Under-The-Radar Luis Severino A Prime Trade Candidate; 3 Good Fits as Landing Spots

He might not seem like a pitcher that many teams would be eyeing, coming off a season of struggles with a 4.54 ERA. But a closer look, and teams may find that Sacramento Athletics' starter Luis Severino may be more desirable than it appears at first glance.

The 31-year-old was obviously none too happy pitching in the minor league ballpark in Sacramento's Sutter Health Park. He went 2-9 with a 6.01 ERA in 15 "home" starts there, with a 1.53 WHIP, and a .288 batting average against.

But on the road, Severino was a completely different pitcher. In 14 road starts, he posted a 6-2 record with a 3.02 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and only a .222 batting average allowed.

He has two years and $42 million left on his contract.

Three potential landing spots for the former New York Yankees two-time All-Star:

San Diego Padres

The Padres learned on Friday that Joe Musgrove, returning after missing all of 2025 with Tommy John surgery, has had a bit of a setback, and is now in a "holding pattern", putting his start to the season further in jeopardy. Dylan Cease is long gone to Toronto, Yu Darvish is already out for the year, and free agent signees German Marquez and Walker Buehler had ERAs of 6.70 and 4.93, respectively, last season.

Particularly after the Musgrove news, the Padres might need to look to make an addition to the pitching staff. Severino would be a good option.

Atlanta Braves

With the number of pitching injury issues facing the Braves in the rotation this year—even the still-in-development recovery of Spencer Strider—they could certainly use another viable major league arm. We've been touting every potentially available starter as one that Atlanta should be looking at, and Severino is no exception.

LA Angels

The Halos have gone out and made some intriguing additions to their rotation this offseason, nabbing some arms they're hoping will round back into form after some trials & tribulations in recent years. Alek Manoah and Grayson Rodriguez top that list. But Severino, also with something to prove after his struggles at home last season, could be another interesting risk for them to take.