New York Mets sign veteran pitcher to major league deal

The New York Mets addressed their dwindling pitching staff, signing free agent relief pitcher Zach Pop to a MLB deal.

Jun 23, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Zach Pop (35) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The New York Mets are adding a new arm to their thin pitching staff.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Mets have agreed to a major league deal with right-handed reliever Zach Pop. Pop appeared in four games for the Seattle Mariners this season, posting a 13.50 ERA across 5.1 innings.

Free-agent reliever Zach Pop and the New York Mets are in agreement on a major-league contract, source said. Pop was recently designated for assignment by the Mariners.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 3, 2025

The move provides New York some much-needed depth after they placed righties Paul Blackburn (shoulder) and Dedniel Núñez (elbow) on the 15-day IL. Blackburn's injury was labeled a shoulder impingement, while Núñez could be in line for a much longer absences, as Carlos Mendoza revealed he could undergo Tommy John surgery.

Read More: Mets' thin pitching depth takes another hit amid latest wave of injuries

In his final start before he was released by the Mariners, Pop allowed seven earned runs in one inning, including two home runs, which drastically inflated his season ERA. Across his other three appearances, the righty allowed a combined four hits in 4.1 innings.

The 28-year-old holds a 4.75 ERA across his 162 major league appearances since his debut in 2021, which all came in relief. Pop made 50 appearances for the Marlins during his rookie season, where he had 51 strikeouts across 54.2 innings. He was then traded to the Blue Jays the following season, where he played until 2024.

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Pop relies mainly on his sinker (55% of his pitches this season), which averages 96 mph. He also utilizes a slider (27%) and a cutter (18%). In a small sample size, he has a well above league-average ground ball rate of 58.3%.

Despite his limited success this season, the Mets will have to lean on Pop at some point in the next few days as they finish their series against Milwaukee and host the Subway Series this weekend.