The Cincinnati Reds failed to secure some pitching before August’s trade deadline, and it likely cost them a spot in the postseason.
They needed relievers, but mostly, they could have used one or two top starters and brought in none.
Now, the 2023-24 offseason has started, and the pressure is on them to add to their pitching staff.
The Reds have a marvelous core of position players: Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl, Tyler Stephenson, and Jonathan India are some of them.
Still, they need more pitching to truly compete.
On Wednesday, they completed a pitching signing that has the potential to significantly bolster their bullpen.
“The Reds have agreed to a two-year deal with RHP Emilio Pagán, per source. The deal is still pending physical,” MLB insider Mark Feinsand tweeted.
The Reds have agreed to a two-year deal with RHP Emilio Pagán, per source. The deal is still pending physical.
Pagan has alternated good with bad seasons, but he has a good 3.71 ERA in 400 career innings so far.
He could be a useful bullpen piece for the surging Reds, who now will have to turn their attention to the rotation.
Pagan had a good season with the Minnesota Twins in 2023, posting a 2.99 ERA in 69.1 innings.
He walked 21 batters and struck out 65.
The thing with Pagan is that he is somewhat homer-prone.
He is a fly-ball pitcher and sometimes, many of these leave the park.
In 2023, he conceded just five long balls.
However, he allowed 12 in 2022 and a whopping 16 in 2021.
All things considered, it’s a step forward for Cincinnati, but they still need many additions to hang with the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers.