Most MLB gamers won’t ever admit it publicly, however cash is a major think about selecting a workforce throughout free company.
That is why Athletics right-hander Luis Severino saying the quiet half out loud is so plausible.
Severino spoke to The New York Put up’s Mike Puma earlier than a three-game sequence between the New York Mets and Athletics in Sacramento. “Sevy” basically divulged that he took extra money to go out West as a result of the Mets “had different plans.”
The 31-year-old starter spent final season in Queens, the place he pitched to a stable 3.91 ERA over 31 begins, his most in a single season since 2018 after a bevy of accidents over his New York Yankees tenure.
Subsequently, it is comprehensible that Severino was seeking to money in as a free agent this previous offseason. He reportedly obtained an identical provide to the one the Mets wound up giving to veteran righty Frankie Montas (two years, $34 million), which was clearly in need of the $40 million whole Severino was “keen to simply accept.”
Montas, in fact, is at the moment rehabbing from a lat injury as well being continues to elude the 32-year-old. That is seemingly why he was keen to simply accept that provide (along with his subpar 4.84 ERA in 30 begins mixed between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers), whereas Severino proved his well being and expertise in 2024.
It is uncommon for a participant to confess publicly that talks between them and a workforce got here right down to cash, however in Severino’s case, the $7 million distinction amounted to him settling in Sacramento for the following three seasons at a median annual worth of roughly $22 million per season.
Time will inform if that contract proves to be a smart funding for the Athletics, however to this point in 2025, Severino has a mediocre 4.74 ERA over his first three begins whereas having to begin half his video games in a hitter-friendly venue.
