Trading deadline spree of adding three pitchers still not enough; Yankees pick up right-hander DFA’d by Mets

The Mets designated 2022 All-Star right-hander Paul Blackburn for assignment (DFA) last week. Despite the Yankees having added three pitchers on the trade deadline day, they revealed on the 22nd that they claimed Blackburn to continue reinforcing their bullpen.

In 2024, Blackburn was sent to the “Big Apple” (New York) by the Athletics. This season, he appeared in 7 games without a win and suffered 3 losses, posting a high ERA of 6.85. Recently, the Mets designated him for assignment to make room for rookie right-hander Nolan McLean. On the 22nd, just before the "Subway Series" began, the Yankees signed Blackburn to a major league contract and immediately added him to their roster. Blackburn has started practicing with the team and is currently slated to pitch out of the bullpen, though starting opportunities are not ruled out.

Notably, the Yankees aggressively bolstered their weakest bullpen area before this year’s trade deadline. They acquired three pitchers at once: Pirates closer David Bednar, Giants closer Camilo Doval, and Rockies reliever Jake Bird. Bird, however, struggled after joining the Yankees, allowing 6 runs in just 2 innings over 3 appearances, resulting in an ERA of 27.00, and has since been sent down to Triple-A for adjustment. With several bullpen pitchers recently faltering, the team continues to seek additional pitching options despite there being just over a month left in the season.