Height
6'1"
Weight
196 lbs
Age
32
College
N/A
Draft
2012, Rd 1, #56
Experience
9 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsD+
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 103 | 4.9560595 | 22-32 | 365 | 1.4202693 | 0.0 | 1 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$2.0M
Guaranteed
$1.2M
AAV
$2.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Paul Blackburn's one-year, $2M deal with the Yankees earns a solid B+ CVI, reflecting excellent value for a veteran reliever who brings proven durability at a modest price point. The 32-year-old has delivered steady production early this season with 18 strikeouts across 7 games, showcasing the "really crisp" stuff that prompted New York's confidence in bringing him back. At $2M AAV, this represents smart financial discipline for a mid-tier reliever market where dependable arms often command significantly more, especially given Blackburn's nine years of big league experience. His established veteran status provides valuable bullpen depth without long-term commitment, fitting perfectly into the Yankees' measured approach to roster construction this offseason. The media's cautiously optimistic framing aligns with the contract structure — this isn't a splash signing, but rather a calculated bet on a reliable arm who knows his role as a complementary piece. The one-year term eliminates future risk while giving both sides flexibility, making this the type of low-downside move that championship-caliber organizations execute consistently.
Fan & Media Sentiment
The media and fanbase have embraced Paul Blackburn's return to the Yankees with cautious optimism, viewing him as exactly what he is — a reliable veteran arm who won't break the bank or expectations. Recent coverage highlighting his "really crisp" performances has generated positive momentum, while his modest contract signals the front office's confidence without overhyping his role as anything more than a dependable mid-rotation piece. This measured enthusiasm reflects a fanbase that's learned to appreciate solid, complementary players rather than chasing flashy acquisitions that disappoint. The disconnect between his strong A- sentiment grade and middling C+ performance suggests fans are grading on a curve — they're not expecting ace-level production, just consistent innings from a pitcher who knows his role. A few quality starts to open the season would cement this positive narrative, while early struggles or injury concerns could quickly shift perceptions given his track record of durability issues.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 4/4 | vs MIA | W 9-7 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
Transaction History
News & Buzz
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