Desperate for Arms, Mets Turn to 96-MPH Sinkerballer Zach Pop

When you’re down 12 pitchers, have burned through your rotation, and you’re limping into a weekend series against your crosstown rivals—the Yankees—sometimes all you can do is grab the nearest available arm and hope it holds together. That’s exactly what the Mets have done by scooping up right-hander Zach Pop.

Welcome to Queens, Pop

The Mets signed the 28-year-old Pop to a major league deal, and while he might not be a household name, his sinker sure knows how to cause a stir. Averaging around 96 mph, Pop’s pitch is tailor-made for ground ball outs—though consistency has been another story.

Pop was recently designated for assignment by the Mariners after a rough outing in Minnesota where he gave up seven earned runs in a single inning. Ouch. Before that, his appearances were fairly uneventful, which is sometimes exactly what you want from a middle reliever.

But let’s be honest: this move isn’t about long-term upside. It’s about survival.

The Mets’ MAS*H Unit

Injuries have ravaged the Mets’ pitching staff in the past few weeks. Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn—just to name a few—are all out. They even had to place Dedniel Núñez and Blackburn on the IL after a doubleheader. That’s the kind of week it’s been.

With David Peterson opening the series against Milwaukee and a patchwork rotation of Justin Hagenman, Frankie Montas, and Brandon Waddell penciled in for the weekend against the Yankees, Pop gives the Mets something they sorely need: a healthy, breathing pitcher with a decent fastball.

High Risk, Low Cost

The upside? There’s essentially no financial risk here. Toronto is already covering most of Pop’s salary after he was released earlier this season. So for the Mets, this is a bargain-bin flyer with some upside if he clicks.

Pop does come with a notable caveat—he’s out of minor league options. That means he either stays on the big-league roster or risks getting booted all over again. But if he can induce a few timely ground balls, he might stick around long enough to earn a real look.

A Fresh Arm in a Tired Bullpen

At this point, the Mets don’t need dominance. They need relief. Someone to eat innings, soak up late-game scenarios, and hopefully not unravel like a loose thread in the ninth.

Is Pop the answer? Maybe not. But he’s an answer. And right now, that’s all the Mets can really ask for.