Mets eyeing Luis Severino for pitching power boost

Saturday November 18, 2023

Luis Severino has always been news throughout the Pinstripes Nation. The newest development points to the New York Mets as a possible future destination, as the Mets have expressed interest in acquiring the free-agent pitcher Luis Severino, according to a report by The Athletic’s Will Sammon. The former Yankees right-hander is set to explore the possibility of a deal with the Mets, with team officials planning a meeting with the 29-year-old.

Will Severino return to the Yankees?

While a reunion with the Yankees seems unlikely, Severino has drawn interest from at least eight teams, reflecting his status as a two-time All-Star. Given the widespread demand for pitching in the league and Severino’s potential as a reclamation project, it is anticipated that more teams will join the pursuit before the offseason concludes.

Severino’s career took an unfortunate turn after the Yankees signed him to a four-year, $40 million extension before the 2019 season. Injuries, including Tommy John surgery, shoulder, lat, and groin problems, limited him to just 18 innings in the big leagues from 2019 to 2021. Despite more lat injuries in 2022, Severino returned to pitch 102 innings with a 3.18 ERA, prompting the Yankees to exercise their $15 million club option for 2023. However, he battled oblique and lat strains, finishing the season with a 6.65 ERA in 89 1/3 frames.

With Severino likely aiming for a one-year contract this winter, estimated at $14 million according to MLBTR projections, the pitcher could re-enter the market next year after a potentially healthier and more productive season. This approach opens the door to offers from both high-spending teams and smaller-market clubs.

Rather than engaging in a bidding war solely based on financial terms, Severino may prioritize factors such as environment and an organization with a track record of rejuvenating pitchers’ careers. While the Mets may not possess that reputation, new president of baseball operations David Stearns, arriving from the Brewers, has a history of developing hidden-gem arms.

The Mets, with only Kodai Senga and Jose Quintana as rotation locks for 2024, are actively seeking to bolster their pitching staff. The team, willing to spend at the higher end of the market, can pursue both frontline arms and more budget-friendly options like Severino.

Severino’s potential move to the Mets would also allow him to stay in New York and reunite with new Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza, who spent the previous six seasons on the Yankees’ coaching staff. Although Severino comes with injury concerns, the Mets’ financial flexibility positions them to take calculated risks in their quest to strengthen their pitching rotation for the upcoming season.

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