English
EspañolEmilio Pagan is the anchor of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen.
Coming off a strong 2025 season where he posted a 2.88 ERA across 70 appearances and set a career high with 32 saves, the veteran right-hander is locked in for another big role with Cincinnati.
But this spring, the 34-year-old made the call to skip the World Baseball Classic, and he wanted to be straight about why.
"Being that I'm turning 35 this year and the Reds having invested a lot in me, I just didn't feel good about going back and playing," Pagan said Tuesday via Foul Territory.
A WBC Legacy He'll Always Cherish
Pagan has suited up for Team Puerto Rico twice in the World Baseball Classic, in both 2017 and 2023.
His connection to the tournament runs deep.
Back in 2017, pitching for Puerto Rico helped put him on the map before he had even cracked a big league roster full-time.
Cincinnati Reds reliever Emilio Pagan explains why he isn’t playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) February 25, 2026
pic.twitter.com/hZb5Mu7deE
He wasn't a top prospect and wasn't even invited to major league spring training camp with Seattle that year, but his performance on the international stage changed everything.
"I don't think without the WBC in '17 I have the career that I've had," Pagan said. "That WBC definitely changed the path of my career and I'm forever grateful for that."
In 2023, he pitched one scoreless inning for Puerto Rico, helping the team reach the quarterfinals.
Now, with a new contract and a team counting on him, the timing didn't feel right for another run.
Despite reports that Team Puerto Rico had concerns about player insurance coverage, Pagan said that had nothing to do with his choice.
"I guess the insurance thing is new. I've never had insurance for the WBC," he said. "I just felt like it was my time to step away and let another young guy that was in my shoes have a shot at it."
Focused on Cincinnati in 2026
The Reds went 83-79 in 2025 and made the playoffs as a Wild Card team before being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round.
Cincinnati re-signed Pagan to a two-year, $20 million deal this offseason, with a player option for 2027, making him the highest-paid reliever on the roster.
Most saves by an NL Central pitcher last season:
— RedsMuse (@RedsMuse_) February 9, 2026
32 — Emilio Pagán
That’s my Closer. pic.twitter.com/Zp3pioSAzR
He was also a key piece in recruiting his close friend Pierce Johnson to sign with the team, giving Cincinnati one of the more well-rounded bullpens in the NL Central.
With a young rotation and a bullpen that has a chance to be really good, Pagan's decision makes sense.
At this point in his career, keeping his arm healthy heading into the regular season is the smart play.
The Reds need him pitching in September, not burning innings in March, and Cincinnati knows it.