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Yankees Sign Paul Blackburn for $2 Million Deal

12/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

Paul Blackburn (RHP) signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the New York Yankees.
The 32-year-old previously pitched for the New York Mets before joining the Yankees in August, posting a 5.28 ERA in eight relief appearances for New York, adding rotation depth as Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are injured.
He can earn up to $500,000 in performance bonuses based on innings pitched.

History

Historical Context

Major League Baseball's free agency era began in 1976 after arbitrator Peter Seitz ruled that players Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally could become free agents, effectively dismantling the reserve clause that had bound players to teams indefinitely since 1879. This shift allowed players like Reggie Jackson to negotiate lucrative contracts, such as his five-year, $3.5 million deal with the New York Yankees, reshaping team strategies and player negotiations.

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Story summary

Paul Blackburn (RHP) signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the New York Yankees.
The 32-year-old previously pitched for the New York Mets before joining the Yankees in August, posting a 5.28 ERA in eight relief appearances for New York, adding rotation depth as Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are injured.
He can earn up to $500,000 in performance bonuses based on innings pitched.

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