The 2023 season, with its blistering end, brought new horizons for many players. However, for some, it was the end of the long journey. It is visible in the decisions from teams this off-season. Multiple teams have non-tendered and did not renew their long servers in a bid for a change. It included the New York Yankees, with many departures.
The changes were expected after the Yankees struggled with a strong rotation last season. But the decision from the star pitcher, who spent eight years at the Bronx to shift bases within the city is shocking. The reason is the support the Yankees GM Brian Cashman showed after his inconsistent run and injury concerns. However, that is not the case. It seems it was hollow, evident by the latest change.
New York Mets Help Forgotten; Luis Severino Continue His New York Journey in the Ninth Year
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Luis Severino has had a forgetful season. The 29-year-old struggled with injuries and inconsistency on the mound and finished the season with a W-L record of 4-8 and an ERA of 6.65 at a WHIP of 1.65, denting his credibility. But with the support from the Yankees clubhouse and the fans, everyone hoped him to return at his best, next season. However, Luis Severino was forced to test free agency.
Right-hander Luis Severino and the New York Mets are finalizing a one-year, $13 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Severino, 29, will join the Mets and a rotation in significant need of help after spending his eight-year career with the New York Yankees.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2023
Though the Yankees were expected to make a move for him, their delay in decision-making put the rivals ahead. The New York Mets took the opportunity and signed him on a one-year, $13 million contract. It brought an end to his eight-year career in the Pinstripes. The entire episode also put words from Brian Cashman in the center again, all thanks to his promise of hope for the best.
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A Forgotten Promise From Brian Cashman
The latest move from Severino was unexpected. The reason behind it is the promise of doing the best for him. Notably so, when the 29-year-old pitcher was stopped from pitching in a World Baseball Classic, the Yankees GM justified the move.
According to bvmsports.com, he said, “We support our players going [to the WBC], but when a player like Luis Severino, who has had an injury history the last few years … that’s not in our best interest given losing him so…”
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It reflected the Yankees consider Luis Severino a part of their plan. However, that does not seem to be the case due to the lackluster response to re-signing the player this offseason. Now that the pitcher has moved to the arch-rivals, it would be interesting to see how he responds to this forced change. Will the decision haunt the Yanks and Brian Cashman? What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
