The Athletics are shopping Luis Severino this winter, looking to move on from the veteran right-hander after just one season of his three-year, $67 million deal.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Oakland’s trying to convince teams that a change of scenery could unlock the pitcher who struggled mightily at home in Sacramento but looked like his old self on the road.
“The Athletics, who celebrated his arrival a year ago when they signed him to a three-year, $67 million contract, now could be cheering his departure. Could a change of scenery make a difference? The A’s are trying to persuade teams to believe it.”
The numbers tell a pretty clear story. In 15 home starts, Severino posted a 6.01 ERA and went 2-9. Away from Sacramento? He was a different pitcher entirely – 3.02 ERA and 6-2 record in 14 road starts.
That’s not a small sample size issue. That’s a guy who clearly can’t pitch effectively in his home ballpark.
Severino’s made his feelings about Sacramento’s field known, which doesn’t help anyone involved. When your starter is publicly expressing discontent with the home venue, it’s probably time to move on.
What looked like a solid signing for the A’s rebuild has turned into a $67 million reminder that context matters in baseball. The former Yankees and Mets starter showed he can still pitch – just not where Oakland needs him to.
Now they’re hoping someone else will take a flyer on a pitcher who’s set to make $22 million in 2026. With two years left on the deal, the A’s might have to eat some money to make a trade work.
The way I see it, this is addition by subtraction for Oakland. They free up payroll flexibility and remove a source of clubhouse tension. For Severino, he gets a fresh start somewhere his splitter might play better.
Don’t expect the Yankees or Mets to be in on their former starter, though. A new club seems more likely to take the chance on a veteran who’s proven he can still get outs – just maybe not in Sacramento.
