The Athletics are in the middle of a turbulent time. Amid a move from Oakland, during the team's brief pit-stop in Sacramento, in a minor league ballpark, there have been some major complaints from fans.
But one of the biggest frustrations expressed comes from starting pitcher Luis Sererino. Signed in the offseason to a three-year $67 million deal, the former New York Yankees and New York Mets starter does not like the mound in Sacramento.
Between his lackluster play in Sacramento, his significant home-road splits, and the $42 million left on his deal, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand tabbed Severino as the Athletics' best trade candidate this offseason.
Luis Severino could be traded by the Athletics after Sacramento complaints
"It it's possible to be a 'change of scenery' candidate after only one year with a club, Severino is that guy." Feinsand writes.
Severino signed a $67 million deal to join the Athletics, and his home-road splits might be justification enough to make this trade.
In Sacramento, Severino had a 6.01 ERA in 15 starts, but on the road, it dropped to a 3.02 ERA over 14 outings. Combined with his 2-9 home record and his 6-2 road record, Severino clearly isn't suited for Sacramento, and the Athletics should trade him.
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Severino started 29 games for the Athletics this past season, pitching to a 4.54 ERA in 162.2 innings pitched with 124 strikeouts and a 1.30 WHIP with an 8-11 record.
On the books for $20 million in 2026 and $22 million in 2027, Severino will have some suitors in the trade market this offseason. He could wind up returning to New York or find his way to a new club that's eyeing more rotation depth.
But, as long as he's not in Sacramento, where Severino, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, compared pitching there to pitching in Spring Training, then the 32-year-old right-handed starter would likely be happy. The Athletics could net a decent return for Severino as well, making him an obvious trade candidate for the Athletics this winter.
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