NEW YORK, December 21, 2025 — The New York Yankees are bringing back right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn on a one-year, $2 million contract, as first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal includes an additional $500,000 in potential incentives, signaling the Yankees see a path for the 32-year-old to contribute beyond a simple bullpen role.
A Chance for More Than Relief Work?
Blackburn’s contract incentives hint at a possible opportunity to re-enter the Yankees’ rotation.
- Blackburn joined the Yankees mid-season after his release from the Mets.
- He initially struggled in New York but showed improvement after a rocky debut.
- The contract includes incentives for reaching specific inning milestones, suggesting a potential rotation spot.
Blackburn arrived in the Bronx in August after being released by the Mets. In eight appearances with the Yankees, he posted a 5.28 ERA while maintaining a strikeout rate of over one per inning. While primarily a reliever for New York, Blackburn has spent the majority of his career as a starter, and the incentive structure of his new contract suggests the Yankees are open to exploring that possibility.
What are the incentive details? Blackburn will earn an additional $100,000 for reaching 80 innings pitched, and another $100,000 for each subsequent 10-inning increment up to 120 innings. This structure clearly rewards durability and volume, traits typically associated with starting pitchers.
The pitcher spent his first seven major league seasons with the Oakland Athletics, providing dependable, if unspectacular, depth in their rotation. A mid-2024 trade sent him to the Mets, where he struggled in five starts to finish the season. Heading into the 2025 campaign, Blackburn faced setbacks due to spine and knee injuries, delaying his season debut until June. He started strong with five scoreless innings but then allowed at least three runs in each of his next five appearances.
Currently, the Yankees’ rotation appears relatively stable with Max Fried and Cam Schlittler leading the way. Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Yarbrough are expected to round out the starting five, though that arrangement could shift as Carlos Rodon, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt continue their recovery from injuries.
Blackburn’s debut with the Yankees was a rough one, as he surrendered seven earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings. However, he quickly adjusted, limiting opponents to only two earned runs over his next 12 innings of work.
