Oakland trading Paul Blackburn to Mets

The Athletics have reportedly secured their second trade of deadline day.

The Oakland Athletics are trading veteran right-hander Paul Blackburn to the New York Mets according to a report by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Blackburn has made one start since returning from the injured list.

Blackburn made his major league debut with the A’s back in 2017 and has been an effective starter for the last three seasons when healthy. Injuries have been a big part of the story with Blackburn who missed two months due to a stress reaction in his right foot. He returned from the injured list last week and allowed four runs over in five innings against the Angels. For the season, Blackburn has made nine starts and has a 4.41 ERA and a 4.59 FIP in 51 innings. He has a 4.83 ERA and a 4.36 FIP in 81 games with Oakland over the last eight seasons.

UPDATE: The Mets are reportedly sending minor league right-hander Kade Morris to Oakland as the return for Blackburn.

Morris was the Mets’ third round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Nevada. He’s split the 2024 season between Low and High-A. Baseball America lists Morris as the Mets’ No. 26 prospect in their updated Top 30 list.

UPDATE - The A’s have officially announced the deal.