As the Detroit Tigers will use the free agency pool to bolster their team, especially after trading away two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, the team has made an early move to acquire a pitcher. The Tigers would spend $11 million to sign relief pitcher Emilio Pagan, as this MLB insider would give insight into how the deal is effective for the team.
Posting his thoughts on X, formerly Twitter, league insider Buster Olney would express that Pagan's signing to Detroit is a “great fit” for the team, as the ball club signed the veteran to a one-year deal. Pagan last played for the Cincinnati Reds last season and finished off the schedule in elite fashion, recording a 1.42 ERA with 27 strikeouts and just three walks and four earned runs in just over 25 innings.
Another key reason why Emilio Pagan fits well with the Tigers
Plus, with the move to Comerica Park in Detroit, which will be renamed Fifth Third Park in 2027, Olney notes Pagan's 59.3 fly ball percentage, which will go a long way with his new team.
Article Continues Below“Some of the reasons why Emilio Pagan is a great fit for the Tigers, at one year, $11.5 million,” Olney wrote Friday morning. “Last 26 games of '26: 25 1/3 innings, 16 hits, 4 ER (3 homers), 3 walks, 27 strikeouts, 1.42 ERA. Among relievers with at least 40 IP, ranked 4th among 192 in fly ball pct., at 59.3% — a trait which fits Detroit's home park well. And, as the old mantra goes among executives: There's no such thing as a bad one-year deal.”
In total, Pagan would record a 3.38 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP to go along with 45 strikeouts and 25 saves in 42.2 innings. At any rate, it remains to be seen how Pagan plays with the Tigers in his first season in 2027, as the team looks to continue to improve in the offseason after finishing with a 76-86 record, putting them fourth in the AL Central.