Phillies add Zach Pop to crowded bullpen mix for 2026

Drew Smith
December 24, 2025
Phillies
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The Phillies keep churning the bullpen. Earlier this week, they signed right-hander Zach Pop to a one-year deal, adding another arm to what’s shaping up to be a crowded and competitive bullpen battle heading into Spring Training.

Zach Pop is a familiar type. He’s a sinker-baller who lives on ground balls and contact management rather than strikeout totals.

Over five MLB seasons with the Marlins, Blue Jays, Mariners, and Mets, Pop has appeared in 163 games, posting a 4.88 ERA across 162⅓ innings with 126 strikeouts and 55 walks.

The results have been uneven, but the profile is clear.

Phillies sign righty Zach Pop to a one-year contract

Earlier today the Phillies announced they signed RHP Zach Pop to a one-year deal.

Pop, 29, pitched in just five games last year due to elbow inflammation. He had a 5.59 ERA in 58 appearances in relief during 2024 season. Pop’s sinker averages 96.4mph. pic.twitter.com/42sk30E8XE
— Andrew Coté (@acote_88) December 22, 2025

The most important detail here is roster flexibility. Zach Pop is out of minor-league options, which means if he makes the team, he sticks. That alone gives him a legitimate shot at one of the final bullpen spots, especially for a front office that values depth and matchup versatility.

As things stand, six bullpen roles are essentially locked in. Philadelphia Phillies are set with Jhoan Duran, Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering, and Jonathan Bowlan from the right side, plus José Alvarado and Tanner Banks as the lefties. That leaves two open jobs up for grabs.

Pop will be competing with a long list of names, including Rule 5 pick Zach McCambley, recent additions Yoniel Curet and Kyle Backhus, and internal options like Nolan Hoffman, Seth Johnson, and Max Lazar. It’s a numbers game, and Zach Pop’s lack of options gives him a slight edge if he shows anything in camp.

With Pop’s signing, the Phillies now sit at 39 players on the 40-man roster. There’s still business to be handled, most notably the ongoing attempt to re-sign JT Realmuto, but the bullpen picture continues to come into focus.

This isn’t a flashy move, it’s a depth move and at this stage of the offseason, that’s exactly what the Phillies are doing.