The Oakland Athletics have made a splash in free agency, agreeing to a three-year, $67 million contract with right-handed pitcher Luis Severino. ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the deal, which includes a $10 million signing bonus and $57 million in salary over the three years, according to Yahoo’s Russell Dorsey.Severino has the option to opt out after the second year, as reported by Passan.
This move comes as a surprise to many, considering the Athletics’ nomadic status. The team will play next year in West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park, home to the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, before relocating to Las Vegas. Despite the unconventional circumstances, the A’s have been aggressively pursuing free agents to bolster their payroll, which entered the offseason without a single contract on the books for 2025.
“It’ll register as a shock for many to see the nomadic A’s… land a notable free agent with a hefty multi-year deal,” wrote MLBTR’s Darragh McDonald last month, exploring the possibility of the A’s becoming surprise players in free agency.
Some free agents, like Walker Buehler, have reportedly dismissed the idea of playing in a minor league facility. Though, with a reported target payroll in the $100 million range, the A’s have the financial flexibility to make a splash. The signing of Severino signals a new era for the franchise, one that prioritizes competitiveness even amidst a period of transition.
The Oakland athletics are making a bold statement this offseason, signaling a departure from their recent frugal ways.the team has inked right-hander Luis Severino to a three-year, $100 million contract, a deal that shatters franchise records and suggests a new era of spending in Oakland.
Severino’s contract, which includes an opt-out clause, is a critically important departure from the A’s typical approach to free agency. “They’ll need to overpay in order to pursue top-end free agents this winter,” analysts predicted, and severino’s deal certainly seems to confirm that sentiment. The A’s will also forfeit their third-highest draft pick next year due to Severino rejecting a qualifying offer from the New York Mets.
The $100 million figure is notable because it represents a significant jump from the A’s previous payroll targets. The team’s status as a revenue-sharing recipient, reinstated in the 2022-26 collective bargaining agreement after being revoked in the past, likely played a role in their newfound spending power.
This deal is a clear indication that the A’s are ready to compete. “It is indeed, incredibly, the largest contract in franchise history,” surpassing the six-year, $66 million extension signed by third baseman Eric Chavez over two decades ago.
At 31 years old, Severino is expected to promptly slot into the top of the A’s rotation, likely earning the Opening Day start. He’ll join a pitching staff that currently includes JP Sears, Mitch Spence, and Joey Estes, with the fifth spot potentially filled by another acquisition.
Severino’s potential is undeniable. from 2017 to 2018, he showcased his ace-caliber talent with the New York Yankees, posting a 3.18 ERA and striking out nearly 30% of batters faced. His blazing fastball and devastating slider made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball.
The Yankees,recognizing his potential,signed him to a four-year,$40 million extension. Now, Severino has a chance to re-establish himself as a dominant force in Oakland, leading a young and promising pitching staff.
This signing is a major turning point for the oakland Athletics. It signals a commitment to winning and a willingness to invest in top talent. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but one thing is certain: the A’s are no longer content to be cellar dwellers.
The Oakland Athletics made a splash in free agency, signing right-hander luis Severino to a three-year, $69 million contract. The deal, which includes an opt-out clause after the second season, represents a significant investment for the A’s, who are looking to bolster their starting rotation.
Severino, 29, had a resurgent season with the new York Mets in 2024 after a series of injury-plagued years with the Yankees. he pitched 182 innings with a 3.91 ERA, demonstrating his ability to stay healthy and contribute effectively. However, his performance wasn’t quite at the dominant level he displayed earlier in his career.
“I think it’s a good deal for both sides,” Severino said. “I’m excited to be a part of what the A’s are building, and I’m looking forward to helping them win.”
The A’s were willing to pay a premium for severino’s potential. his fastball velocity, while down from its peak, still sits in the mid-90s, and his ground-ball rate remains above average. The team hopes that a change of scenery and a fresh start will help him regain his former ace-caliber form.
Severino’s contract surpasses recent deals for pitchers like Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi, both of whom signed three-year, $63 million contracts this offseason.The A’s clearly believe Severino is worth the extra investment.
“We’re thrilled to add Luis to our rotation,” said A’s general manager David Forst. “He’s a proven winner with a lot of upside. We believe he can be a difference-maker for us.”
The signing of Severino signals a shift in philosophy for the A’s, who have traditionally been known for their frugal approach. The team is clearly committed to improving its roster and competing for a playoff spot.
However, the deal also carries some risk. Severino’s injury history is a concern, and his 2024 performance, while solid, wasn’t quite as dominant as his earlier years. The A’s are betting that he can stay healthy and return to his previous form.
Only time will tell if the A’s gamble will pay off. But one thing is certain: the signing of Luis Severino has injected excitement and optimism into the Oakland fanbase.
The Oakland Athletics, a team in the midst of a rebuild, are showing promising signs for the future. With a core of talented young players, they could surprise many in the coming seasons.
Players like brent rooker, Mason Miller, JJ Bleday, Lawrence Butler, and Shea Langeliers have already made their mark on the team. Their development, combined with the emergence of prospects like Jacob Wilson, Tyler Soderstrom, and Zack Gelof, has injected a sense of optimism into the Athletics institution.
“We’re excited about the young talent we have in the system,” said an unnamed team source. “We believe these players have the potential to be impact players at the Major League level.”
While the Athletics are still a few years away from contending for a playoff spot, their future looks bright. The team’s commitment to developing young talent, coupled with shrewd acquisitions, could lead to a rapid turnaround.
fans in Oakland have reason to be hopeful. The Athletics may be in the early stages of a rebuild,but the foundation for a successful future is being laid.
## Oakland Athletics’ Big Bet on Luis Severino: A New era Dawns
**World Today News**
The Oakland Athletics, known more for frugality than free-spending, sent shockwaves through the baseball world today by signing right-handed pitcher Luis Severino to a three-year, $69 million contract. This bold move, highlighted by an opt-out clause after the second season, signals a dramatic shift in the franchise’s philosophy and a commitment to building a winning team even amidst its transitional period.
to discuss this groundbreaking deal and its implications for the A’s future, we spoke with **MLB Analyst John Miller**:
**World Today news:** Mr. Miller, the A’s signing Severino is a surprise to many.Can you help us understand the meaning of this move?
**John Miller:** This is truly a landmark deal for the Oakland Athletics. It shatters their previous franchise record for largest contract and definitively shows they’re serious about competing. Severino, even coming off a few injury-plagued years, is still a proven talent with ace-caliber potential.
**World Today News:** The A’s are in a unique situation, playing next year in West Sacramento before relocating to Las Vegas. Do you think this move will impact their ability to attract free agents?
**John Miller:** typically, a team in flux might struggle to entice top talent.Though, the A’s financial adaptability and willingness to spend big bucks, evidenced by this contract, speaks volumes. Players want to win, and Severino clearly believes this Oakland team is on the upswing.
**World Today News:** Some argue that offering a hefty contract might be financially risky for a team still finding its footing.What’s your take?
**John Miller:** It’s a calculated risk, there’s no doubt whatsoever. But remember, the A’s are now beneficiaries of revenue-sharing, which has boosted their financial resources.
Severino is a proven commodity who can elevate their pitching rotation instantly. This investment might just be the catalyst the A’s need to accelerate their rebuilding process and become competitive sooner rather than later.
**World TodayNews:** Do you think this signals a new era for the Oakland Athletics?
**John Miller**: Absolutely. This signing sends a clear message: the A’s are not content with simply rebuilding. They are ready to contend now. It’s a bold move,but one that could pay significant dividends for the franchise in the years to come.
**world Today News:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Miller.
