The Oakland Athletics have made a significant trade, sending their veteran right-handed starting pitcher, Paul Blackburn, to the New York Mets. In exchange, the A's have acquired right-handed pitching prospect Kade Morris. Blackburn, who was the A's longest-tenured player, had an impressive start to the 2024 season with 22⅓ scoreless innings before conceding his first run. The 30-year-old All-Star will now bolster the Mets' rotation following an injury to ace Kodai Senga. Blackburn, who recently returned from a foot injury, holds a 4-2 record with a 4.41 ERA this season, accumulating 38 strikeouts in 51 innings. On the other hand, Morris, a 22-year-old third-round pick from the 2023 MLB draft, has shown promise at Class-A St. Lucie, posting a 0-3 record with a 3.63 ERA in his recent outings.