The New York Yankees took an unexpectedly quiet approach this offseason, with their most notable moves being the re-signings of Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham. However, the need for pitching depth remains pressing, especially with most of their star-studded rotation sidelined as Opening Day approaches. Max Fried stands as the lone ready starter.
An intriguing option for the Yankees could be a reunion with Athletics’ All-Star ace Luis Severino. Severino’s past season stats might not jump off the page, but context is key. Playing in an AAA stadium for much of the season skewed his numbers.
The Athletics’ temporary home at a minor-league park has proven challenging for seasoned pitchers like Severino, who performed significantly better on the road. The Yankees have been on the hunt for starting pitching throughout the winter, and while there’s no immediate panic, bolstering the rotation could be wise. The A's might be willing to part with Severino, but don’t expect a bargain; their asking price could be steep.
Severino’s recent season saw him post an 8-11 record with a 4.54 ERA, 124 strikeouts, and a 1.303 WHIP over 162 innings. However, the contrast between his home and away performances is stark. At AAA Sutter Health Park, he struggled with a 2-9 record and a 6.01 ERA, but on the road, he shone with a 6-2 record and a 3.04 ERA.
Considering Severino’s three-year, $67 million contract, acquiring him wouldn’t break the Yankees’ bank. The smart play might be to assess the team’s early-season performance. If the pitching staff stumbles out of the gate, Severino could be the perfect solution to stabilize the rotation.