Paul Blackburn Shades Mets, Praises Yankees' Clubhouse Chemistry After New Contract

New York Yankees pitcher Paul Blackburn discussed the differences between the clubhouse atmosphere of his current team compared to his tenure with the New York Mets.

"When I showed up to the Yankees, it was very noticeable how everyone was pulling on the same rope," Blackburn told Dan Martin of the New York Post. "Guys seemed to really like each other and fight for each other. There was a lot of chemistry in the clubhouse. That's not how it was with the Mets."

The right-hander signed with the Yankees in Aug. 2025 after he was designated for assignment by the Mets.

Blackburn signed a one-year contract worth $2 million to stay with the Yankees on Dec. 21.

He opened his MLB career with the Athletics in 2017, earning an All-Star nod during his 2022 season before he was traded to the Mets ahead of the 2024 deadline.

Blackburn appeared in 12 games with the Mets, including nine starts. He posted a 6.00 ERA as a member of the organization, recording 39 strikeouts to go along with 15 walks in 48 innings of work.

After Blackburn was signed by the Yankees, he compiled a 5.28 ERA with the Bronx Bombers despite averaging 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

At least one MLB executive believed that the Mets experienced clubhouse issues throughout their 2025 campaign after they parted ways with Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil earlier in the offseason.

"What they've done tells you how big a s--t show their clubhouse was," a rival executive told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon. "The guessing is over. It was a disaster."

The Yankees wrapped up a 94-68 finish last season, eventually falling to the Toronto Blue Jays in four games during an American League Division Series matchup. Meanwhile, the Mets narrowly missed the postseason with an 83-79 record.

As both New York teams attempt to make postseason runs in 2026, Blackburn is clearly happy to be back with the Yankees.