The New York Yankees have been on the hunt for more pitching depth this offseason … theoretically. New York’s rotation is good on paper, but the Yankees are going to be without Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole over the first couple months or so of the 2026 season as both guys continue to rehab.
New York’s bullpen is the bigger questions mark, having ranked No. 23 in MLB last season and yet to see any offseason additions of note.
Well, on Saturday night, news arrived that the Yankees have added another arm.
According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees have re-signed 32-year-old right-hander Paul Blackburn, who spent last season with New York from August 21 onwards. As was the case last season, Blackburn is expected to serve in a bullpen role for the Yanks, but since he’s more than capable of starting, you can’t rule out him doing so during the first couple months of the year, given Rodón and Cole’s rehab situation.
Per Heyman, Blackburn’s deal includes $2 million guaranteed, with incentives pushing the total to $2.5 million of possible earnings for 2026.
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Blackburn’s 2025 MLB season proved turbulent, marked by injuries and a mid-year team switch. Beginning with the New York Mets, he started on the injured list due to right knee inflammation, missing the first two months before activation in early June. His season debut came on June 3, where he delivered a strong outing in a Mets victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, shoulder issues sidelined him again in July, leading to rehab stints.
Upon return in August, Blackburn pitched in relief but was designated for assignment shortly after, clearing waivers and signing with the Yankees in August, as aforementioned.
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In the Bronx, Blackburn found some stability, posting a 1.50 ERA across 12 innings in seven appearances, including key scoreless efforts in September wins. Overall, he finished 0-3 with a 6.23 ERA in 15 games (four starts), 39 innings pitched, and 34 strikeouts. He entered free agency in November.
Over his career, Blackburn has shown resilience amid frequent health setbacks. Drafted by the Cubs in 2012, he debuted with the Athletics in 2017 after trades. An All-Star in 2022, he’s compiled a 22-31 record, 4.97 ERA, and 363 strikeouts through 467 1/3 innings thus far in his career, navigating roles from starter to reliever while battling various injuries.
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Featured image via Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images
