The New York Yankees are making a move to bring back a familiar face to their pitching staff. In a surprising turn of events, they are expected to re-sign right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn, who had a brief but intriguing stint with the team last season.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees and Blackburn have agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal. This contract includes incentives that could earn Blackburn an additional $500,000, which is where things get interesting. After being released by the Mets in August, Blackburn joined the Yankees and made quite the impression, despite a rocky start.
His debut with the Yankees was less than ideal, giving up seven earned runs in just over three innings. But here's the twist: he turned things around quickly. In his next 12 innings, he allowed only two earned runs, showcasing his potential. And this is the part most fans might have missed—Blackburn's history as a starter.
For most of his career, Blackburn has been a starting pitcher, but he transitioned to a relief role with the Yankees. He spent his first seven seasons with the Athletics, providing solid depth with occasional flashes of brilliance. The Mets acquired him in a minor trade in 2024, but he struggled to find his footing. Injuries plagued Blackburn at the start of the 2025 season, limiting his playing time. However, when he returned, he delivered a strong performance, pitching five scoreless innings.
The contract incentives hint at a potential return to the starting rotation. Blackburn can earn bonuses for reaching specific inning milestones, starting at 80 innings. This suggests the Yankees might be considering him for a starting role, especially with a relatively open competition for the last few spots in the rotation. With Max Fried and Cam Schlittler leading the way, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Yarbrough are expected to round out the rotation. Meanwhile, Carlos Rodon, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt are all working their way back from injuries.
Is this a sign of the Yankees' confidence in Blackburn's ability to start? Or is it simply a way to add depth to the pitching staff? The incentives seem to indicate a potential starting role, but only time will tell. What do you think? Are the Yankees making a wise decision here, or is there another interpretation of this move?
