On January 15, 2026, the New York Yankees confirmed the re-signing of right-hander Paul Blackburn to a one-year contract worth $2 million. The agreement includes performance incentives that could add up to $500,000, with payments tied to innings pitched milestones, highlighting the team’s interest in potentially utilizing Blackburn beyond the bullpen.
Blackburn’s Journey to the Yankees and Past Performance
Before rejoining the Yankees, Blackburn was released by the Mets in August 2025. He made eight relief appearances for the Yankees, posting a 5.28 ERA while striking out more than one batter per inning. Although Blackburn began his career mainly as a starting pitcher, the Yankees have deployed him strictly as a reliever during his stint in the Bronx. His start with New York was rocky, surrendering seven earned runs in his first 3⅓ innings, but he improved significantly by allowing only two runs over the following 12 innings.
Career Background and Injury Challenges
Blackburn spent seven seasons with the Athletics, serving primarily as a back-of-the-rotation starter who occasionally showed above-average outings. After a midseason trade to the Mets during the 2024 campaign, his performance declined through five starts. The 32-year-old faced several health setbacks in 2025, including spine and knee injuries that delayed his season start until June and later a six-week absence due to a shoulder issue. Despite this, he pitched five scoreless innings in his first 2025 outing before struggling in subsequent appearances.
Contract Incentives Indicate Possible Starting Role
The contract’s inning-based incentives suggest the Yankees may consider Blackburn for a rotation spot moving forward. He will earn $100,000 for reaching 80 innings pitched and additional increments for every 10-inning milestone up to 120 innings. With only Max Fried and Cam Schlittler firmly established in the rotation, the Yankees rely on Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Yarbrough to fill the remaining spots. Meanwhile, key starters Carlos Rodon, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt are currently recovering from injuries, leaving openings that Blackburn could potentially fill.
Implications for Yankees’ Pitching Depth
Given the Yankees’ pitching situation, Blackburn’s versatility and experience provide valuable depth amid injury uncertainties. His ability to oscillate between relief and starting roles could offer the team flexibility during the upcoming season. Should Blackburn meet these innings benchmarks, it would signal the Yankees’ confidence in his contribution to the pitching staff as they navigate a demanding campaign.
Blackburn deal: $2M guaranteed plus 100k for each of 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 IP. $2.5M possible https://t.co/9pXPXKX1Pl
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2025
