Re-grading all 7 NY Mets trade deadline moves from last year

Paul Blackburn - First Grade C, New Grade D

Anyone who liked the Paul Blackburn trade last summer probably has a poster of Stearns hanging above their bed. It was not a finishing move that should have satisfied anyone. Understandable because the team’s rotation was short, he was an injury-prone and below average starting pitcher best served in the role he was meant to have for the team in 2025. Of course, things haven’t gone so well in 2025 with bad outings and injuries once again.

The original grade for this trade was a C. Fair enough. Now, it’s a D.

Blackburn’s 6.28 ERA with the Mets is inexcusably bad. To make matters worse, the player they gave up for him is on the rise with the Athletics.

Kade Morris was an overlooked lower-level Mets prospect. He now ranks as the 12th best in the team’s system.

Morris hasn’t pitched particularly well in Triple-A Las Vegas, but no one does. We’ll just have to trust his prospect ranking to further hint at how good of a deal this could end up for the Athletics and how bad of one it could look for the Mets in a few seasons.

Blackburn was satisfactory enough for the Mets to tender him a contract. The team’s preference for quantity instead of quality with its pitching at times helps to explain the decision. Even though he is still present with the organization, there’s little hope this grade changes. If anything, it’ll get worse.