Yankees Sign Paul Blackburn to $2 Million Contract

The New York Yankees have signed right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn to a one-year contract worth $2 million, providing depth to their pitching staff as they prepare for the 2026 season. The agreement, reported on Saturday, includes up to $500,000 in performance incentives, with Blackburn eligible for $100,000 bonuses for reaching 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 innings pitched.

Blackburn, who turned 32 in December, joins the Yankees after spending the final weeks of the 2025 season with the team. He began that year with the New York Mets, where injuries including right knee inflammation, an illness and a right shoulder impingement limited him to 23 2/3 innings over seven appearances. In those outings, he posted a 6.85 ERA, allowing 18 earned runs on 31 hits and three home runs before the Mets released him on August 18.

Three days later, the Yankees signed Blackburn, who appeared in eight relief roles for them, totaling 15 1/3 innings with a 5.28 ERA. He recorded 16 strikeouts and four walks while surrendering 16 hits, including three home runs. His debut against the Boston Red Sox on August 23 was rough, as he allowed seven runs in the ninth inning during a mop-up situation with the...