As Alexis Diaz flamed out spectacularly to start the 2025 season, one pertinent question became among the most important for Terry Francona to answer in his first season as Cincinnati Reds manager: Who would be the team's closer?
Turns out, Emilio Pagán ran away with the job, locking down 32 saves while authoring a 2.88 ERA and 3.72 FIP in 68 2/3 innings. Among all qualified MLB relievers in 2025, the 34-year-old ranked tied for fifth in saves, tied for 22nd in strikeouts (81), ninth in batting average allowed (.167), and 15th in WHIP (0.