New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino: "The only thing for me on the line [this year] is winning the World Series"
The New York Yankees will call on pitcher Luis Severino to play a major role in 2023. The loss of starting pitcher Frankie Montas puts Severino in the spotlight. The Yankees recently picked up a $15 million option for Severino for 2023. The Dominican, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the year, will need to impress if he hopes to return to the Bronx next year.
Severino enters his eighth season with the Yankees with one thing on his mind. The right-handed flamethrower is desperate to win a World Series title with the Bronx Bombers:
"The only thing for me on the line [this year] is winning the World Series"
Per a recent article in the New York Post, Severino has returned to spring training looking fit and motivated. Entering the final year of his contract, the 29-year-old insists he is not concerned about a new deal and is only focused on winning.
Luis Severino in action: https://t.co/QP63CP4lBj
"Luis Severino in action:" - Bryan Hoch
Led by 2022 All-Stars Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodon, the Yankees boast one of the strongest pitching rotations in MLB. One of either Domingo German or Clarke Schmidt will likely round out the starting pitchers.
Severino was a highly touted prospect when he signed with the New York Yankees as an international free agent back in 2011. He has a 50-29 record since making his debut for the club.
The New York Yankees will hope that Luis Severino can stay healthy through the 2023 season
In arguably his best season, Severino finished with a 14-6 record and a 2.98 ERA in 2017. He held opposing batters to a .208 average and struck out 230 batters in 193.1 innings. That year, he was called up to his first All-Star Game.
Luis Severino's first bullpen of the spring: https://t.co/4isWMlsrsE
"Luis Severino's first bullpen of the spring:" Yankees Videos
Severino followed that up with another stellar season in 2018. He finished with an impressive 19-8 record and a 3.39 ERA. He made his second All-Star Game appearance that season.
Injuries have hampered Severino's progress over the past few seasons. He pitched just 18 innings over seven games between 2019-2021. Last season, Severino showed fans glimpses of the 2017-2018 pitcher.
The Yankees will look to once again win the American League East and make a deep playoff run. They have not won a World Series since defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009. Severino remaining healthy will be critical for a club that relies heavily on their starting rotation.