“They Ain’t Going to Vegas”: Luis Severino’s Record Breaking Deal With Athletics Casts a Hude Shadow Over Their Nevada Move

One potential move of the Oakland Athletics has stirred up a lot of controversy within MLB circles. When the team made headlines, securing Luis Severino with a three-year contract worth $67 million and setting a new record for the franchise, it signaled their commitment to bringing star power to their future in Las Vegas. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism, most notably from former MLB catcher and analyst Erik Kratz. A vocal critic of the Athletics’ decision to relocate, Kratz has lambasted the organization for abandoning Oakland and questioned the motivations behind the Severino signing.

The signing marks a dramatic shift for a team that, for years, has been synonymous with budget constraints. Oakland ranked 29th in payroll in 2024, spending just $62 million on the entire roster. For context, that’s less than what many teams paid their top two players. Yet, despite fielding an uncompetitive team that lost 114 games this past season, owner John Fisher has greenlit a blockbuster deal for Luis Severino, a move critics argue is too little, too late for Oakland fans.

A record deal with questionable timing

Foul Territory recently posted a video on X in which Erik Kratz, a retired baseball catcher, shared his thoughts about A’s going to Las Vegas. He said, “If they get to 100 million in 2025 actual salary that would obviously be adding 50 more million per year. Adding that would show me that they ain’t going to Vegas. They have to show one of these other cities that they want to go, that we’re willing to  put together a roster.”

Kratz has long voiced his disapproval of teams leveraging public money for private gain, and the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas is no exception. “They could have been built in Oakland. They could have invested in their fans. Instead, they’re cashing in on Vegas glitz and calling it ambition,” Kratz said. Luis Severino’s credentials, however, are undeniable: at 30 years old, the right-handed player made a remarkable comeback in 2024 by achieving a 3.10 ERA with 200 strikeouts in 175 innings while playing for the Cincinnati Reds.

After facing injuries that affected his performance as a key member of the Yankees’ rotation, his devastating fastball-slider combination now makes him one of baseball’s most sought-after arms, and the Athletics’ willingness to commit 67 million signals their belief he can anchor their rotation. For the Athletics, the timing of the move is fraught. The Nevada Legislature approved $380 million in public funding for a new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip, but public opposition remains vocal.

Luis Severino’s signing, while flashy, won’t silence critics who accuse the organization of abandoning loyal fans for corporate profits. As the Athletics begin their final seasons in Oakland, the Luis Severino deal looms large. Will it spark a resurgence on the field, or will it be remembered as a hollow gesture on the way out the door? For now, one thing is clear: the shadow it casts over the franchise’s controversial relocation is immense.

Can Luis Severino fix a broken trust?

The Luis Severino signing may grab headlines, but for many Athletics fans in Oakland, it feels like salt in the wound. After years of dismantling competitive teams and refusing to invest in top-tier talent, the franchise suddenly found $67 million to sign an ace—just as they prepared to leave town. In 2024, Oakland fielded a roster with a payroll of only $62 million, less than half of what Severino alone will earn over three years.

Fans who watched stars like Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, and Marcus Semien leave in cost-cutting moves view this deal as an insult. “Where was this energy when we were begging for a playoff-caliber team?” one long-time fan posted on social media. The emotional toll on Oakland fans is palpable; many feel abandoned by a franchise they supported through thick and thin, only to see ownership prioritize corporate profits over community ties. The announcement of the team’s $1.5 billion Las Vegas stadium, heavily subsidized by public funds, further exacerbated the anger.

Fans believe the organization could have revitalized the team and stadium in Oakland. Even the Luis Severino deal, which could make the team more competitive, is being dismissed as a PR stunt. The aftermath has caused pain in a city that has supported Athletics fans for years, with many vowing to never follow the team to Nevada. In essence, the team’s potential move to Las Vegas could lead to gains and attract a new fan following. However, it also means leaving behind a city and community that have backed the As for years. Luis Severino’s arrival may mark a turning point on the field, but off it, the damage to Oakland’s baseball legacy feels irreparable.