Luis Severino's career took an interesting turn when he became a member of the A’s pitching staff. After reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $67 million deal on Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports’ Russell Dorsey, he is set to make his mark in a new baseball environment.

Significant Deal Details

This deal is the largest guaranteed contract in franchise history for the A’s. It includes a $10 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause following the second season. Such financial terms highlight the importance placed on Severino's addition to the team.In 2024, across 31 starts, Severino recorded a 3.91 ERA with 161 strikeouts in 182 innings pitched. His performance last season was notable, especially considering his journey through injuries. He spent the previous season with the New York Mets after beginning his major-league career with nine years pitching for the New York Yankees.The Mets protected themselves by extending Severino a qualifying offer, which was a guaranteed one-year deal worth $21.05 million. But Severino rejected it and moved on, allowing the Mets to get draft pick compensation.

Transition to Sacramento

The A’s will play in a 14,000-seat minor-league stadium in Sacramento for the next three seasons before moving into a brand-new ballpark in Las Vegas for the 2028 MLB season. Severino will start his tenure with the team in this transitional phase.His career began as a star young pitcher in the Bronx with the Yankees, making the All-Star Game and receiving down-ballot Cy Young votes in 2017 and 2018. However, injuries derailed his ascent, and he underwent Tommy John surgery, missing the entire 2019 season. But in 2024, he bounced back with a fully healthy campaign while pitching for the Mets.

Impact on the A’s Roster

The A’s lineup, led by Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler, was one of baseball's best in the second half last year. However, the pitching staff, especially the rotation, was thin on proven talent. Severino's signing immediately slots him in as the team's new ace.This move might indicate a more aggressive approach from the A’s in free agency. If the team is serious about building a competitive roster quickly, Severino's signing could be a sign of things to come. Developing bullpen aces like Mason Miller or Lucas Erceg is valuable, but the lack of starting pitching has often put the team at a disadvantage.Severino's presence gives the A’s a veteran presence in their rotation and the potential to be a frontline arm. His ability to adapt his arsenal while maintaining a full-season workload is a valuable asset.