The New York Mets are facing intensified pressure to reinforce their starting rotation as the trade deadline approaches, given multiple injuries among their pitchers. With Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning all sidelined, and Canning ruled out for the season, the team’s pitching depth is critically thin. The Mets have been cautious in the market for starting pitchers, aiming to avoid excessive financial commitments, but this strategy now exposes vulnerabilities at a pivotal moment.
Reconsidering Severino After Initial Offseason Departure
In the offseason, the Mets parted ways with Luis Severino after he signed a three-year, $67 million contract with the Oakland Athletics—a deal the Mets considered overpriced. Severino accepted the Athletics’ offer despite playing in less favorable conditions at Sacramento’s Triple-A stadium, attracted by the financial premium. However, recent rumors suggest the Mets could revisit the possibility of bringing Severino back before the trade deadline.
Andy Martino of SNY indicated that if the Athletics are willing to absorb some of Severino’s salary or accept part of the Mets’ financial obligations, a reunion might be considered. This trade scenario hinges heavily on financial negotiations between the two clubs.
“Severino left the Mets because the Mets — even though they liked the player and person — didn’t consider the three-year, $67 million contract he signed with the Athletics to be a reasonable deal for him,”
Martino explained.
He further noted that the A’s had to overpay to entice Severino to their less-than-ideal playing conditions.
—Andy Martino, SNY Analyst
Assessing Severino’s Performance and Implications for the Mets
Severino’s current season reveals a mixed picture. Over 19 starts, his ERA stands at 5.30, with a notable discrepancy between his home and away performances. At Sutter Health Park, his ERA has surged to 7.04, while on the road, he has maintained a much stronger 3.04 ERA. Last year with the Mets, Severino showed promise, posting a 3.91 ERA over 182 innings pitched. This contrast raises questions about his consistency but also suggests untapped value that could benefit the Mets’ rotation in its current depleted state.
The potential trade to bring Severino back is only one piece of a larger strategy to reinforce the pitching staff. The Mets will need to consider the financial and contractual complexities involved, especially if the Athletics demand significant salary coverage or concessions in exchange.
Potential Impact of a Severino Return on Mets’ Rotation Strategy
As the trade deadline draws near, the Mets face a critical decision that balances immediate pitching needs against long-term financial prudence. A Severino reunion, while unexpected, could provide a vital boost to a rotation hampered by injuries. The outcome of trade talks will largely depend on the Athletics’ willingness to negotiate salary terms to make the deal feasible for New York.
Ultimately, this unfolding situation highlights the volatile nature of the Mets’ rotation plans and the broader challenges teams face in managing talent amid injuries and contract commitments. A successful trade could stabilize the Mets’ starting staff and potentially influence their competitiveness for the remainder of the season.
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 featured on the Mets’ faces today?