Yankees bring back pitcher dumped by Mets

Paul Blackburn is heading back to the Bronx.

The Yankees are re-signing the right-hander on a one-year deal worth $2 million, according to multiple reports.

The deal offers up to $500,000 in incentives, with Blackburn eligible to receive $100,000 for each mark if he reaches 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 innings.

Blackburn offers some flexibility for the Yankees, who may use him as a starter early in the season while awaiting the returns of Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole. He can also pick up innings out of the bullpen, which is how the Yankees used him in the 2025 season after signing him in August when he was released by the Mets.

In eight appearances for the Yankees, Blackburn posted a 5.28 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 15 1/3 innings.

The Yankees’ 2026 rotation is projected to be Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Will Warren and Ryan Yarbrough, along with Cole and Rodon once healthy. Blackburn may find his way into the mix.