Yankees reliever Paul Blackburn shines during 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 1:30 PM
Last updated Oct 20, 2026

Paul Blackburn, pitching for the New York Yankees, has been a standout reliever in the 2026 MLB season. Appearing in 62 games, Blackburn recorded an impressive 1.59 ERA over 85 innings of work. Acquired from the Mets in 2025, he rebounded from a challenging first season to help solidify the Yankees' bullpen. Blackburn's ability to go beyond one inning in 32 of his appearances and his strong groundball rates contributed significantly to his success. As he becomes a free agent, questions remain regarding the Yankees' future plans for him.
- •Blackburn logged 85 innings with a 1.59 ERA in 2026.
- •He pitched more than one inning in 32 of 62 games.
- •Acquired from the Mets, Blackburn struggled in 2025 with an ERA above five.
- •His groundball rate reached 54%, aiding run prevention.
- •Blackburn is set to be a free agent after the season.
- 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Yankees 2026 Roster Report Cards: Paul Blackburn
"The Yankees found one of the best relievers in baseball again
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