The Athletics inked a lucrative $67 million contract with Luis Severino, a right-handed pitcher previously with the New York Mets. This deal includes a generous $10 million signing bonus, marking the most substantial guaranteed agreement in the team’s history as reported by MLB.com.
Hosting their debut press event in Sacramento on Friday, the Athletics marked their return since moving temporarily to Sutter Health Park.
Luis Severino shared his enthusiasm by stating, “A youthful squad with an appetite for triumph in baseball. I’m thrilled to be part of this crew and an exciting new organization.”
“The anticipation of what we can achieve is thrilling, ultimately centering on exceptional baseball,” expressed the most recent addition to the Athletics’ pitching staff.
Interrogated by journalists about the impact of performing in a minor league stadium on his choice to join the franchise, Severino responded, “Initially, I harbored numerous inquiries concerning our field location, amenities, and so forth. They assured us of a forthcoming facility, workout room, clubhouse…the pitching mound remains identical,” articulated the thirty-year-old. “It’s my inaugural encounter with a dual-level crew building, so it’s bound to be enjoyable,” furthered Severino.
A historic record contract for Luis Severino in Athletics history
Severino’s three-year contract worth $67 million with the Athletics sets a new high in the team’s history. Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, this surpasses the $66 million pact accorded to Eric Chavez back in 2004. An opt-out opportunity post the 2026 season is also included in the deal.
The Athletics’ fresh standout, regarded as one of the premier right-handed pitchers in the free-agent market, is poised to lead the A’s rotation, potentially as their ace. He will accompany left-armed JP Sears and right-armed pitchers Joey Estes and Mitch Spence, promising rookies from earlier seasons.
With less experienced candidates like J.T. Ginn, Osvaldo Bido, Joe Boyle, and Brady Basso in contention for the remaining rotation slots, the A’s might be considering enhancing their pitching staff through transactions or free-agent signings.
Severino’s tenure in New York
Approaching his 31st birthday in February, Severino revived his career with the Mets this season following injury challenges during his Yankees phase. In his first complete season since 2018, he recorded a 3.91 ERA with 161 strikeouts over 182 innings in 31 appearances.
Despite maintaining an average fastball velocity of 96.2 mph in 2024, he transitioned from a power-pitching strategy to one centered on creating feeble contact opportunities. His arsenal presently includes a robust sinker and a remarkable sweeping pitch, restricting opponents to a .139 batting average last season.
Initially signed by the Yankees at 17 years old from the Dominican Republic in December 2011, Severino made his MLB debut in 2015 and hit his stride in 2017. During that campaign, he showcased a 14-6 win-loss record with a 2.98 ERA (152 ERA+) along with 230 strikeouts across 193 1/3 innings.
His exceptional performance earned him a slot in the All-Star game and secured a third-place finish in the AL Cy Young Award voting, trailing Corey Kluber and Chris Sale.
With Severino rejecting the Mets’ qualifying offer recently and inking a contract exceeding $50 million, the A’s will surrender their third-highest draft pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Simultaneously, the Mets will gain a compensatory pick situated between the fourth and fifth rounds of the aforementioned draft.
A groundbreaking era for the Athletics in Sacramento
Residing in Oakland from 1968 to 2024, the Athletics will now consider Sutter Health Park in Sacramento their home from 2025 to 2027 before preparing for a move to Las Vegas.
Amidst transition to a new phase, Athletics’ general manager David Forst aims to enhance the pitching rotation as the team aspires to exceed their 69-93 outcome from the 2024 season.
With preparations for hosting matches in Sacramento underway, Severino’s inclusion in their lineup is expected to elevate the team’s spirits.
The Athletics also publicized that the modernized zones at Sutter Health Park have been fully booked. The Legacy Club inclusive of an indoor hangout and complimentary meals? Sold out. The Gilt Edge Club positioned by the outfield? Sold out. The Solon Club along the right field line remains available.
Season tickets will be up for grabs starting Monday, with priority access for A’s and River Cats season ticket holders.
Fans can secure their season passes until January 9, 2025, or until stocks last. Single-game tickets will be released subsequently.
Image Source: Oleksandr Osipov / Shutterstock
