LUIS SEVERINO LANDS IN SACRAMENTO: A's Make a Splash

12/05/24 • 12 min

Locked On A's - Daily Podcast On The Athletics

In today's episode of Locked On A’s, host Booney is electrified by the Athletics' unexpected move in the free-agent market: the signing of Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million deal. After a challenging offseason, the A’s have stunned fans by securing one of the most sought-after starting pitchers. This marks the largest contract in franchise history, a bold shift for a team that has been known for its frugality. Severino, who has battled injuries but still possesses electric stuff, brings much-needed experience and upside to an A’s rotation that has struggled in recent years. The deal includes a $10 million signing bonus, $57 million in salary, and an opt-out after the second year, allowing both Severino and the A’s flexibility. This signing signifies a potential turning point for the A's, who are also in the midst of a transition from Oakland to Las Vegas, with the added challenge of playing in a minor league stadium in Sacramento for the next few seasons.

Booney dives into the broader implications of the Severino deal for the A's future. While this is an exciting addition, the team’s long-term success will depend on more than just one pitcher. The A's are still rebuilding, with a focus on developing their young core and navigating the challenges of their upcoming Vegas relocation. However, the commitment to a $100 million payroll and a significant investment in Severino shows the A's are willing to break from their penny-pinching past. If Severino can stay healthy and return to his former All-Star form, he could be the ace the A’s have desperately needed, offering stability in a rotation that has often been in flux. This signing could also pave the way for further improvements, and potentially give the A’s flexibility to flip Severino for prospects if he excels in 2025. As Booney puts it, the A's are signaling that they’re ready to compete, not just rebuild, and this move could be the first of many in an effort to reshape the team’s narrative and future.

Previous Episode

"Debunking the Doubters: Why the A's Vegas Stadium Is Happening"

In this episode of Locked On A’s, we tackle the hot topic of the A’s impending move to Las Vegas and everything that’s been unfolding behind the scenes. With financing finally secured through U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs and the Fisher family pledging $1 billion toward the project, the relocation feels inevitable. But with a projected stadium cost climbing to 1.75 billion, skeptics have raised concerns about financing gaps, missing escrow accounts, and conditional commitment letters. We’ll break down why these concerns may not hold water, using real-world examples from the lending industry to explain how deals like these work. As someone with over two decades of experience in lending, I’ll offer a unique perspective on why the A’s move is on track and address common misconceptions about commercial financing for projects of this scale.

We’ll also dive into the public’s frustration over transparency, the absence of an escrow account, and the growing debate surrounding taxpayer funding. Are the comparisons to home purchases and small-scale loans fair? Why does the public feel entitled to know every detail of Fisher’s finances? Plus, what role do independent appraisals and conditional loan commitments play in a project of this magnitude? By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what’s happening behind the headlines, why the A’s are Vegas-bound, and why this move has stirred up so much controversy among fans and critics alike.

Next Episode

NOT DONE YET!!!: Sean Manea or Nick Pivetta as possible A’s???

In today’s episode of Locked On A’s, host Bunni delivers thrilling news for Oakland A’s fans: the team has signed free-agent pitcher Luis Severino to a historic three-year, $67 million deal. This bold move marks a departure from the A's usual frugality and signals a commitment to competitiveness even during their transitional phase before relocating to Las Vegas. Severino’s arrival adds immediate credibility to the A’s rotation, which has struggled for consistency. The A’s may not be done as an offer to Mets free agent and former A’s have been made. Could a pitcher similar to Manea like Red Sox free Agent be in the works as well?

The episode also recaps a rollercoaster series against the powerhouse Philadelphia Phillies. Game 1 saw the A’s bullpen dominate after starter Hogan Harris struggled with command, leading to a big 6-2 win, highlighted by Lawrence Butler's pinch-hit homer. Game 2, however, was a different story, with Mitch Spence walking five and giving up six earned runs as the Phillies overpowered the A's 11-5. As the A’s prepare for the rubber match, Bunni emphasizes the importance of strong starting pitching and consistency at the plate. This signing and series show the A’s newfound willingness to make bold moves, creating cautious optimism for the franchise’s future.