Luis Severino, a former New York Yankees pitcher, has had a successful but challenging career, marked by injury setbacks. He last pitched for the Yankees in 2023, where his performance was inconsistent over the past few seasons. Had it not been for these injuries, the 30-year-old right-hander might have been in a very different position in his career.
However, Severino made the most of a one-year, prove-it deal with the New York Mets in 2024. He posted a solid 3.91 ERA, 1.2 WHIP, and 4.2 FIP in 182 innings, striking out 161 batters. While this was significantly lower than his peak years as the Yankees’ ace, where he recorded 230 strikeouts in 2017 and 220 in 2018, it was still a respectable showing. Severino’s solid season, coupled with his return to a full workload for the first time since 2018, has positioned him well in free agency.
After declining the Mets’ qualifying offer, Severino enters the market as a sought-after pitcher, with teams, especially in the American League East, likely to express interest. Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball predicts Severino will sign a three-year, $51 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite some concerns over his injury history, Severino’s strong 2024 performance has increased his value. He is expected to secure a deal that could include an opt-out clause after the second year, allowing him to test free agency again if he delivers another strong season.
Although Severino is viewed as a potential No. 2 or No. 3 starter for a playoff-caliber team, his next contract could be influenced by the financial terms. If his deal exceeds market expectations, the Yankees may not pursue a reunion. However, if the price is right, they could consider bringing him back. Severino also made headlines with comments about the Yankees’ offense, calling them out for having “only two good hitters,” which added some spice to his exit from the team. Regardless of past tensions, his pitching value could bring him back to the Bronx if the circumstances align.