Seattle Mariners Lose Veteran Reliever to Free Agency in Roster Churn
In this story:
After being designated for assignment recently, veteran reliever Zach Pop has elected free agency from the Seattle Mariners.
Mariners PR had the note on social media after Pop cleared waivers:
Roster moves:
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) July 2, 2025
🔹 Zach Pop, RHP, cleared waivers and elected free agency.
The 28-year-old is a five-year veteran of the Miami Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays and Mariners. He made four appearances with Seattle, going 0-0 with a 13.50 ERA. He gave up eight earned runs in just 5.1 innings, but all the damage was done in a disastrous appearance against the Minnesota Twins last week.
The Mariners find themselves in the midst of a grueling 17-game in 17-days stretch, and they need bullpen arms, which clearly a calculus for why Pop was let go.
The team also just optioned starting pitcher Emerson Hancock down to Triple-A in an effort to get another bullpen arm up. Joe Jacques was selected from Triple-A Tacoma. He'll be active as the M's host the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.
Seattle enters that game at 44-41 overall and in possession of the third and final wild card spot in the American League. The M's haven't made the playoffs since the 2022 season and haven't advanced past the American League Division Series since 2001.
Seattle will take on the Royals at 6:40 p.m. PT as Logan Gilbert pitches against rookie left-hander Noah Cameron.
As for Pop, he's 8-5 for his career with a 4.75 ERA. Given his resume, he should have an opportunity to latch on somewhere else. Now that he's a free agent, he'll be able to do so.
Related Stories on Seattle Mariners
NEW PODCAST IS OUT: Brady is back on a Monday, talking about the series win over the Texas Rangers, and the big homestand that begins on Monday against the Royals and Pirates. Furthermore, what's the future for Randy Arozarena in Seattle, and we're joined by M's top prospect Colt Emerson, who is the No. 16 prospect in baseball. CLICK HERE:
IN THE RECORD BOOKS: After a solid, six-inning start on Monday night, George Kirby is in the company of some Mariners' legends. CLICK HERE:
MILESTONE RANDY: Randy Arozarena hit his 100th career home run on Monday night, becoming the third M's player to accomplish the feat this season. CLICK HERE:
Follow Seattle Mariners on SI on social media
Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on "X" @Teren_Kowatsch and @RefuseToLosePod. You can subscribe to the "Refuse to Lose" podcast by clicking HERE.
