Yes, it’s just spring training. Most of what happens in these exhibition games will be forgotten once the regular season begins. But while some performances are meaningless, certain struggles by key New York Mets players are already raising red flags.
Last November, the Mets faced key decisions regarding their 40-man roster. They opted to part ways with three players: Grant Hartwig and Alex Ramirez both of whom returned on minor league deals and Alex Young. Meanwhile, they held onto more experienced players, including trade deadline acquisition Paul Blackburn, rather than cutting ties with him through a non-tender.
Blackburn’s stint with the Mets has been anything but promising. The team envisioned him as a depth piece, and despite lingering doubts, he now finds himself locked into a rotation spot to begin the season. For those who questioned the decision, Blackburn’s recent performances have only reinforced concerns.
Mets Pitcher Paul Blackburn Validates Skepticism with Rough Spring
After an encouraging scoreless inning against the Miami Marlins in February, Blackburn has since unraveled in back-to-back starts. Against the Boston Red Sox, he lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits while issuing two walks. His most recent outing against the Washington Nationals was equally troubling 2.1 innings, three earned runs, five hits, and two home runs surrendered. Even more concerning, he has yet to record a single strikeout in his last two appearances while issuing multiple walks in both.
Blackburn’s inability to command the strike zone and prevent runs raises serious doubts about his long-term viability in the Mets’ rotation. His ERA has ballooned to seven earned runs over just 4.2 innings, an alarming figure for someone expected to eat innings early in the season.
The problem isn’t just Blackburn it’s the lack of competition for his spot. Originally, he was expected to battle Griffin Canning for a rotation role, but that scenario never materialized. Tylor Megill, another possible alternative, has had his own struggles and appears destined for Triple-A Syracuse barring injuries elsewhere. With few options, the Mets seem resigned to the reality that Blackburn will be making one of the team’s first five starts of the regular season.
Given his underwhelming track record, the decision to keep Blackburn even at a modest $4 million price tag remains baffling. Injuries have hampered his availability, and when healthy, his low strikeout rate and susceptibility to runs make him a risky bet. Surely, the Mets could have found a better option.
At its core, this situation highlights the team’s flawed approach to rotation depth. Rather than prioritizing talent, they chose serviceable arms to fill gaps. Blackburn was never supposed to be a key piece, but injuries have thrust him into a prominent role. Now, the Mets are left with two options: hope he defies expectations or find an upgrade fast.
