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A’s Set Franchise Record Deal with Luis Severino, reach 3-year, $67 million contract

Dominic Gutierrez / MLB / December 5, 2024

A’s Set Franchise Record Deal with Luis Severino, reach 3-year, $67 million deal

The A’s are actually trying (or trying to make it seem like they are) in the free agent market. The team signed free agent Luis Severino to a 3-year, $67 million deal.

Jeff Passan of ESPN broke the news of the deal first that includes an opt-out after the second season.

BREAKING: Right-hander Luis Severino and the A’s are in agreement on a three-year, $67 million contract, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest guarantee in the history of the A’s franchise. And even with the qualifying offer attached, Severino got well over market expectations.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 5, 2024

The contract sets a new record for the A’s for largest contract in franchise history. The previous record was held by Eric Chavez in 2004 with a six-year, $66 million contract.

With the A’s now playing in a minor league stadium in Sacramento, it didn’t seem like any free agents would go to the scorching AAA stadium. Just a few weeks ago, it was reported that the A’s tried to sign Walker Buehler, but he didn’t want to play in Sacramento.

At USC’s SBA Summit, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said the A’s were talking to Walker Buehler but he didn’t want to play in Sacramento. #Athletics
— Kasey Kazliner (@kaseyjkaz) November 21, 2024

Severino is coming off his first season with the Mets after eight years with the Yankees. He struggled with injuries toward the end of his Yankee tenure. He wasn’t as dominant as he used to be in 2024, posting a 3.91 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. But, he struck out 161 batters, walked 60, and helped the Mets reach the NLCS.

Severino declined the qualifying offer from the Mets in hopes for a bigger contract after his one-year, prove it deal with them. He goes to an A’s team with a young core that finished 69-93 record last year.

I just want to know where this spending was a few years ago when the A’s were contending. The team had prime years from 2018-21, and a signing like this would’ve helped them over the bump. We already know owner John Fisher is cheap, but this is just a petty move toward Oakland.