As the New York Yankees look to build a competitive roster for 2025, they are facing increasing pressure to keep up with the powerhouse teams in Major League Baseball. With the Los Angeles Dodgers making significant moves, such as adding two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell this winter, the Yankees need to make strategic acquisitions to stay relevant in the postseason race. While they have their eyes on high-profile targets like Juan Soto, the Yankees’ roster overhaul will need to go beyond the outfield and include a deep dive into their pitching staff. However, one potential move that should be avoided is a reunion with former Yankees starter Luis Severino, who has been linked to the team in recent rumors.
Severino, who is projected to land a four-year, $85 million deal, remains an intriguing option for any team looking for starting pitching depth. His upside is undeniable: he was once one of the most electrifying young arms in baseball, a two-time All-Star with the potential to dominate at the top of a rotation. However, his recent struggles, combined with an inconsistent track record over the past few seasons, raise serious questions about whether he can return to his previous form, and whether the Yankees should take that risk.
Jacob Mountz of FanSided provides a sobering analysis of Severino’s situation. He acknowledges the glimpses of vintage Severino seen during the 2023 postseason, where the right-hander posted a solid 3.24 ERA over 16.2 innings. While those performances were encouraging, they represent only a small sample size and shouldn’t obscure the broader picture of Severino’s decline. Over the past several years, Severino has battled injuries and inconsistency. After a promising start to his career, his 2022 and 2023 seasons have been riddled with setbacks, including a shoulder injury and issues with his mechanics.
In terms of pure stuff, Severino still possesses electric pitches, including a fastball that can touch the upper 90s and a slider that is often sharp. However, as Mountz points out, Severino’s troubles have stemmed from his lack of command, particularly with his sinker and changeup. These two pitches, which were once integral to his success, have been prone to mistakes that hitters have capitalized on. A major factor in his decline has been his inability to find consistency in these pitches, leading to diminished effectiveness over time. Severino has also had issues staying healthy, with a series of injuries keeping him off the mound for long stretches. This lack of availability has made him a risky proposition for any team, especially one like the Yankees, who need reliable, durable arms to anchor their rotation.
For the Yankees, whose playoff aspirations hinge on the health and performance of their pitching staff, taking a gamble on Severino may not be the wisest move. While a healthy and effective Severino could be a major boost to the rotation, there are too many question marks surrounding his ability to stay on the field and regain his previous form. In particular, with the Yankees needing to make up ground in a competitive AL East, they can’t afford to invest significant resources in a player who may not be able to contribute at an elite level over the long haul.
Instead of turning to Severino, the Yankees should focus on other potential upgrades that can provide immediate impact. While they may not necessarily need another starting pitcher, if an elite arm becomes available, they should be prepared to pounce. Additionally, strengthening the bullpen and acquiring position players who can provide balance to the lineup should be high on their to-do list. The Yankees also have other options internally, with promising young arms like Clarke Schmidt and Jhony Brito offering depth behind their established stars.
In conclusion, while Luis Severino’s potential remains tantalizing, the Yankees should proceed with caution. His recent struggles, injury history, and inconsistent performances suggest that he is a high-risk investment, particularly when the team has more pressing needs. With so much on the line for the 2025 season, the Yankees must avoid taking a chance on a player who has yet to prove he can stay healthy and return to his All-Star form. Instead, they should focus on making smarter, safer acquisitions that will give them the best chance to compete with the league’s elite teams.
