Yankees Sign Ex-All-Star, Days After DFA by Mets

The New York Yankees have added some pitching depth in the form of a past AL All-Star, and most recently of the New York Mets, in nine-year MLB veteran, right-hander Paul Blackburn.

The Yankees have signed Paul Blackburn. He was supposed to be with them yesterday in Tampa, but had travel issues. Allan Winans optioned.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) August 21, 2025

Blackburn was DFA'd by the Mets last week, surprisingly after throwing five one-hit innings against the Atlanta Braves. It was his six earlier appearances for the Mets, however, which saw him post a 7.71 ERA, that sealed his fate in Queens.

The 31-year-old won't have to move far, though, landing in The Bronx.

He's expected to be used as a long reliever out of the bullpen for the Yankees.

In addition to those six rough outings for the Mets, Blackburn has experienced a series of injury problems over the past year, with back surgery that ended his 2024 season early, then knee inflammation during spring training this year, which delayed his season debut until June. He then suffered a right shoulder impingement, which kept him out for another month, until his final start for the Mets just over a week ago.

He'll be in the bullpen to start the Yankees' crucial four-game set with the Boston Red Sox starting Thursday night.

Overall, he has a 4.96 ERA in 93 career games (86 starts), with a 1.42 WHIP. Blackburn's high point came with the Oakland A's in 2022, when he was named as the team's All-Star representative.