SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The general manager of the Athletics, David Forst, expressed the team’s intention to make a significant impression as they transition into their new home. This mindset influenced their recent agreement with pitcher Luis Severino.
The 30-year-old Severino was officially presented by the Athletics on Friday following the conclusion of a $67 million, three-year agreement.
Severino, a seasoned right-hander, became a free agent for the second consecutive offseason. In his tenure with the New York Mets during the previous season, he recorded an 11-7 record with a 3.91 ERA over 182 innings. These figures marked his best performance since he enjoyed back-to-back All-Star selections while playing for the New York Yankees in 2018.
“I am going to give my 100%. I am going to be the best pitcher, person, and teammate to help everybody to be better,” Severino remarked while donning the Athletics jersey for the first time.
This contract stands as the most lucrative signing to date for the budget-conscious Athletics, exceeding the $66 million deal for former third baseman Eric Chavez that spanned from 2005 to 2010. Notably, Severino has an opt-out option to enter free agency again following the 2026 season.
After finishing the 2024 season with a 69-93 record, marking their third consecutive losing season, the Athletics departed from Oakland after 57 seasons. Their immediate plan involves competing in West Sacramento, California, for the next three years, with hopes of eventually establishing a new stadium in Las Vegas.
“For us, it was crucial to make a statement by entering a new city and ballpark,” Forst stated. “Beyond that, we aimed to enhance our current roster. Bringing in someone like Luis, with his wealth of experience and leadership, was essential for our goals.”
Over his career spanning from 2015 to 2023 with both the Yankees and Mets, Severino has brought a career record of 65-44, coupled with a 3.81 ERA through 156 starts and 16 relief appearances.
Severino declined a qualifying offer worth $21.05 million from the Mets, prompting them to receive an additional draft pick after the fourth round for the following July’s amateur draft. In contrast, the Athletics will lose their third-highest selection due to this signing.
As he familiarized himself with his new environment, Severino toured the club’s ballpark and clubhouse before the press event. Renovations are underway at Sutter Health Park to adapt the Triple-A venue for Major League Baseball.
With the assistance of his sports agency, Severino conducted research about the region to understand more about the summer lifestyle. The pivotal factor for his decision was the organization’s commitment to fostering a supportive family atmosphere.
“When we talk about family, it’s about my teammates since you’ll share the same space with these individuals for six months,” Severino noted. “Having that chemistry is crucial.”
