The Oakland Athletics, navigating a very uncertain future, made waves in free agency by signing two-time All-Star pitcher Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million contract.
The deal, which includes an opt-out clause after the second season, is the largest guaranteed contract in the franchise’s history, surpassing Eric Chavez’s six-year, $66 million extension from 2004.
Severino’s decision to join the A’s comes after he declined the New York Mets’ one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer earlier this offseason.
As a result of the signing, the Athletics will forfeit their third-highest pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.
The 30-year-old right-hander had a strong rebound season in 2024 with the Mets, playing a key role in their unexpected journey to the National League Championship Series.
Severino posted an 11-7 record with a 3.91 ERA over 182 innings across 31 starts.
His resurgence followed a disappointing 2023 campaign with the New York Yankees, where he struggled to a 6.65 ERA.
Adding Severino gives the A’s a respected veteran to lead a young and promising pitching staff.
He joins JP Sears, who impressed in 2024, and 23-year-old Joey Estes. The bullpen, highlighted by flamethrower Mason Miller, has the potential to be a significant strength for the team in 2025.
The A’s also emphasized their commitment to building around offensive standouts like Brent Rooker, who they confirmed will not be traded.
Rooker, a designated hitter and outfielder, delivered a stellar 2024 campaign with a .293/.365/.562 slash line, 39 home runs, and 112 RBIs.
Oakland’s lineup also features promising talents such as outfielders Lawrence Butler and JJ Bleday, second baseman Zack Gelof, and catcher Shea Langeliers.
These players, combined with a reinforced pitching staff, suggest a more competitive outlook for the A’s in 2025.
Severino’s record-breaking deal signals that the A’s, despite the turbulence surrounding their controversial departure from Oakland, are serious about assembling a competitive roster.
Still, the A’s have additional needs to address if they hope to contend in the AL West.
Depth in the starting rotation, bullpen reinforcements, and a starting-caliber third baseman remain on the team’s wish list.
If the front office continues to invest, Oakland could emerge as a surprising threat in the division. (But that’s a BIG “if.”)
With Severino’s postseason experience and the foundation of young talent already in place, the A’s appear determined to prove they are more than just a team in transition.
What are your thoughts on Severino’s contract? … Do you think he’s really worth that much money?
Will the Mets regret not making him a more serious offer?
As for A’s ownership, do you think they will ever invest in the club to the level that their fans want them to???
