Luis Severino Joins the Oakland Athletics: A Landmark Move for the Franchise
In a groundbreaking move for the Oakland Athletics, the franchise signed right-handed pitcher Luis Severino to a three-year free-agent contract worth $67 million. This contract marks the largest guaranteed financial commitment in the history of the Athletics, signaling a significant strategy shift for a team preparing for a transition to Sacramento in 2025.
Severino, who previously revitalized his career with the New York Mets, is set to become a cornerstone of the Athletics' pitching staff. His recent performance with the Mets, where he made 31 starts spanning 182 innings, shows promise. He recorded a respectable ERA of 3.91 and a FIP of 4.21, along with 161 strikeouts, positioning him as a reliable arm for his new team.
His journey to Oakland comes after a challenging season with the New York Yankees in 2023, where he faced difficulties, posting a 6.65 ERA and a 6.14 FIP over 18 starts and one brief relief appearance. Despite these hurdles, Severino demonstrated resilience, refining his technique by increasing his sinker usage and leveraging a sweeper as his main secondary pitch, adjustments that paid dividends during his tenure with the Mets.
These modifications to his pitching style have not gone unnoticed. In the 2024 season, Severino's performance ranked in the 79th percentile for average fastball velocity and the 72nd percentile for groundball rate, indicating his evolution into a more strategic, power-driven pitcher. This robust skill set enhances the Athletics' rotation as they look to solidify their roster in anticipation of their move.
Severino’s career, spanning nine big-league seasons, reflects his potential impact on the A's. He is a two-time All-Star with an ERA+ of 110 and a WAR of 13.5, showcasing his capacity to deliver high-level performances consistently. The Athletics have also secured an opt-out clause for Severino, effective following the 2026 season, which provides flexibility for both the player and the team as they navigate future goals.
The contract with Severino is not just an investment in a player, but a statement of intent from the Athletics. This move aligns with their broader strategy as they prepare for the logistical and emotional shift to Sacramento. By anchoring their lineup with experienced and high-caliber players like Severino, the Athletics are clearly aiming to set a new trajectory for the franchise, even as they prepare for substantial changes in their operations and fan base engagement.
As Severino dons the A's uniform, the expectations are not merely for him to replicate his Mets success but to become a leader on and off the field. With the Athletics betting big on his ability to consistently perform at an elite level, Severino's presence could be the catalyst needed to propel the team towards competitive contention in their new era.
The decision to commit such financial resources to Severino demonstrates the Athletics' determination to evolve and compete at the highest levels. For Severino, this transition offers a unique opportunity: to be part of a historic moment for the franchise while continuing his quest for excellence in his professional career. As the Athletics look towards their imminent move and future success, Luis Severino is poised to be at the heart of this journey.