Detroit Tigers Bolster Bullpen with $11.5 Million Deal for Emilio Pagán

The Detroit Tigers have reached an agreement with veteran right-hander Emilio Pagán on a one-year contract valued at $11.5 million. The deal, which includes a bonus clause, represents the first major free-agent signing of the winter for a Detroit team looking to stabilize its late-inning pitching.

The move addresses a glaring weakness from the previous season, during which the Tigers led the American League with 31 blown saves. Detroit’s front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris, had specifically targeted a high-leverage reliever with a strong strikeout profile. Pagán brings a career 28% strikeout rate to a bullpen that ranked 21st in the league in whiffs last year.

Pagán, 36, spent the last three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. Despite missing seven weeks with a hamstring injury, he finished the most recent campaign with a 1.88 ERA and a 30.5% strikeout rate over his final 28 2/3 innings. While he has historically struggled with giving up home runs, the spacious dimensions of the team's home park are expected to help mitigate those risks.

The Tigers must now make a corresponding move to fit Pagán on their full 40-man roster. He is expected to serve as manager A.J. Hinch’s primary closer following the departure of Kenley Jansen. The team also expects relievers Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan to return from injuries by the start of next season to round out the back end of the bullpen.

What to watch next: Look for the Tigers to announce a roster cut or trade in the coming days to finalize Pagán’s spot on the 40-man roster.