The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing an opportunity to strengthen their pitching rotation as the July 31 trade deadline nears. With Justin Steele sidelined for the remainder of the season and Jameson Taillon on the injured list, the Cubs’ pitching depth has become stretched thin. Although Shota Imanaga’s recent return has provided some relief, the team is pushing to add a reliable arm to support their playoff ambitions and stabilize the starting rotation.
Challenges in Luis Severino’s Season with Oakland
Luis Severino, once a promising starter for the New York Mets, has faced difficulties this season following his move to the Oakland Athletics. After posting a 3.91 earned run average (ERA) over 31 starts with the Mets last year, Severino signed a three-year contract worth $67 million with Oakland, a notable investment given the Athletics’ typically conservative spending habits in free agency. The expectation was for Severino to serve as a key figure in Oakland’s rebuilding process. Instead, his performance has been inconsistent and below expectations.
Severino’s home starts have been a particular struggle, where he has posted a 6.79 ERA in 10 appearances. In contrast, his road outings tell a different story, with a 3.04 ERA over eight starts. Due to his dissatisfaction and uneven performances, Severino has become a trade candidate, with insiders reporting the Athletics’ willingness to move him prior to the deadline. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today,
“it would be surprising if Severino remains with the organization come August.”
—Bob Nightengale, USA Today
Evaluating the Risk and Potential Reward of Acquiring Severino
Although Severino’s overall season ERA of 5.09 across 18 starts does not project him as a dominant ace, his contrasting home and road performances suggest that he might still offer value. If the Cubs can harness the quality Severino has shown away from Oakland’s ballpark, he could fill an important role in their rotation. However, the move carries risk, as Severino is currently striking out batters at the lowest rate of his career and allowing hard contact at levels he has not seen since his Major League debut, raising doubts about his immediate ability to rebound.
Despite these concerns, Severino’s Stuff+ rating remains above the league average, indicating that his pitching repertoire still holds potential. With guidance from the Cubs’ coaching staff, he might regain effectiveness and provide more than just a short-term fix. His contract extends for two additional years, making him a player who could contribute beyond the current season and form part of the Cubs’ longer-term plans.
The Cubs’ Pitching Needs and Severino’s Role Moving Forward
The Cubs’ urgent need for a reliable starting pitcher has intensified due to key injuries, placing pressure on the team’s front office to act swiftly. While Severino may not carry the high-profile status of other trade targets, his addition could supply much-needed depth and stability to the rotation. As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs face a pivotal decision that could influence their postseason trajectory and pitching dynamics for the near future.
Should the Cubs finalize a deal for Severino, they will be taking on a calculated gamble that balances his evident struggles against the chance to revive a pitcher who once demonstrated All-Star potential. How Severino adapts to the new environment and coaching philosophy will be crucial to determining the success of this trade move and its impact on the Cubs’ playoff hopes.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why that specific number? It belongs to Mets pitcher Luis Severino, who was slated to start Game 3 on the mound for New York. This is a really cool way for Mets players to honor their teammates. It won’t be shocking to see Severino play well with this kind of encouragement behind him in the dugout.
A. Why is the number 40 on the Mets’ faces today?
Q. During Game 3 of their series at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, some players were seen wearing the number 40 as eye black. Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and Jesse Winker were among those players. Why did they do so? It came down to supporting one of their own, as pitcher Luis Severino, who wears No.
A. Why do the Mets have the number 40 on their face?