In a significant move reflecting both a commitment to talent and a bold leap into the future, the Oakland Athletics have signed right-handed pitcher Luis Severino to a three-year contract worth $67 million. This deal marks the most substantial financial guarantee in the franchise's history, underscoring their faith in Severino’s abilities and potential impact on the team as they prepare for a relocation to Sacramento in 2025.
Severino’s Redemption Season
Luis Severino arrives in Oakland following a revitalizing stint with the New York Mets, where he showcased his resilience and aptitude for adaptation. After a challenging 2023 season with the Yankees, where he recorded a disheartening 6.65 ERA and 6.14 FIP over 18 starts, Severino turned a critical corner in his career. With the Mets, he made 31 starts, pitching 182 innings with a commendable 3.91 ERA and a FIP of 4.21. His turnaround not only reaffirmed his standing as a formidable starting pitcher but also caught the attention of the Athletics' front office.
Central to Severino’s reinvigorated performance was a strategic adjustment in his pitching approach. He increased his sinker usage and employed a sweeper as his predominant secondary pitch, augmenting his repertoire and keeping hitters off balance. His efforts bore fruit, as evidenced by his solid strikeout tally of 161 in the past season. Furthermore, he ranked in the 79th percentile in average fastball velocity and the 72nd percentile in groundball rate in 2024, further demonstrating his effective evolution on the mound.
Oakland Athletics’ Strategic Play
The Athletics’ decision to sign Severino is as much about immediate impact as it is about long-term vision. With an opt-out clause following the 2026 season included in the contract, Severino’s tenure in Oakland offers both security and flexibility. This clause reflects the mutual confidence between player and team, allowing both parties to reevaluate their positions while still committing to a potentially prosperous future together.
The Athletics are setting the stage for a new era as they plan their move to Sacramento. By acquiring Severino, they aim to solidify their pitching rotation and build a competitive edge that will resonate with a new fan base. The commitment to a high-caliber player like Severino signifies the franchise's ambition to revitalize its brand and performance as it embarks on this strategic relocation.
Athletics Bank on Proven Talent
Throughout his nine-year major league career, Severino has proven his mettle as a two-time All-Star with an ERA+ of 110 and a WAR of 13.5. His journey from the challenges faced in New York to his rebirth with the Mets illuminates his potential to be a transformative figure for his new team. The Athletics are banking on Severino’s experience and recent form to spearhead their pitching staff and set a precedent for excellence.
“A player of Severino’s caliber not only brings talent but also a renewed energy and leadership that are crucial as we approach our move to Sacramento,” commented a source close to the Athletics' management.
The Road Ahead
For Luis Severino, this contract with the Athletics represents more than just a financial commitment; it symbolizes an opportunity to lead a team through a pivotal phase in its history. The Athletics, on their part, are poised to harness his capabilities as they regroup and redefine their identity in a new city. As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on how Severino and the Athletics navigate this transitional period.
In signing Severino, the Athletics have made a statement of intent, blending a strategic approach to player acquisition with a keen eye on the future. This landmark deal is a testament to Severino’s skill and resilience, as well as the Athletics’ aspirations in the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.