Overview
- Blackburn told the New York Post that he noticed Yankees players “pulling on the same rope” and described a different, less cohesive vibe with the Mets.
- After being designated for assignment by the Mets in August 2025, Blackburn was acquired by the Yankees and re-signed this offseason on a one-year, $2 million deal.
- The right-hander struggled with the Mets across 2024–2025 (6.00 ERA in 48 innings) and posted a 5.28 ERA over 15 1/3 innings for the Yankees, including a rough ALDS outing against the Blue Jays.
- Reports last season outlined Mets clubhouse strife and a sweeping roster overhaul that included trades of Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil and departures of Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz.
- His comments drew pushback from Mets fans and fed the crosstown rivalry conversation, even as recent moves have brought Luke Weaver, Devin Williams and previously Juan Soto to Queens.