Pagán, Suárez and Johnson Hit Free Agency, Leaving the Reds Two Big Holes

Reds fans, the offseason just got real. In one Saturday, Cincinnati lost its closer, its third baseman and a veteran reliever to the open market.

Our Take: This is a lot of money coming off the books, and the front office has no excuse now. Fill the ninth inning and third base with real answers, not bargain-bin patches.

Here is what happened. Emilio Pagán declined his $10 million player option and became a free agent, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reported. The Reds also declined their 2027 mutual options on third baseman Eugenio Suárez ($16 million, no buyout) and right-hander Pierce Johnson ($8 million, $1 million buyout). MLB.com called the Suárez and Johnson moves expected. The Pagán news was the surprise.

Pagán earned his payday. After a left hamstring strain cost him nearly two months, he posted a 1.88 ERA over his final 30 games from July 1 on and went 19-for-19 in save chances, per MLB.com. Suárez hit 26 homers with a .740 OPS in 125 games, including 18 homers over his final 64 games. Red Reporter's Wick Terrell noted the bullpen had already lost Brock Burke to free agency, and the 40-man roster now sits at 35.

What to watch: After 5 p.m. ET on Monday, all three can talk to any club. Red Reporter pointed out the Reds could still bring Pagán back on a new deal. Watch whether Cincinnati chases a proven closer in a market that also includes Raisel Iglesias and David Bednar, and who gets the first crack at third base.

Sources: MLB.com, Red Reporter