Luis Severino Joins Athletics in Historic Deal
In a bold move marking a new chapter for the franchise, the Oakland Athletics have secured right-handed pitcher Luis Severino on a three-year contract worth a staggering $67 million. This deal stands as the largest guaranteed financial commitment in the history of the Athletics, underscoring the team's ambition as they gear up for a potential shift in both competitive standing and geographic location.
The Athletics, a team with a storied past but recent struggles, are preparing for a relocation to Sacramento in 2025. This move, aimed at revitalizing the franchise and expanding its fan base, signals a fresh start, mirrored by their acquisition of Severino, a pitcher known for his resilience and recent renaissance on the mound.
Severino's Journey to The A’s
After revitalizing his career with the New York Mets, Severino enters the A's roster with significant momentum. A season that saw him deliver 31 starts across 182 innings, with a respectable 3.91 ERA and a 4.21 FIP, was enough to catch the eye of Oakland’s front office. Notably, Severino tallied 161 strikeouts, demonstrating his ability to dominate on the mound.
Severino’s journey has been one of ups and downs. In 2023, during his tenure with the New York Yankees, he struggled with a disappointing 6.65 ERA and a 6.14 FIP over 18 starts coupled with a solitary relief appearance. However, it was his strategic adjustments, like increasing his sinker usage and making a sweeper his primary secondary pitch, that catalyzed his resurgence with the Mets.
Ranked in the 79th percentile in average fastball velocity and the 72nd percentile in groundball rate in 2024, Severino has shown the ability to adapt and refine his techniques, crucial traits for any athlete aiming to sustain a long-term career at the elite level. Such attributes underpin the Athletics' belief in Severino as a foundational piece for their pitching staff.
A New Hope for the A’s
The Athletics' investment in Severino is not just financial but symbolic. His arrival is part of a broader strategy to revive their competitive edge, attract new talent, and lay a sturdy foundation ahead of their impending location switch. A two-time All-Star with a career ERA+ of 110 and a WAR of 13.5 over nine seasons, Severino brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to his new team.
This contract, however, is structured with future flexibility. An opt-out clause following the 2026 season offers Severino potential freedom to reassess his options, creating a tangible incentive for him to maintain his performance levels. This provision also provides the Athletics with comforting assurance; they are invested smartly rather than blindly attached to long-term commitments.
Anticipating the Future
The Athletics' move to secure Severino is a clear message to their supporters: the team is intent on shaking off the doldrums of past seasons and stepping confidently into the future. As they prepare for the relocation to Sacramento, Severino’s signing is a cornerstone of their strategy to develop a roster capable of competing at the highest levels.
Fans can look forward to watching Severino bring his high-velocity pitches and controlled ground-ball game to the mound at the beginning of the upcoming season. His presence not only raises the ceiling for this Athletics roster but serves as a beacon of potential as a new phase unfolds for the organization.
The Athletics have a rich legacy, and with Luis Severino now in their ranks, the franchise has signaled its readiness to write the next thrilling chapters in both Oakland and Sacramento. As both Severino and the Athletics embark on this new journey together, the union promises to be watched closely by many, from seasoned pundits to ardent fans, hoping for a return to glory.