Athletics ready to admit free agency mistake

The Athletics stunned the baseball universe when they signed pitcher Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million contract. 

That contract already appears to be a mistake. The A's are reportedly ready to move on from Severino due to his continued complaints about Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. He has said that pitching at the A's temporary home "feels like a spring training game," and that while the pitching staff is doing their best, Sutter Health Park "has not been great" for the players.

Severino can point to his performance to validate his complaints. He has posted an impressive 2.27 ERA and a 1.031 WHIP over his 43.2 innings on the road, striking out 23 batters with 11 walks. Meanwhile, Severino has been atrocious at home, posting a 0-7 record with a 6.79 ERA and a 1.596 WHIP, striking out 45 batters with 20 walks in 57 innings.

Those struggles at home have extended through the entire pitching staff. A's pitchers have a collective 5.67 ERA at home, better than only the Colorado Rockies, playing a large part in their 15-27 record in Sacramento.

Signing Severino was part of fulfilling a promise made by ownership. The A's claimed that they would raise payroll once the franchise relocated to Las Vegas and began to add to the roster during the 2024-25 offseason. Severino received the largest contract in franchise history, pitcher Jeffrey Springs was acquired from the Rays and designated hitter Brent Rooker and outfielder Lawrence Butler received long-term extensions.

That promise to spend on the roster has, in Severino's case, proven to be a mistake. His comments, as accurate as they may be, seemingly show a regret in joining the A's. The A's appear to regret signing Severino as well as they are willing to move on from a high-priced free agency mistake.