The New York Yankees may soon see one of their former All-Stars on the move again. Right-hander Luis Severino, who spent eight seasons in pinstripes, has reportedly landed on the trade block after voicing strong dissatisfaction with the Athletics’ temporary home in Sacramento.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Athletics are open to moving Severino just one year after signing him to a three-year, $67 million deal—the largest guaranteed contract in franchise history. Both sides, Nightengale reported, “are willing to move on.”
The development marks yet another chapter in the complicated career of the two-time All-Star, who became a fan favorite in New York before injuries and inconsistency derailed his once-promising run as the Yankees’ ace.
Severino’s Struggles in Sacramento Spark Frustration
While Severino showed flashes of his former dominance early in the 2025 season, his home-road splits painted a troubling picture. He posted a 6.01 ERA in Sacramento, compared to a 3.02 ERA on the road across 14 starts. The difference, he suggested, had everything to do with environment rather than performance.
In June, The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty reported that Severino had compared pitching in Sacramento to “a spring training game,” citing the lack of atmosphere and poor conditions in the stadium. He went on to mention the absence of air conditioning and the clubhouse’s awkward positioning in left field—factors that, in his view, made it difficult to prepare properly between innings.
When asked why his numbers improved significantly away from home, Severino didn’t hold back: “Because we’re finally playing in an actual big-league stadium,” he said.
Those comments didn’t sit well with the A’s organization, especially as the team continues to navigate its unpopular relocation period. Severino’s complaints reportedly became a source of tension between him and the front office, which expected the veteran to embrace his role as a leader on a rebuilding roster.
Both Sides Ready for a Change
The Athletics are scheduled to play in Sacramento through at least 2028, meaning Severino’s concerns won’t be resolved anytime soon. That reality makes a trade almost inevitable—and for teams seeking rotation help, the timing could be ideal.
Severino, 31, remains a high-upside arm despite his uneven season. He was a Gold Glove finalist in 2024 and has proven his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, including multiple postseason appearances with the Yankees. If dealt, he could represent a low-risk, high-reward option for a contender willing to bet on a bounce-back campaign.
Meanwhile, the A’s could use the opportunity to shed payroll and reset their rotation with younger arms. Severino’s $67 million deal still carries significant weight for a small-market franchise, and trading him now might help avoid further clubhouse friction heading into 2026.
For Yankees fans, the situation is bittersweet. Severino’s departure from the Bronx in 2023 marked the end of an era—and watching him struggle elsewhere underscores how far his career has drifted since those Cy Young-caliber seasons in 2017 and 2018.
If he’s traded this winter, it’ll be yet another reminder of how unpredictable baseball careers can be, even for a pitcher who once looked destined to anchor the Yankees’ rotation for years.
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