Cubs Targeting Athletics’ Luis Severino to Strengthen Starting Rotation: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Cubs have the third-best record in the National League and are leading the NL Central by 2.5 games. Despite Chicago’s success, the team only has three viable starters, with Shota Imanaga returning this week. As the trade deadline approaches, the team is scouring the starting pitching market.
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One player the Cubs are “keeping their eye on” is Athletics’ ace Luis Severino, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Severino, 31, signed the richest contract in Athletics’ history during the offseason, a three-year, $67 million deal. Although it is no surprise that he could be made available, given the A’s tendency to trade away high-salary players, his underwhelming performance is unlikely to attract strong interest on the market. In a league-leading 17 starts, Severino has a 4.83 ERA and has allowed a league-high 105 hits across 100.2 innings.
Jed Hoyer, President of the Chicago Cubs, prepares to throw balls to fans before a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. David Banks-Imagn Images
However, Severino’s staggering home and road splits may change the way opposing teams feel about him at the deadline. At home, the former two-time All-Star is 0-7 with a 6.79 ERA, but on the road, he has been near perfect. In seven road starts, Severino has a 2-0 record with a 0.93 ERA, including an eight-inning, three-hit outing against the Milwaukee Brewers.
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Unfortunately for Chicago, the Athletics are unlikely to consider trading Severino for fear of backlash after just signing him to a lucrative contract during the offseason, according to Nightengale.
Although the odds of acquiring Severino are slim, if the Cubs miss out on other marquee arms available at the deadline, they could up their offer and change the Athletics’ mind about moving him.
Related: Cubs’ Counsell Provides Outlook on Demoted Starting Pitcher
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.