Luis Severino, once a cornerstone of the New York Yankees’ pitching staff, never envisioned leaving the Bronx. After all, his career was on an upward trajectory with the Yankees, where he emerged as an elite starter. From 2017 to 2018, Severino was an undeniable force in the rotation, earning an All-Star selection and finishing in the top 10 of AL Cy Young voting in both years.
His fastball and slider combination made him one of the most electric pitchers in the American League. However, over the next few years, Severino’s fortunes began to change due to injuries, which significantly hampered his ability to stay on the field.
From 2020 to 2023, Severino’s health woes limited him to just 42 appearances, including 37 starts. A string of injuries—including shoulder and lat issues—prevented him from recapturing the form that made him one of the Yankees’ most reliable starters in his prime. His final season in pinstripes was a disappointing one, posting a 6.65 ERA in 89 1/3 innings pitched.
The Yankees ultimately decided to move on, and Severino signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the New York Mets for the 2024 season, hoping to rebuild his value before hitting free agency again.
The 2024 season with the Mets proved to be a turning point for Severino. He regained some of his old form, posting an 11-7 record with a solid 3.91 ERA. His 1.24 WHIP and 161 strikeouts in 182 innings pitched marked a significant rebound, and it was the most innings he had pitched in a season since 2018, when he threw 191 1/3 innings.
The successful season in Queens, combined with his potential to stay healthy, has positioned Severino for a multi-year contract this winter, something that seemed uncertain just a year ago.
As Severino enters free agency, predictions are already swirling about where he could land. Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein has forecasted that Severino will sign a three-year, $51 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.
This deal would not only provide Severino with the security of a multi-year contract but also the flexibility of an opt-out clause after the 2025 season, allowing him the chance to re-enter the market if he stays healthy and delivers another strong performance. The opt-out would give Severino the opportunity to maximize his earnings if he regains his previous form or proves to be a vital contributor to a playoff-caliber team.
For Severino, a move to the Blue Jays would be an intriguing opportunity. Toronto, with a strong lineup and a promising pitching staff, could be a great fit for Severino to prove himself on the big stage once again. Additionally, joining the Blue Jays would offer Severino more chances to face his former team, the Yankees, something he didn’t get to do in 2024.
This could be especially meaningful for a player like Severino, who spent so much of his career with the Yankees and would likely relish the opportunity to pitch against them as part of a rival team.
Ultimately, Severino’s potential move to the Blue Jays represents both a fresh start and an opportunity to solidify his place as a top-tier pitcher in the league once again. If he stays healthy and continues his strong showing from 2024, he could be a key contributor to a contender while also setting himself up for even greater financial rewards in the future.
