The Yankees have re-signed 32-year-old right-handed pitcher Blackburn to a one-year contract worth $2 million guaranteed.

As reported by the New York Post, the Yankees have agreed to a one-year contract with 32-year-old right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn, guaranteeing $2 million. With innings-pitched incentives, his maximum compensation may rise to $2.5 million. The signing reflects the Yankees' pragmatic strategy to manage pitching depth concerns ahead of the new season.

The Yankees’ starting rotation appears solid on paper, but ace Gerrit Cole and lefty Carlos Rodón are still recovering and expected to miss the start of the season, forcing the team to prepare backup options. Meanwhile, the bullpen remains a concern — last season, the Yankees’ relief staff ranked 23rd in MLB in ERA, and offseason reinforcements have been limited, making Blackburn’s return a flexible asset.

After joining the Yankees in August 2025, Blackburn regained stability, frequently pitching scoreless innings in critical relief appearances during September. He is expected to primarily serve as a reliever next season but has the capability to step into the starting rotation if needed due to a shortage of starters.

Looking back at the 2025 season, Blackburn faced injury setbacks, dealing with right knee inflammation and right shoulder discomfort. He appeared in 15 games (4 starts), posting a 6.23 ERA, a 1.51 WHIP, and an adjusted ERA+ of 66. Despite unimpressive overall stats, the Yankees value his versatility to pitch both as a starter and reliever, along with his experience in high-pressure situations.

According to MLB reporter Mark Feinsand, Blackburn’s contract includes innings-pitched incentives tied to thresholds of 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 innings, with a $100,000 bonus awarded for each milestone reached.

Blackburn was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2012, later moving through several teams before making his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2017. He was selected as an All-Star in 2022. Over his career, he has accumulated a 22-31 record with a 4.97 ERA and 363 strikeouts across 467.1 innings pitched.