2) Paul Blackburn
The Mets tendered Paul Blackburn a contract in the offseason to give them some starting pitching and bullpen depth. Injuries, once again, have limited him in 2025. He’s currently working his way back and when he does return it’s going to be hard to find a spot for him on the roster. He won’t start. The team has two bullpen spots they can upgrade. Blackburn shouldn’t eat up either of those spots.
Blackburn has run his course in Queens. Always a questionable addition, we have gotten to the same point with him that they did with Adrian Houser in 2024. Potentially useful, the Mets cannot put faith in “potential.” They need truly good relievers in their bullpen right now, not a failed starter who is constantly hurt and works best as a mop up guy.
The Mets have been ruthless under Stearns and a DFA for Blackburn feels inevitable just by looking at the roster. The only way he could make it through the trade deadline is if someone gets hurt before he returns from the IL. Even then, we have to question if a player like Nolan McLean would bring more to the table.
Blackburn is not safe. Only staying on the IL into August can give the Mets a reason not to move on.