Athletics’ Landmark Moves: Severino Signed, Big Offer Made to Manaea for Roster Upgrades

In a move that has taken many baseball fans by surprise, the Oakland Athletics have signed a three-year, $67 million contract with pitcher Luis Severino. This deal marks the largest financial commitment in the franchise's history, surpassing the $66 million contract held by Eric Chavez for the past two decades. The A's had hinted at their willingness to make significant investments in free agency or through trades, and this contract represents the first concrete step in that direction.

Severino's deal, with an annual value exceeding $22 million, showcases a new financial strategy for the Athletics. Traditionally known for their frugality, the A's are now demonstrating a readiness to compete financially with larger-market teams. This shift could indicate more substantial spending in the near future.

Supporting this notion, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the Athletics made a substantial offer to free agent southpaw Sean Manaea before finalizing the deal with Severino. Manaea, who began his MLB career with the Athletics after being acquired from the Kansas City Royals in the 2015 Ben Zobrist trade, remains a potential target. Although it is unclear if the Athletics will continue to pursue upper-tier free agents, the Severino signing and discussions of a $100 million payroll target suggest it is within the realm of possibility.

Even with Severino's contract, RosterResource projects the Athletics' payroll at a modest $58 million. This leaves ample room for additional high-value contracts, whether through free agency or trade acquisitions. The current flexibility in their budget could allow the Athletics to strategically strengthen their roster further.

The decision to invest heavily in Severino reflects the Athletics' commitment to competing at a higher level. Severino, known for his powerful arm and impressive strikeout rates, brings a formidable presence to the mound. His addition is expected to significantly bolster the A's pitching rotation, providing a cornerstone for future success.

The Athletics' willingness to break their financial mold marks a new chapter in the franchise's history. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this increased investment will impact the team's performance on the field. The potential for additional signings and trades could further enhance the Athletics' competitiveness in the coming seasons.

As the offseason progresses, the Athletics' actions will be scrutinized to gauge the extent of their new spending strategy. The Severino deal could be the first of several moves aimed at transforming the team into a more consistent contender.

​Stay tuned for updates as the Athletics navigate this transformative period. Their ability to balance financial investment with on-field performance will be crucial in shaping the future of the franchise.