Former Yankees Ace Signs Deal with New York Mets

The New York Mets have signed a former New York Yankees ace to a one-year deal.

The New York Mets have signed former New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino to a one-year $13 million contract, according to Jeff Passan.

Severino will join the Mets as the team needs help on the mound with only two other confirmed rotation arms. This gives him an opportunity to be the No. 2 or No. 3 starter in New York's rotation.

The right-hander was once one of the better pitchers on the Yankees' staff. He struggled a ton in 2023, posting a 6.65 ERA in 18 starts. He dealt with injuries at the end of the season but is expected to be on the mound in 2024.

Prior to the down year, his numbers were very good.

In the 2017 and 2018 seasons, he was named an All-Star with a sub-3.40 ERA across both seasons. That also includes two seasons where he struck out 220-plus hitters.

While it's uncertain if he's ever going to get back to that type of production, a $13 million contract doesn't add much risk to the Mets' plans. Even if his performance continues to be poor, it's a moveable contract for New York at the deadline.

As for the Yankees, this shouldn't change much. It's long been rumored that they're interested in starting pitching and Severino wasn't expected to return. They won't need to change their plans.

With options out there, New York will have to find arms that can do what Severino did for parts of his career. 

Now, their former star pitcher gets to stay in New York and has a chance to revive his career after injuries and down performances since 2019.