The Cubs have signed reliever Pop to a minor league contract, assigning him to Triple-A Iowa. He has switched organizations four times this season, having previously played for the Blue Jays, Mariners, and Mets. Injuries and poor performance, including a 5.59 ERA last year, have hindered his stability. Despite a solid sinker and a ground-ball rate of 55%, his lack of high strikeouts affected his options. He has underperformed overall, leading to skepticism from teams about his future potential.
Pop has struggled this season, allowing 12 runs over just 6 2/3 innings with his previous teams, leading to a lack of minor league options.
The 28-year-old right-hander has pitched parts of five MLB seasons, with a 5.59 ERA in 48 1/3 innings last year for the Blue Jays.
Despite low strikeout percentages, Pop throws around 96 MPH with his sinker and maintains a strong career ground-ball rate of 55%.
Having moved through four organizations this season, Pop's performance has not earned him much trust from teams.
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