December 22, 2025: The Phillies announced they were signed right-handed Zach Pop to a Major League deal. Their 40-man roster increases to 39. Salary figures were not reported.
It’s a bit surprising to see Pop land a big league deal. He bounced around during the 2025 season. He opened the year with the Blue Jays but was released shortly after Opening Day. Pop made four big league appearances with the Mariners and pitched once as a member of the Mets. He allowed 12 runs (11 earned) in just 6 2/3 MLB innings. That brought his career average to 4.88 over 162 1/3 frames spanning five seasons.
The Canadian-born right back has made 20 appearances in the minors this year. He allowed a 4.19 ERA over 19 1/3 innings. His underlying numbers were more encouraging. Pop fueled more than a quarter of opponents, at a manageable 8.9% walk rate. He was hitting ground balls at a huge 75% clip while sitting in the 96-97 MPH range with his sinker. Pop has always done a good job of keeping the ball down, with a 55% grounder rate in the major leagues.
Philadelphia was intrigued enough by the stuff to give Pop one of their two vacant roster spots. Assuming he remains at the 40-man in Spring Training, he will have a chance to compete for a center relief job in camp. Pop has used up his minor league option years, so the Phils can’t send him down without putting him through waivers.
Philly has six bullpen spots if everyone gets through camp healthy. John Duran, Brad Keller, Jose Alvarado, Tanner Banks and the out-of-options Jonathan come its locks. Right-handed Orion Kerkering should be pretty safe there too unless he has a terrible spring training. Pop and line 5 choice Zach McCambley Either they have to stay in the major leagues, or they are removed from the 40-man roster (and offered back to the Marlins after clearing waivers, in McCambley’s case).
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