One of the Phillies' main goals over last offseason was to build better pitching depth, particularly in their bullpen. Besides their major acquisitions of Brad Keller and Jonathan Bowlan, the team acquired numerous depth options either via trade or free agent signing in order to try and lengthen their bullpen.
Zach Pop was one of those depth acquisitions, as he was signed to a major league deal in late December and was thrown into the competition for two available spots in spring training. Pop was likely given an inside track though, as he was out of minor league options and therefore could not be sent to Triple-A without clearing waivers. He was indeed given one of those spots on the roster, but he didn't stay there long.
2026 stats: 7 games, 7.1 IP, 3.68 ERA, 5 hits, 6 strikeouts, 3 walks
Pop impressed in the spring, showcasing a heavy sinker that limited hard contact. When Orion Kerkering suffered a hamstring strain early in camp, the path was essentially cleared for Pop to make the roster. He made his Phillies debut on Opening Day and pitched a scoreless inning in relief in the 5-3 win. His second appearance didn't go as well, as Pop was charged with two runs in an 8-3 loss a few days later.
He got on a bit of a roll after the opening series though, as Pop then had four straight scoreless appearances out of the bullpen with just one hit and one walk allowed. He was then used as an opener on April 12th when scheduled starter Andrew Painter suffered a migraine and allowed one run in two innings before Painter was able to enter as the quasi-bulk reliever.
That would prove to be Pop's last appearance with the Phillies, as he was placed on the injured list on April 13th with a calf strain. He was not activated until May 30th but was designated for assignment in the same transaction as Kerkering had returned from his injury already and the Phillies opted to not keep Pop in their bullpen. He ultimately cleared waivers but elected free agency rather than accepting an assignment to Lehigh Valley. Pop then latched on with his former team the Miami Marlins on a minor league deal signed on June 12th and went on to appear in 26 minor league games for the Marlins with a 3.60 ERA but never made it back to the majors in 2026.
Pop is somewhat hard to grade, as he was effective when he was on the field but did not pitch much for the Phillies, therefore rendering his impact on the season very minimal. His injury torpedoed his chances of making a lasting impression and the team had already moved in another direction by the time he was healthy again. And yet, it's hard not to look back in retrospect and see where the Phillies could have used someone like Pop later in the season when their bullpen was gassed.
