The New York Mets are running low on pitching—and fast. So it’s no surprise that they’re reaching for every available arm that can help them get through the week. According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Mets have agreed to a major league deal with right-hander Zach Pop, who just elected free agency after a brief and turbulent stint with the Seattle Mariners.
It’s a low-risk, possibly short-term move. But given the state of the Mets’ pitching staff, Pop’s arrival comes at a time when the club simply needs someone to eat innings and give them a fighting chance to stay afloat.
Zach Pop’s Bumpy 2025
Pop, 28, has been bouncing around the majors this year. His time in Seattle was forgettable—he made just four appearances before things went off the rails in his final outing. Coming in with the Mariners trailing 2-0 in the sixth against the Twins, Pop allowed seven earned runs in one inning. Two walks, six hits, and a pair of home runs later, his ERA ballooned to 13.50. And just like that, he was designated for assignment.
Despite that disastrous outing, Pop has been a fringe big leaguer for a few seasons now thanks to his velocity. His sinker averages 96 mph and has produced an elite 55.2% ground ball rate over his career. The problem? He doesn’t miss a ton of bats. His career strikeout rate sits at 18.1%, which is below average for a reliever in today’s game. Still, the Mets aren’t looking for dominance right now—they’re looking for durability and availability.
Mets’ Rotation and Bullpen in Shambles
The move is a direct response to a bad situation. The Mets are currently operating with 12 pitchers on the injured list, including starters Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, and Paul Blackburn. Blackburn was just added to the IL alongside reliever Dedniel Núñez, putting even more pressure on the club’s remaining arms after a taxing doubleheader.
The current rotation—if you can call it that—features Justin Hagenman, Frankie Montas, and Brandon Waddell in the next three games. That’s not exactly the kind of group you draw up for a weekend series against the Yankees, but it’s what the Mets have.
With all that chaos, signing Pop is about one thing: fresh relief help at minimal cost. Thanks to his earlier release by Toronto while injured, the bulk of his $900K salary is being paid by the Blue Jays. The Mets are only on the hook for the prorated league minimum, which makes this a financially painless addition.
Roster Mechanics and What’s Next
Pop is out of minor league options. This means if the Mets want to send him down at any point, they’d have to DFA him and risk losing him again. For now, that’s a gamble they’re willing to take. If he sticks around long enough—and that’s a big if—Pop would be eligible for arbitration after the season and could be retained in 2026.
But this move isn’t about next year. This is about surviving this week. With the Mets reeling, Pop will likely get thrown into the mix immediately. His sinker-heavy style could help bridge innings or keep games close, especially if his command holds up better than it did in Seattle.
Mets Stopgap Move to Help Pitching
This is a classic stopgap move by a team with a battered pitching staff. Zach Pop isn’t coming in to be a difference-maker—he’s being asked to provide relief, literally and figuratively. For a New York Mets team trying to limp into the All-Star break with a playable roster, Pop might be just the kind of low-cost, high-ground-ball gamble they need.
