In a groundbreaking move, the Oakland Athletics have secured the services of right-handed pitcher Luis Severino, signing him to a three-year free-agent contract valued at $67 million. This deal marks the largest guaranteed financial commitment in the history of the Athletics franchise, underlining the team's commitment to strengthening their pitching roster as they prepare for a significant geographic transition to Sacramento in 2025.
Severino enters the Athletics' bullpen with a promising track record following a revitalizing stint with the New York Mets. In the preceding season, he made a notable impact with 31 starts spanning 182 innings. With an ERA of 3.91 and a FIP of 4.21, Severino demonstrated resilience and adaptability, attributes the Athletics hope will add depth and experience to their pitching staff.
Impressive Individual Performances
Severino's recent performance, highlighted by 161 strikeouts, signals his ability to dominate from the mound when at his best. An analysis of his season with the New York Yankees in 2023 tells a different story yet underscores his capacity for growth and adjustment. During that year, Severino struggled with an elevated 6.65 ERA and a 6.14 FIP over 18 starts, plus a short relief appearance. He responded to these challenges by tweaking his pitching style, increasing his sinker usage, and adopting a sweeper as his secondary pitch. Such strategic changes reflect his willingness to evolve in response to performance fluctuations.
Notably, Severino ranked in the 79th percentile for average fastball velocity and the 72nd percentile in groundball rate in 2024. These statistics confirm his ability to maintain velocity and induce groundballs, traits that are particularly valuable in limiting opposing teams' offensive capabilities.
Achievements and Outlook
Over the course of his career, Luis Severino has been honored as a two-time All-Star, boasting an ERA+ of 110 and accumulating a WAR of 13.5 across nine major league seasons. These achievements reflect not only his prowess on the field but also his potential to further develop and lead within the Athletics' roster.
The inclusion of an opt-out clause following the 2026 season in Severino's contract allows for future flexibility, offering both the player and the team room to reassess their options as circumstances evolve. For the Athletics, this is a strategic move, designed to align with their long-term objectives while offering Severino the opportunity to benefit from his performance successes in forthcoming seasons.
A New Era for the Athletics
The Athletics’ strategic signing of Severino symbolizes the beginning of a new era for the franchise as it anticipates its relocation. The club's determination to invest substantially in a player of Severino's caliber signifies an intent to establish a competitive team foundation before their move to Sacramento. His signing may well be a herald for further notable acquisitions as the Athletics develop their roster to match their aspirations in a new city.
In conclusion, Luis Severino's addition to the Oakland Athletics marks a significant moment not just for the player and team, but also for the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball. His proven track record, combined with the Athletics' substantial financial investment, sets the stage for a potentially successful collaboration, one that could yield rich rewards as the team embarks on its next chapter in Sacramento.