The New York Mets have officially signed right-handed pitcher Zach Pop, who joins the team after a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners. To create space on the 40-man roster, the Mets optioned Austin Warren to Triple-A and designated Tyler Zuber for assignment. Zuber had a modest career, posting a 5.27 ERA over 54 2/3 innings with the Royals, Rays, and Mets, with limited major league action.
Pop, who is 28 years old, brings a unique blend of velocity, averaging 96 miles per hour on his sinker, although his career stats show a 4.75 ERA with a strikeout rate of 18.1% and a ground ball rate of 55.2%. His recent performances had been rocky, highlighted by a challenging outing against the Minnesota Twins in which he allowed seven earned runs in a single inning.
The Mets’ current pitching staff is facing significant challenges, with 12 pitchers on the injured list, including key players like Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill. This has led to the need for fresh arms, making Pop’s addition particularly timely. He is expected to provide immediate support as the Mets face a demanding schedule, including games against division rivals. Starting pitcher David Peterson will take the mound for tonight’s game against the Brewers, followed by other fresh arms to fill the rotation in the coming days.
Pop’s signing represents a strategic move for the Mets, allowing them to effectively manage injuries while keeping the costs minimal. If he can maintain his position on the roster through the end of the season, he could be retained next year through arbitration, providing further depth for the team’s pitching lineup.
This development not only fills a gap in the Mets’ rotation but also highlights their resilience in navigating challenges amidst a tough season.