Inside The Cubs

Cubs Sign Veteran Reliever To Bolster Depth Before Trade Deadline

The Chicago Cubs have added a bullpen arm to the mix.
Brad Wakai|
Jun 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Zach Pop (35) throws against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park
Jun 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Zach Pop (35) throws against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

In this story:

Chicago Cubs

One things teams like the Chicago Cubs are trying to do before the upcoming trade deadline is add as much depth as possible without having to give up assets.

They did that by signing Zach Pop to a minor league deal, according to Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register.

Pop, a seventh-round pick back in 2017 by the Los Angeles Dodgers, has pitched in 163 Major League games and owns an ERA of 4.88 across 162 1/3 innings pitched.

More News: Cubs Have Clear-Cut Strategy To Execute Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

His last stint was with the New York Mets this season, which was his second team in 2025. His time in the Big Apple didn't go well, with him getting designated for assignment after his lone outing where he gave up three earned runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched.

After he cleared waivers, Pop decided to become a free agent instead of accepting an outright assignment to the Mets' Triple-A affiliate.

While the 28-year-old isn't a game-changing addition for the Cubs by any means, what he does give them is depth with big league experience in their minor league system.

More News: Cubs Boss Reveals Long-Term Positional Plan For Struggling Rookie Matt Shaw

Chicago will likely be looking to tweak a few things before he gets called up.

Pop's best season came in 2022 when he posted a 3.60 ERA across 18 outings with the Miami Marlins before he finished that campaign with a 1.89 ERA across 17 outings following his trade to the Toronto Blue Jays.

More News: Cubs Predicted to Trade For Royals Ace Ahead of Next Week's Deadline

During that year he had elite control, but since then, he's been above the league average in walk rate.

The Cubs will be looking to fix something with his delivery, and if they can, they have added someone with over 160 games of Major League experience to their bullpen without giving up any assets.

For more Cubs news, head over to Cubs On SI.

Published
Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

Home/News