By Derek McAdam
December 15, 2021
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Over the last three seasons, Luis Severino has only appeared in seven games with the New York Yankees, starting three. He has only given the Yankees 18 innings of work after dealing with a shoulder injury and undergoing Tommy John Surgery in early 2020, all of this coming after he signed his four-year, $40 million extension before the 2019 season.
Not only is he ready to go for the 2022 season, whenever that may begin, but he is also expected to play a major role in the Yankees’ starting rotation. If the Yankees do not make any signings or trades for pitchers, Severino will most likely be the No. 2 man in the rotation behind Gerrit Cole.
Losing Corey Kluber to Tampa Bay and Jameson Taillon until at least May, the Yankees will greatly welcome Severino back into the rotation. He is a two-time All-Star who had an incredible two-year stretch in 2017 and 2018 before the injury plague came along, posting a 2.98 and 3.39 ERA in each of those seasons, respectively.
Severino can also be a vital part for the team if the Yankees make the postseason. Cole is probably the only starter that can be relied upon come October, but Severino can make the Yankees a much better postseason team. It is a very big “if,” but he has the potential to be a big factor.
While it is critical for the Yankees to get Severino back into the rotation, it is also an important step for the 27-year old himself. It has been a constant battle over the past three years, dealing with the initial injuries and several setbacks along the way. There is no doubt that he wants to have another season where he can be healthy for the entire year while making an impact.
He is also setting himself up for a new contract down the road. The Yankees have a $15 million club option for 2023, which they will more than likely pick up. Due to his injuries, he has not lived up to his current contract. But if he can give the Yankees two solid seasons, the organization and fans will gladly take it.
A downside for Severino is the current MLB lockout. Depending on when an agreement is made, it could potentially delay the season. I cannot imagine that there is anyone that wants to get back on the field more than Severino to finally get the opportunity to start in his first major league game since 2019.
Hopefully, the 2022 MLB season will be able to begin on time with a full Spring Training schedule. While it does not currently seem that this will happen, I remain optimistic that a deal can get done in time. I would love to see Severino back on the mound.
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