MLB Rumors: Mets Receiving Trade Interest In All-Star Pitcher Paul Blackburn

June 13, 2025
New York Mets pitcher Paul Blackburn reacts during 2025 game.

With the trade deadline still weeks away, the New York Mets are already drawing interest in right-hander Paul Blackburn, according to The New York Post's Joel Sherman. 

The 31-year-old is drawing attention from pitching-hungry teams thanks to his track record and the Mets’ impending roster crunch. With Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea nearing returns from rehab assignments, and Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Griffin Canning, and Tylor Megill already performing well, the Mets are approaching a rare surplus of starting pitching.

Blackburn, an All-Star in the 2022 season with the Oakland Athletics, has made just one start and one relief appearance since returning from the IL, but pitched five shutout innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his lone start. He carries a 4.39 ERA over his last 300 MLB innings and is earning $4.05 million in his final season before free agency. Without minor league options, he can't be sent down without clearing waivers, a move the Mets are unlikely to risk.

Twins, Padres, Angels Among Suitors Eyeing Pitching Help

The timing couldn’t be better for the Mets to strike a deal. Teams like the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels are all struggling with rotation depth. Minnesota just lost Pablo López and Zebby Matthews to injury and needs a cost-effective, league-average arm to stabilize their wild card bid. 

The Padres are unsure of Yu Darvish’s return, while the Angels, despite a shaky run differential, are just a few games back in the AL Wild Card race. Blackburn’s modest salary and steady performance make him an attractive short-term fix for playoff hopefuls.

Meanwhile, other teams like the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks, plagued by injuries to key arms, are also watching the veteran pitching market closely.

Mets Can Use Blackburn to Rebalance the Roster

With a tight 40-man roster and no immediate need for Blackburn, the Mets are smart to gauge the market early. Even a return of a controllable reliever or mid-tier prospect could make sense, especially given the luxury tax savings involved—New York could trim nearly $5 million in total obligations by moving Blackburn now. 

Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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