Cincinnati Reds: Emilio Pagán and Brock Burke are solidifying bullpen

In the 2026 season, the Cincinnati Reds have found stability in their bullpen, largely led by Emilio Pagán and Brock Burke. Pagán's season has been marked by injury and resurgence, with a Grade 2 quad strain sidelining him for two months in early May. However, once he returned at the end of June, Pagán quickly found his rhythm, setting a personal record with 15 consecutive successful save attempts and showcasing improved form on his splitter, fastball, and cutter.

Burke has also emerged as a valuable asset since Pagán's return. The Reds acquired Burke in January, and his versatility has been crucial. As a left-handed reliever, Burke can be inserted into various situations, whether facing right-handed batters or bringing in high-leverage eighth innings against lefties. His ability to pitch a lot has made him a valuable piece of the puzzle for manager Terry Francona, who can now focus on matchups rather than trying to shoehorn pitchers into specific roles.

Despite challenges throughout the season, including struggles with Tony Santillan and injuries to Graham Ashcraft, the Reds' bullpen has managed to hold its own, particularly when Pagán is healthy and Burke is at the top of his game. Together, Pagán and Burke have solidified the Reds' bullpen, providing a strong foundation that has allowed the team to weather some of the slumps this season.