The New York Yankees need to upgrade their roster heading into 2025 or they're going to be left in the dust by the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers have already added two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell this winter while the Yankees are still chasing Juan Soto.
Besides Soto, the Yankees will look to add all around the lineup as well as on the pitching staff. New York doesn't necessarily need to add a starting pitcher, but if an elite arm falls in its lap, there's no reason to say no.
One option that has floated around the Bronx Bombers is a reunion with New York Mets starter Luis Severino, who's projected to land a four-year, $85 million deal per Spotrac. FanSided's Jacob Mountz strongly advises the Yankees to avoid this potential reunion.
"But before we dismiss Severino as a 'must avoid' altogether, it's only fair to note he still can hurl. This past postseason, we got a glimpse at vintage Severino. Through 16.2 innings, Sevy threw to a 3.24 ERA," Mountz wrote. "Severino still throws some electric stuff, but he hasn't produced at an elite level. If he gave up on his sinker and changeup (the two pitches that produced most of his problems) while flashing his cutter more often, he would probably be a solid pitcher once more. But for now, he isn't the risk a postseason-bound team with pitching problems should take."
A reunion with Severino wouldn't make much sense, especially at his estimated average annual value of over $20 million. The righty had a solid 2024, but not enough to warrant a four-year contract worth nearly $100 million.
If the Yankees want to pursue pitching, there are better options for the same price tag. Besides that, New York could venture into the trade market to upgrade the starting rotation.
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