| Zach Pop | |
|---|---|
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1996-09-20)September 20, 1996 (age 29) Brampton, Ontario,Canada | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 3, 2021, for the Miami Marlins | |
| MLB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 8–6 |
| Earned run average | 4.88 |
| Strikeouts | 126 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Zachery Michael Pop (born September 20, 1996) is a Canadian professionalbaseballpitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theMiami Marlins,Toronto Blue Jays,Seattle Mariners, andNew York Mets.
Pop attendedNotre Dame Catholic Secondary School inBrampton, Ontario.[1] He was drafted by theToronto Blue Jays in the 23rd round of the2014 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign and playedcollege baseball at theUniversity of Kentucky. In 2016, he playedcollegiate summer baseball for theWareham Gatemen of theCape Cod Baseball League.[2]
Pop was drafted by theLos Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round, with the 220th overall selection, of the2017 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He signed and made his professional debut with the rookie-levelArizona League Dodgers, pitching five scoreless innings. In 2018, Pop began the year with the Single-AGreat Lakes Loons before being promoted to the High-ARancho Cucamonga Quakes.
On July 18, 2018, Pop was traded to theBaltimore Orioles along withBreyvic Valera,Dean Kremer,Yusniel Diaz, andRylan Bannon in exchange forManny Machado.[4] He was assigned to the Double-ABowie Baysox and finished the season there. In 44 relief appearances between Great Lakes, Rancho Cucamonga, and Bowie, Pop compiled a 2–3 record with a 1.53 ERA and 64 strikeouts.[5] He returned to Bowie to begin 2019,[6] and went 1–0 with a 0.84 ERA and 11 strikeouts in10+2⁄3 innings. On May 14, 2019, Pop underwentTommy John surgery, and missed the remainder of the season.[7] Pop did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[8]
On December 10, 2020, Pop was selected by theArizona Diamondbacks in theRule 5 Draft.[9] Shortly after, Pop was traded to theMiami Marlins in exchange for Tyler Jones.[10][11] Pop made the Marlins'Opening Day roster.[12] On April 3, 2021, Pop made his MLB debut, pitching a scoreless inning of relief against theTampa Bay Rays.[13] He made 50 appearances for the Marlins during his rookie campaign, posting a 1-0 record and 4.12 ERA with 51 strikeouts across54+2⁄3 innings pitched.[14]
Pop pitched in 18 games for Miami during the 2022 season, registering as 2-0 record and 3.60 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 20 innings of work.
On August 2, 2022, the Marlins traded Pop,Anthony Bass, and aplayer to be named later (named Edward Duran on August 31)[15] to theToronto Blue Jays in exchange for prospectJordan Groshans.[16] He made 17 relief outings for Toronto down the stretch, posting a 2-0 record and 1.89 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 19 innings of work.[17]
Pop made the Blue Jays'Opening Day roster in 2023.[18] In 15 games for Toronto, he struggled to a 6.59 ERA with 14 strikeouts across13+2⁄3 innings pitched.[19]
Pop was optioned to the Triple–ABuffalo Bisons to begin the 2024 season.[20] He made 58 appearances out of thebullpen for the Blue Jays during the campaign, compiling a 2-4 record and 5.59 ERA with 33 strikeouts and onesave across48+1⁄3 innings pitched.[21]
Pop wasdesignated for assignment by the Blue Jays on March 27, 2025.[22] He was released by the Blue Jays organization on April 2.[23]
On April 16, 2025, Pop signed a minor league contract with theSeattle Mariners.[24] In 11 appearances for the rookie-levelArizona Complex League Mariners and Triple-ATacoma Rainiers, he compiled a 2-1 record and 2.79 ERA with nine strikeouts and one save across9+2⁄3 innings pitched. On June 13, the Mariners selected Pop's contract, adding him to their active roster.[25] In four appearances for Seattle, he struggled to a 13.50 ERA with three strikeouts over5+1⁄3 innings pitched. Pop was designated for assignment following the promotion ofJuan Burgos on June 28.[26] He elected free agency after clearing waivers on July 2.[27]
On July 5, 2025, Pop signed a one-year, major league contract with theNew York Mets.[28] In his first pitching appearance as a Met, Pop allowed three runs in1+1⁄3 innings against theNew York Yankees in a 6–4 loss on July 6.[29] He was designated for assignment by the Mets following the promotion ofAlex Carrillo on July 8.[30] Pop elected free agency after clearing waivers on July 10.[31]
On July 22, 2025, Pop signed a minor league contract with theChicago Cubs.[32] He elected free agency on November 6.[33]