The Athletics gave Luis Severino a three-year, $67 million deal last offseason. At the time, it was the largest guaranteed contract for A’s in franchise history.
Severino had spent eight seasons with the New York Yankees and one season with the New York Mets before landing the deal. He was a two-time All-Star with the Yankees and had a 3.79 ERA in 141 games for the team. In 2024, his lone season with the Mets, he had a 3.91 ERA in 31 starts.
Severino did not pitch well for the A’s, specifically in Sacramento. He had a staggering 6.01 ERA at home, compared to his 3.02 ERA in 14 road starts. Severino was vocal about his issues with pitching in Sacramento as well.
Severino’s numbers on the road were solid, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tabbed him as a player on the trade block this offseason.
“Severino, who signed a three-year, $67 million contract last winter with the Athletics, has made it clear that he doesn’t like pitching in Sacramento,” wrote Nightengale. “The A’s have made it clear they don’t like him constantly complaining about it. Both sides are willing to move on.”
According to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty in June, Severino compared pitching in Sacramento to a spring training game. He also noted the lack of energy and air conditioning. He also voiced his issues with the clubhouse being in left field since he prefers to watch the game on TV in the clubhouse in between innings. When asked why he has been better on the road, he bluntly said it’s because the team plays in an actual big-league stadium on the road.
Perhaps if the A’s were leaving Sacramento for next year, Severino’s issues would not lead to a trade. However, the team is scheduled to play in Sacramento until 2028. Plenty of teams need starting pitchers, and Severino could be an under-the-radar target. He was a Gold Glove finalist last season and has a track record of success in the big leagues.
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