Zach Pop Bio
Zachery Michael Pop, born on September 20, 1996, is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB). Over his career, he has also played for the Miami Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and New York Mets. Known for his pitching skills, Pop has made a significant impact in the league since his debut in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Zach Pop was born and raised in Canada. He attended Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario, where he began to develop his skills in baseball. After high school, he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 23rd round of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft but chose to pursue college baseball at the University of Kentucky. During his college years, he played summer baseball for the St. Cloud Rox in the Northwoods League in 2015 and returned to summer ball in 2016 with the Wareham Gatemen in the Cape Cod Baseball League. These experiences helped shape his early career and prepared him for the professional level.
Path to Baseball
Zach Pop’s journey to professional baseball took a significant turn when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft. He signed with the Dodgers and made his professional debut with the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers, where he pitched five scoreless innings. In 2018, he started the season with the Single-A Great Lakes Loons before being promoted to the High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. His performance in the minor leagues was impressive, leading to a trade to the Baltimore Orioles in July 2018 as part of a deal for star player Manny Machado. Despite facing challenges, including Tommy John surgery in 2019, Pop continued to work hard and eventually made his MLB debut in 2021.
Zach Pop Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
Zach Pop made his MLB debut on April 3, 2021, with the Miami Marlins, pitching a scoreless inning of relief against the Tampa Bay Rays. During his rookie season, he made 50 appearances, achieving a record of 1-0 with a 4.12 earned run average (ERA) and 51 strikeouts over 54.2 innings pitched. In 2022, he continued to showcase his talent, appearing in 18 games for the Marlins and finishing the season with a 2-0 record and a 3.60 ERA.
Breakthrough (2022-2025)
On August 2, 2022, Zach Pop was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he made 17 relief appearances down the stretch, posting a 2-0 record and a 1.89 ERA. He made the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster in 2023 but faced challenges during the season, struggling with a 6.59 ERA in 15 games. In 2024, he was optioned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he made 58 appearances, compiling a 2-4 record and a 5.59 ERA. After being designated for assignment by the Blue Jays in March 2025, he signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. He had a brief stint with the Mariners before signing with the New York Mets in July 2025. Following a short time with the Mets, he signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs before ultimately joining the Philadelphia Phillies on December 22, 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Zach Pop has made significant contributions to his teams, particularly during his time with the Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays. His ability to perform under pressure and his resilience in overcoming injuries have been key highlights of his journey in professional baseball.
Zach Pop Award Nominations
Zach Pop has not yet received any notable award nominations during his professional baseball career.
Zach Pop Awards Won
Zach Pop has not yet won any major awards during his career in Major League Baseball. However, his consistent performance and potential for growth continue to make him a player to watch in the coming years.
