In a surprising move, pitcher Luis Severino has agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract with the New York Mets.
The 29-year-old Severino spent his entire eight-year career with the rival New York Yankees.
Despite stretches of success, Severino endured a challenging 2023 season in which he struggled mightily with a 6.65 ERA over 89⅓ innings.
Severino struggled this year with a 6.65 ERA but over his previous seven seasons posted a 3.39 ERA in 638 innings. If he thrives, he'll hit free agency again next year, and he can earn up to $2 million in performance bonuses from the Mets. First on the scene: @feinsand.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2023
The move represents a much-needed fresh start for Severino who last season referred to himself as “the worst pitcher in baseball.”
He did have considerable success during his first seven seasons in the Bronx however.
During that stretch, he showcased his effectiveness when healthy, accumulating 638 innings with a 3.39 ERA and an impressive 709 strikeouts against 181 walks.
Notably, in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Severino earned recognition as one of the league’s top pitchers, finishing third and ninth in Cy Young Award voting, respectively.
He faced setbacks with injuries in 2019, followed by missing the entire 2020 season and a significant portion of 2021 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
However, he made a strong comeback in 2022, posting a 3.18 ERA over 19 starts and 102 innings.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO WTF I DID NOT WANT THIS GUY 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
— Nick Stines (@nickstines) November 29, 2023
The one-year deal includes $2 million in performance bonuses and provides Severino with an opportunity to enter free agency again after the upcoming season.
In other words, this is a “prove-it” deal (albeit an expensive one).
This signing marks the Mets first step in rebuilding their pitching rotation.
In honor of Luis Severino joining the Mets on a one-year deal, enjoy some of his strikeouts from last year’s season:#LGM🍎 pic.twitter.com/n8L0Fp4gwJ
— Dan Bartels (@DanBartels2) November 30, 2023
Looking ahead, the Mets are positioned as strong contenders for 25-year-old Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose contract is anticipated to be one of the most lucrative of the winter.
Additionally, the team may pursue Jordan Montgomery – and possibly sniff around on Shohei Ohtani.
In a simultaneous move on Wednesday, the Mets reached a one-year, $2 million deal with utility infielder Joey Wendle, pending a physical.
Despite the relatively low-risk, high-reward approach with Severino, most Mets fans are quite annoyed at the signing … But that’s probably the New York-New York rivalry speaking.
People: The Mets need depth in our starting rotation. I don’t want to watch another season of Peterson and Megill.
*Mets sign Luis Severino to a ONE year deal*
Same people: Severino, really?! 13 million dollars?! WHAT ARE COHEN AND STEARNS DOING?! pic.twitter.com/XGS1kwroYx
— Lauren (@CalmYourMitts) November 29, 2023
What are your thoughts on the signing?
Looking at the big picture, what else do the Mets need to do this offseason???