Overview
- The agreement includes up to $500,000 in innings-based incentives, with $100,000 each at 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 innings, according to multiple reports.
- The deal is pending a physical, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.
- Blackburn, 32, is expected to work primarily in relief but can start if needed, and the incentive structure suggests New York may build him up for rotation coverage early.
- Cole is targeting a May–June return from Tommy John surgery and Rodón is projected back in late April or May after elbow surgery, leaving the Yankees to bridge the opening months.
- After being released by the Mets, Blackburn joined New York on Aug. 21 and logged a 5.28 ERA in eight relief outings, including a 1.50 ERA over his final 12 innings before a rough postseason appearance.