It looks like the Minnesota Twins will see a familiar face frequently in 2027. According to MLB.com's Jason Beck, the Detroit Tigers signed former Twins reliever Emilio Pagán to a one-year, $11 million contract. The Tigers haven't officially confirmed the deal.
The Twins acquired Pagán from the San Diego Padres in April 2022. Minnesota also received Chris Paddack in the deal and sent Brent Rooker and Taylor Rogers to the Padres.
Former Twin Emilio Pagán is one of MLB's top relievers
Pagán had a below-average 2022 season with Minnesota, posting a 4.43 ERA in 63 innings. He turned things around in 2023, posting a 2.99 ERA over 69 1/3 innings, helping him land a two-year, $16 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.
Pagán posted a 4.50 ERA over 38 innings in an injury-plagued 2024 season. Then, in 2025, he recorded a 2.88 ERA with 32 saves and 81 strikeouts over 68 2/3 innings. The right-hander re-signed with the Reds on a two-year, $20 million deal.
The former Twins right-hander had a rough start to the season and dealt with a hamstring strain. He returned to form after being reinstated from the IL, finishing the year with a 3.38 ERA, 25 saves and 45 strikeouts over 42 2/3 innings. At season's end, Pagán declined his $10 million player option for 2027, allowing him to sign his one-year, $11 million deal with the Tigers.
Some were surprised that Pagán declined his player option, but it appears to have paid off. While $11 million doesn't seem like much more than $10 million on paper, who wouldn't want an extra million dollars?
Last season, likely future Hall of Famer Kenley Jansen served as Detroit's closer. He had a solid season with the Tigers, recording a 3.20 ERA with 22 saves and 51 strikeouts over 45 innings. Despite Jansen's solid year, the Tigers declined his $12 million club option for 2027. The Tigers likely declined Jansen due to his age, as he turned 39 in September. Meanwhile, Pagán will be 36 in May.
The Twins could use a reliever like Pagán. They already have a top late-inning arm in Jeff Hoffman, but adding another high-leverage reliever would be wise, especially now that A.J. Minter is a free agent. Last year, the Twins' relievers ranked 26th in ERA. Minnesota's bullpen improved after last season's trade deadline additions, but the team still needs another established reliever or two.
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