The Chicago Cubs have signed former Marlins and Blue Jays reliever to a minor league deal, adding depth to their bullpen options.
Cubs Sign Former Marlins, Blue Jays Reliever to Minor League Deal originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Cubs have added some bullpen depth.
According to Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register, “The Cubs have signed RHP Zach Pop to a minor league deal.”
Pop, 29 in September, was initially selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 23rd round of the 2014 Draft, before being chosen again by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th round of the 2017 Draft.
He made his debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021, appearing in 50 games with a 4.12 ERA, a 3.77 FIP, and 51 strikeouts to 24 walks over 54 and 2/3 innings.
Pop followed that up with an impressive 2022 campaign in Miami and Toronto, with a combined 2.77 ERA, a 2.96 FIP, and 25 strikeouts to 4 walks over 39 innings.
He was a regular for the Blue Jays in 2024, throwing 48 and 1/3 innings, but with a 5.59 ERA, a 5.52 FIP, and 33 strikeouts to 19 walks.
2025 has been a struggle at the Major League level, as Pop has made five appearances for the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets with a 14.85 ERA and an 11.34 FIP. Now, he has a chance to redeem himself with the Cubs.
Pop is primarily a sinker (55%), slider (24%), cutter (20%) pitcher, and perhaps his most tantalizing tool is his mid-90s fastball (sinker) velocity.
Chicago’s bullpen has been solid, with its combined 3.78 ERA ranking 10th in baseball. However, starters Javier Assad (60-day injured list) and Jameson Taillon (15-day IL), and relievers Porter Hodge (60-day IL) and Eli Morgan (60-day IL) are on the shelf.
Adding innings eaters for the dog days is never a bad idea.
Related: Cubs Labeled Best Fit for Marlins Cy Young Winner Ahead of Trade Deadline
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
