Severino's Opt-Out Adds Uncertainty to A's Rotation
Luis Severino can opt out of his contract with the Athletics after the 2026 season, having spent most of the year on the injured list. His three-year, $67 million deal was a franchise record, and his departure would leave a significant gap in the rotation. The A's face a pivotal offseason as they prepare for their move to Las Vegas.
Severino's 2026 campaign ended prematurely after an injured-list stint that began following a May start against the Yankees, leaving him sidelined for the remainder of the season. If he opts in for 2027, he would collect $22 million in the final year of his deal before reaching free agency, a sum he would be unlikely to match elsewhere given his injury-marred year.
The Athletics face broader roster questions this offseason, with impending free agents including Mark Leiter Jr. and Jonah Heim, while Jeffrey Springs' recent struggles have cast doubt on his future with the club. A potential new general manager could shape the team's approach to free agency, with Severino's decision influencing how aggressively they pursue rotation help ahead of the Las Vegas move.
Severino's opt-out decision could ripple through the Athletics' competitive outlook and the broader free-agent pitching market. If he departs, the A's lose their highest-paid starter at a time when they are trying to build momentum before relocating to Las Vegas, potentially affecting fan engagement and season-ticket interest. His choice may also signal how veteran players view the franchise's direction, which could influence other free agents considering Sacramento as a destination.