Why Did the Phillies Sign Zach Pop to a Major League Deal? It’s Not What You Think.
In a move that has left many baseball fans scratching their heads, the Philadelphia Phillies have inked right-hander Zach Pop to a major league contract. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this deal, announced on December 22nd, 2025, comes with a surprising twist. According to a January 5th, 2026 update from the Associated Press, Pop stands to earn $900K in the majors and $250K in the minors—a clear indication that the Phillies see potential in the 29-year-old Canadian. But is it enough to justify a big league deal? Let’s dive in.
A Rollercoaster 2025 Season
Pop’s journey in 2025 was anything but smooth. Starting the year with the Blue Jays, he was released shortly after Opening Day. He then bounced around, making brief appearances with the Mariners and Mets, logging just 6 2/3 MLB innings. During that stretch, he allowed 12 runs (11 earned), pushing his career ERA to 4.88 over 162 1/3 innings across five seasons. On the surface, these numbers don’t scream major league deal. But this is the part most people miss: Pop’s underlying metrics tell a different story.
The Hidden Potential
In the minors this year, Pop made 20 appearances, posting a 4.19 ERA over 19 1/3 innings. While that might not impress, his advanced stats are eye-opening. He struck out more than a quarter of the batters he faced while maintaining a manageable 8.9% walk rate. Even more impressive? His ground-ball rate soared to a staggering 75%, thanks to a sinker that consistently sat in the 96-97 MPH range. Pop has always excelled at keeping the ball down, with a career 55% grounder percentage in the majors—a skill that’s hard to ignore.
Philadelphia’s Calculated Risk
The Phillies clearly saw something special in Pop’s stuff, awarding him one of their two vacant roster spots. If he remains on the 40-man roster heading into Spring Training, he’ll compete for a middle relief role. Here’s the catch: Pop has exhausted his minor league options, meaning the Phillies can’t send him down without exposing him to waivers. It’s a high-stakes gamble, but one that could pay off if Pop’s potential translates to consistent performance.
Bullpen Battle: Who Makes the Cut?
Philadelphia’s bullpen is already shaping up, with six spots likely locked in: Jhoan Duran, Brad Keller, José Alvarado, Tanner Banks, and the out-of-options Jonathan Bowlan are all but guaranteed. Right-hander Orion Kerkering is also a safe bet unless he falters in Spring Training. That leaves Pop and Rule 5 pick Zach McCambley in a precarious position—both must either stick in the majors or risk being removed from the 40-man roster. For McCambley, that means being offered back to the Marlins if he clears waivers.
The Controversial Question
Here’s where it gets controversial: Did the Phillies make a smart move by signing Pop, or are they overvaluing his potential? His career numbers aren’t stellar, but his ground-ball prowess and strikeout ability suggest untapped talent. Is this a calculated risk worth taking, or are the Phillies setting themselves up for disappointment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this bold offseason move.
