Most MLB players will never admit it publicly, but money is a significant factor in choosing a team during free agency.
That’s why Athletics right-hander Luis Severino saying the quiet part out loud is so believable.
Severino spoke to The New York Post’s Mike Puma before a three-game series between the New York Mets and Athletics in Sacramento. “Sevy” essentially divulged that he took more money to head out West because the Mets “had other plans.”
The 31-year-old starter spent last season in Queens, where he pitched to a solid 3.91 ERA over 31 starts, his most in a single season since 2018 after a bevy of injuries over his New York Yankees tenure.
Therefore, it’s understandable that Severino was looking to cash in as a free agent this past offseason. He reportedly received a similar offer to the one the Mets wound up giving to veteran righty Frankie Montas (two years, $34 million), which was obviously short of the $40 million total Severino was “willing to accept.”
Montas, of course, is currently rehabbing from a lat injury as health continues to elude the 32-year-old. That’s likely why he was willing to accept that offer (in addition to his subpar 4.84 ERA in 30 starts combined between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers), while Severino proved his health and talent in 2024.
It’s rare for a player to admit publicly that talks between them and a team came down to money, but in Severino’s case, the $7 million difference amounted to him settling in Sacramento for the next three seasons at an average annual value of roughly $22 million per season.
Time will tell if that contract proves to be a wise investment for the Athletics, but so far in 2025, Severino has a mediocre 4.74 ERA over his first three starts while having to start half his games in a hitter-friendly venue.