Severino Signs Historic Deal with Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics have made a historic move with the signing of right-handed pitcher Luis Severino to a three-year free-agent contract valued at $67 million. This deal signifies the largest guaranteed financial commitment in the franchise's history, underlining the team's ambitions as they prepare for a significant future move to Sacramento in 2025.
Severino's Impactful Presence on the Mound
Luis Severino's recent performance has surely played a role in drawing such a lucrative offer from the Athletics. The 2024 season was a revitalizing one for the former New York Mets pitcher. Over 31 starts and 182 innings, Severino showcased his capabilities with a 3.91 ERA, complemented by a 4.21 FIP. His arsenal proved effective, securing him 161 strikeouts across the season. Notably, Severino's mastery on the mound has been well-reflected in his adjusted strategy, which included increased sinker usage and a predominant reliance on the sweeper as a secondary pitch.
This strategic shift helped anchor him in the 79th percentile for average fastball velocity and the 72nd percentile in groundball rate for the 2024 season. Such metrics highlight the pitcher’s potential impact in stabilizing the Athletics' rotation in the coming years.
A Turnaround from Previous Challenges
Severino's journey to this point has not been without challenges. In the 2023 season with the Yankees, his performance was less inspiring, posting a 6.65 ERA and a 6.14 FIP over 18 starts and a short stint in relief. However, his capacity to bounce back with the Mets showcased both resilience and adaptability, qualities that have evidently caught the attention of the Athletics' management team.
Over his nine big-league seasons, the two-time All-Star boasts an ERA+ of 110 and a total WAR of 13.5, statistics that bolster his reputation as a reliable and talented addition to any major league pitching rotation.
Looking Ahead to Sacramento
With Severino on board, the Athletics are poised to wield a strengthened roster as they eye their transition to Sacramento. This move, set for 2025, marks a new chapter for the franchise and having a seasoned and effective pitcher like Severino could very well be one of the pivotal steps in their ambitions. The inclusion of an opt-out clause following the 2026 season in Severino's contract reflects both the foresight and flexibility in the deal, offering potential room for negotiation depending on the team's trajectory and Severino's performance.
For the Athletics' fan base, Severino’s signing is not just a reflection of the team's present needs but an investment in their future aspirations. As Oakland gears up for significant changes, including the upcoming relocation, having a pitcher of Severino's caliber comes as a promising assurance of competitive play in a new city. Meanwhile, Severino embarks on a new chapter with expectations as high as ever, ready to add to his legacy in what promises to be exciting years ahead for both him and the Athletics.