Luis Severino leaves Mets for stunning $67 million A's contract in MLB free agency
The destination is a surprising one.
A key component from the Mets’ rotation last season is headed west to uncharted territory.
Luis Severino reached agreement Thursday with the A’s on a three-year contract worth $67 million, industry sources confirmed, as the organization prepares to begin play in Sacramento for at least a three- season hitch before settling in Las Vegas. He has an opt-out after the second season.
Severino, 30, declined a qualifying offer from the Mets worth $21.05 million, meaning the team will receive draft pick compensation for his signing with the A’s. The compensatory pick will be after the fourth round.
The guaranteed payout is the largest in A’s franchise history.
A workhorse in the Mets’ rotation last season, Severino pitched to a 3.91 ERA over 182 innings in 31 starts.
The right-hander arrived on a one-year deal worth $13 million as he looked to resurrect a career that had been plagued by injuries with the Yankees.
Severino, Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana all hit free agency after the season to leave holes in the Mets’ rotation.
The Mets last week signed Frankie Montas to a two-year contract worth $34 million with an opt out after next season to help fill one rotation void.
ESPN first reported Severino’s agreement with the A’s.