The Athletics have much trust in two-time All-Star pitcher Luis Severino, giving him a three-year, $67 million contract. It’s the highest-valued contract given by the franchise. The Dominican pitcher will start his A’s stint as the Opening Day pitcher.
Once he takes the mound, he will make history for his new team, as MLB statistician Sarah Langs pointed out. Severino extends the Athletics’ streak of pitchers making their debut for the squad on Opening Day.
Last year, Alex Wood made his debut for the A’s on opening day. In 2023, it was Kyle Muller’s turn to take the mound. Muller is already playing for Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chunichi Dragons. Meanwhile, Wood remains a free agent after his lone year with the team ended in shoulder surgery.
Severino’s start on Opening Day will tie the streak done by the San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1971 when Dick Selma, Pat Dobson, and Tom Phoebus pitched three consecutive Opening Days.
Luis Severino is coming off a season with the New York Mets wherein he compiled an 11-7 record, a 3.91 ERA, and 161 strikeouts in 31 games. He was an All-Star in 2017 and 2018 while playing for the New York Yankees.
-Lance Fernandez