In a move that caught many by surprise, the Athletics have made a significant addition to their pitching roster by signing right-hander Luis Severino on a three-year, $67 million contract. This deal, which is the largest in the franchise’s history, aims to bolster their rotation as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Severino’s contract includes a $10 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after the 2026 season, making it the most substantial agreement the Athletics have ever offered. This surpasses the six-year, $66 million extension previously given to third baseman Eric Chavez in 2004. The team, however, has not officially confirmed this agreement.
The 31-year-old pitcher, who has demonstrated considerable talent, especially during his recent season with the Mets, is expected to lead the Athletics’ rotation. His addition is a strategic move to enhance a squad that showed promise last season, boasting a strong second-half finish in the American League. Alongside Severino, left-hander JP Sears and right-handers Joey Estes and Mitch Spence are set to form the core of the team’s starting pitchers.
Despite previous challenges with injuries while with the Yankees, Severino made a remarkable comeback in 2024. He achieved a 3.91 ERA with 161 strikeouts over 182 innings, showcasing a refined style that focuses more on inducing soft contact rather than relying on sheer speed. His adaptation includes employing a hard sinker and an effective sweeper, which limited opponents to a .139 batting average last season.
Severino began his journey to the major leagues with the Yankees as a teenager from the Dominican Republic, quickly establishing himself as a formidable pitcher by 2017. His track record includes a breakout season where he secured a 14-6 record with a 2.98 ERA, earning an All-Star selection and placing third in the AL Cy Young Award voting.
Signing Severino, however, comes with its costs. Due to previous negotiations, the Athletics are set to lose their third-highest 2025 MLB Draft pick, while the Mets will gain a compensatory pick. The decision to invest in Severino reflects a broader strategy to strengthen the team’s potential core of young talents such as Mason Miller, Lawrence Butler, and Zack Gelof.
This signing reflects the Athletics’ commitment to building a competitive team ready to challenge for a return to playoff contention. With several key players and promising prospects, such as Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz, the franchise looks poised to make significant strides forward.
By acquiring an experienced and skilled pitcher like Luis Severino, the Athletics are making a bold statement about their aspirations in Major League Baseball. As they seek to transform their promising roster into a competitive force, Severino’s presence is expected to provide both stability and leadership to a young and evolving team.
Source: MLB
