Classic by hitting a walk-off double in a 3-2 victory over the United States in the final.

Pierce Johnson was released when the club declined an 8 million dollar mutual option. The 35-year-old right-hander posted a 2-1 record with a 4.65 earned average in 56 appearances as a reliever. He recorded one save but spent the period from May 26 to June 23 on the injured list with right elbow inflammation. Johnson will receive a 1 million dollar buyout payment.

Johnson's base salary was 5.5 million dollars as part of a deal that guaranteed 6.5 million dollars. He additionally earned 300,000 dollars in performance bonuses based on innings pitched. All three players are now free agents and can sign with any team in Major League Baseball.