3 Landing Spots for Trade Candidate Luis Severino

It's been a mixed bag to start the 2026 season for Athletics starter Luis Severino. One solid start in Toronto against the Blue Jays, followed by a rocky one in Atlanta against the Braves. 

But the 32-year-old former New York Yankees two-time All-Star remains a good trade chip for teams in need of some starting pitching help this season. He has a 3.94 career ERA, and it should be noted that he posted a 3.02 ERA away from the minor league park that the A's call home these days in Sacramento. Additionally, he posted a 3.10 ERA in the second half last year. 

With injuries already ravaging a couple of rotations around baseball, let's take a look at three teams that would make ideal fits for Severino in trade talks. 

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays' starting pitching, which, in the spring, ran at least eight deep, is now down to just four healthy arms. The latest injury to Cody Ponce has him joining the injured list with Jose Berrios, Trey Yesavage and Jose Berrios. You can never have enough pitching, as the old saying goes, and Toronto is a prime example of that. 

Severino was impressive against the Jays' bats back on opening day, holding them to just three hits and two runs through five innings. Perhaps the Toronto front office took note. 

Atlanta Braves

While the Braves saw the worst of Severino this past week, they are another team whose pitching has taken a number of hits from the injury bug this year. The Braves are currently without Spencer Strider for a couple of weeks, in addition to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, who are out for the longer-term. 

Philadelphia Phillies

Post-hype sleeper Andrew Painter had a terrific major league debut with 5.1 innings of one-run ball this past week. But let's keep in mind it was against the Washington Nationals. Painter has had years of injury troubles in getting his big league career started, so he's certainly not out of the woods just yet. Additionally, perennial Cy Young candidate Zach Wheeler is on a rehab assignment, trying to overcome thoracic outlet surgery last year. No one knows how he will perform when he takes the mound again in the majors. 

On top of that, the Phils are thought to be "razor thin" when it comes to starting pitching depth, so an addition like Severino could be a nice investment for a team that has every intention of contending for a pennant this year.