Emilio Pagán’s WBC decision reveals powerful message about Reds' 2026 goals

The Cincinnati Reds re-signed relief pitcher Emilio Pagán this past offseason. Compared to other contracts handed out this winter, his two-year, $20 million deal is an absolute bargain. Pagán believes the Reds have some unfinished business after bowing out in the NL Wild Card Series last fall, and his decision to skip this year's World Baseball Classic is a reflection of his conviction.

During an appearance on the Foul Territory podcast, Pagán spoke about his decision not to play for Team Puerto Rico in this year's WBC. The veteran reliever had participated in the WBC twice before, but this year, he's committed to Cincinnati and the 25 other players inside the Reds clubhouse.

Reds closer Emilio Pagán is laser-focused on winning in 2026

"Being that I'm turning 35 this year and the Reds having invested a lot in me. I feel like we've got a chance to be a special team. I just didn't feel good about going back and playing," Pagán said.

Cincinnati has a handful of players slated to participate in this year's WBC, but Eugenio Suárez and Edwin Arroyo are the only members of the team's 40-man roster who'll jet off to represent their respective countries next month. Geno will play third base for Team Venezuela and Arroyo will suit up for Team Puerto Rico.

Some critics have taken the Reds' scant representation to mean that they don't have enough star-power to warrant inclusion on a WBC roster. But Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Nick Lodolo were all approached about participating in this year's tournament, and for one reason or another, all three turned it down.

Reds manager Terry Francona had a simple message for the team at the outset of spring training — it's time. And he's right. Those young players that Cincinnati has been waiting on are now here. The front office brought in some veteran free agents this offseason to help stabilize the bullpen, and the ownership group even went beyond their budget to reunite with Suárez.

Pagán's commitment to the Reds organization is a reflection of the belief throughout the clubhouse and the fanbase. After getting a taste of the postseason in 2025, the Reds are hungry to return to the playoffs in 2026, and this time, they don't want to exit after just two games.

Representing your home country during the WBC is a tremendous honor, but Francona and the Reds are focused on the hardware that's handed out at the end of October, not March.