Yankees pitcher Paul Blackburn reveals stark clubhouse contrasts, highlighting the Mets' past lack of unity and camaraderie.
Over the weekend, the New York Mets took a shot from former pitcher Paul Blackburn, who is now with the cross-town rival New York Yankees. Blackburn called out the difference in the clubhouse atmosphere with the Yankees compared to when he was with the 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 dig towards the Mets comes after Blackburn resigned with the Yankees on a one-year, $2 million deal after pitching in eight games for them in 2025. He made his move across town in 2025 after being designated for assignment by the Mets following a 6.85 ERA in seven games.
Blackburn’s comments only add fuel to the fire that something was amiss in the clubhouse of the Mets in 2025. There have been reports of tension in the clubhouse, specifically with rumors of a heated confrontation between shortstop Francisco Lindor and utility player Jeff McNeil in June of last season following a defensive mishap. The two already had a history, previously having an altercation that ended with Lindor’s hands around McNeil’s throat in 2021.
When looking at how New York’s offseason has gone thus far, clubhouse issues seem to have been likely in 2025. Both closer Edwin Diaz and first baseman Pete Alonso both walked in free agency, opting for a change of scenery before a McNeil trade followed shortly after.
It may be easy to look at Blackburn’s comments and take them with a grain of salt, as he struggled mightily with the Mets and could be looking for any excuse to blame for his poor performance, but his comments only add validity to already reported tensions within the Mets’ clubhouse.
If tension was the problem for New York last season, 2026 should offer a new start. With key players like Diaz, Alonso, and McNeil gone, the clubhouse at Citi Field is ready to be filled with the chemistry that was missing in 2025.