The New York Yankees are evaluating pitching options as the trade deadline nears, and one notable candidate is Luis Severino, a former pitcher known for his early success with the team. The Yankees’ rotation struggles have prompted interest in Severino’s potential to revive the pitching staff’s effectiveness.
The Early Promise of Severino’s Yankees Career
Luis Severino began his tenure with the Yankees after signing as an international free agent in December 2011. He progressed quickly through the minor leagues, attracting attention as one of baseball’s top pitching prospects by 2015, with high rankings from MLB Pipeline and Baseball America. Severino debuted in the major leagues that August, impressing with a 2.89 ERA in his first 11 starts.
Following this promising debut, Severino encountered setbacks in 2016 with a 5.83 ERA, but the Yankees maintained faith in his potential. Their confidence was validated in 2017 when Severino secured third place in the American League Cy Young Award voting and earned his first All-Star selection, boasting a 2.98 ERA and striking out 10.7 batters per nine innings in 31 starts. He sustained his performance into 2018, making his second All-Star appearance with a 3.39 ERA.
Impact of Injuries on Severino’s Career Path
Despite a strong foundation, Severino’s progress was hindered starting in 2019 due to injuries such as rotator cuff inflammation and a Grade 2 lat strain. His recovery included Tommy John surgery in February 2020, which kept him off the mound until September 2021. Returning to action, he posted a 4.80 ERA combined over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. After leaving the Yankees, Severino signed a one-year deal with the New York Mets for the 2024 season, where he became a fan favorite and recorded a 3.91 ERA.
However, Severino’s tenure with the Mets was brief, as he then signed a three-year, $67 million contract with the Oakland Athletics. Unfortunately, this partnership has faced complications, partly due to the Athletics playing in a temporary stadium in West Sacramento with a planned move to a new Las Vegas facility by 2028. Severino has voiced frustration about the Athletics’ current situation, raising questions about his future.
Yankees See Potential in Severino Amid Rotation Concerns
This season, Severino’s performance has been uneven, with a 5.30 ERA over 19 games and a stark difference between his home (7.04 ERA) and away (3.04 ERA) performance. The Yankees’ pitching depth is under pressure as Clarke Schmidt recovers from Tommy John surgery and Marcus Stroman deals with inconsistent results. This scenario has heightened interest in Severino as a familiar talent who could immediately contribute.
Any trade to bring Severino back would likely involve the Yankees taking on a major share of his contract, but his previous tenure with the team and opportunity to regain his form present a compelling case. The possibility of his return aligns with the Yankees’ search for solutions to boost their roster ahead of critical games.
What a Severino Return Could Mean for the Yankees
If Luis Severino rejoins the Yankees, his familiarity with the organization and experience could offer a vital lift to the pitching staff at a crucial time in the season. Given the challenges faced by the current rotation, his presence might reinvigorate the team’s pitching and provide the depth needed to compete effectively before the trade deadline.
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 does the number 40 appear on the Mets’ faces today?
Q. Why did they do so? It came down to supporting one of their own, as pitcher Luis Severino, who wears No. 40, started the game.
A. Why is there a number 40 on the face of the Mets?