The New York Mets took a decisive step toward stabilizing their pitching staff when they completed a blockbuster trade to acquire Freddy Peralta, a move that immediately reshaped the outlook of their starting rotation.
For a franchise that has spent several seasons searching for a true frontline starter capable of anchoring the staff, Peralta represents exactly the kind of high-end arm the Mets have been lacking. His presence gives New York a legitimate ace—someone who can take the ball on Opening Day, halt losing streaks, and provide consistency every fifth day.
Yet, while the Peralta acquisition addressed the top of the rotation, it did not solve every problem facing the Mets’ pitching depth. Championship-caliber teams rarely rely on five starters alone.
Over the course of a 162-game season, injuries, fatigue, performance regression, and unforeseen setbacks almost always force teams to dip deeper into their pitching reserves. For the Mets, whose recent seasons have been plagued by rotation instability, the need for reliable depth remains a pressing concern—even after landing Peralta.
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That reality has led to growing speculation that the Mets may look to reinforce their rotation further as the season unfolds, particularly as the 2026 MLB trade deadline approaches.
According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, one intriguing possibility could involve the Mets reacquiring a pitcher they already know well: Luis Severino, the two-time All-Star right-hander currently pitching for the Athletics.
While Severino’s most recent season did not stand out on paper, Kelly believes that context matters—and that the Mets could emerge as one of the most logical landing spots should the Athletics decide to move him before he reaches free agency.
A Familiar Arm With Unfinished Business
Luis Severino’s career has been a winding road of dominance, setbacks, reinvention, and flashes of his former brilliance. Once regarded as one of the most electric young pitchers in baseball during his early years with the New York Yankees, Severino established himself as an elite starter when healthy. His power arsenal, headlined by a high-velocity fastball and devastating slider, made him a nightmare matchup for opposing hitters at his peak.
Severino’s track record in New York is particularly relevant for the Mets. After injuries derailed portions of his career with the Yankees, Severino later found himself wearing Mets colors, where he showed he could still be an effective major league starter under the right conditions. That familiarity with New York—both the market and the pressure that comes with it—sets him apart from many other midseason trade candidates.
Tim Kelly believes that Severino’s current situation with the Athletics may ultimately make him available, especially if the team finds itself on the fringes of contention as the season progresses.
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“Perhaps Severino—who was vocal about not enjoying pitching at Sutter Health Park in his first season with the A’s—will have better luck this season,” Kelly wrote. “If he does, that might only increase the thought of trading him…Our guess is even though the A’s will be fun in 2026, they won’t have the pitching to contend. Facing the prospects of losing Severino in the offseason, they’ll trade him to a spot where he’s more comfortable pitching at.”
Kelly went on to note that Severino’s history of success in New York—with both the Yankees and Mets—could make those teams natural suitors if the Athletics decide to sell.
“Severino has previously had success pitching for both the Yankees and Mets, so they feel like early favorites to land him via trade in the summer.”
The Numbers Tell a More Complicated Story
At first glance, Severino’s 2025 stat line with the Athletics appears underwhelming. Over 162 innings pitched, he finished the season with an 8–11 record, a 4.54 ERA, 124 strikeouts, and a 1.303 WHIP. Those numbers, taken at face value, do not scream “impact starter” or “deadline difference-maker.”
However, a deeper dive into the data reveals a much more nuanced picture—one that works strongly in Severino’s favor.
The Athletics spent the season playing home games at Sutter Health Park, a temporary venue that has drawn criticism from players and analysts alike. Severino himself was openly vocal about his discomfort pitching there, citing environmental and structural factors that affected his performance.
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When Severino pitched away from Sutter Health Park, his results were dramatically better. In road games, he compiled a 6–2 record with a 3.01 ERA, looking far more like the pitcher who once dominated in New York. His command sharpened, his velocity held up deeper into games, and hitters struggled to square him up consistently.
This stark home-road split has led many evaluators to believe that Severino’s overall numbers fail to accurately reflect his true ability. For a contender like the Mets, that discrepancy is critical. It suggests that in a more familiar and stable environment—particularly one like Citi Field, which generally plays fair to pitchers—Severino could rediscover a higher level of effectiveness.
Why the Mets Make Sense
From the Mets’ perspective, a midseason reunion with Severino would address several key needs without requiring a massive long-term commitment.
Even with Freddy Peralta leading the rotation, the Mets’ depth remains a question mark. Injuries are an unavoidable part of modern pitching, and relying too heavily on unproven arms or inconsistent veterans can quickly derail a season. Severino would slot comfortably into the middle of the rotation, providing stability rather than carrying the burden of being “the guy.”
In that role, expectations would be more manageable. Severino wouldn’t need to dominate every outing; he would simply need to keep the Mets competitive, eat innings, and give the bullpen a chance to succeed. Given his experience, that’s a role he is well-equipped to handle.
Moreover, Severino’s familiarity with New York cannot be overstated. The pressure, the media scrutiny, and the high expectations that come with pitching in the city often overwhelm pitchers who haven’t experienced it before. Severino, having pitched extensively for both the Yankees and Mets, knows exactly what he would be walking into.
That comfort level could make the transition seamless—particularly in the heat of a playoff race.
The Athletics’ Perspective
From the Athletics’ standpoint, trading Severino could be a pragmatic decision rather than an admission of failure.
While the team may show signs of promise and competitiveness, Tim Kelly suggests that their pitching depth is unlikely to be strong enough to carry them deep into contention. If that proves to be the case, holding onto Severino through the trade deadline—only to lose him in free agency—would represent a missed opportunity to recoup value.
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By moving Severino at the deadline, the Athletics could acquire young talent or controllable assets that better align with their long-term timeline. A trade partner like the Mets, who would be acquiring Severino as a short-term reinforcement, could offer prospects without sacrificing core pieces.
This type of deal often benefits both sides: the contender gains stability, and the rebuilding or retooling team strengthens its future.
Mets vs. Yankees: Who Needs Him More?
While both New York teams have been mentioned as potential landing spots, the Mets arguably have a greater need for Severino than the Yankees.
The Yankees have historically leaned on pitching depth and internal options, often supplementing their staff with bullpen-heavy strategies. The Mets, on the other hand, have been more vulnerable when injuries strike their rotation. Adding Severino would give them an experienced fallback option—someone who can step in without disruption if another starter goes down.
For the Mets, the move wouldn’t just be about adding talent; it would be about insurance. In a division where every game matters and margins are razor-thin, having an extra dependable arm could be the difference between making the postseason and falling just short.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Reunion
Ultimately, a potential reunion between the Mets and Luis Severino checks many boxes. It addresses a clear organizational need, leverages a player’s familiarity with the environment, and capitalizes on circumstances that have artificially depressed his market value.
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If Severino continues to pitch well away from Sutter Health Park and shows signs of consistency early in the season, his trade value will rise—but so will the urgency for the Athletics to act. That timing could work perfectly for the Mets, who may prefer to wait and see how their rotation holds up before making another significant move.
Should injuries strike or depth become an issue, Severino could quickly emerge as one of the most logical—and attainable—solutions on the market.
For a Mets team with postseason aspirations, being proactive rather than reactive could prove crucial. Reuniting with Luis Severino by the trade deadline may not be the flashiest move they make, but it could be one of the smartest—especially if they find themselves needing one more dependable arm to complete a rotation capable of striking fear across the National League.
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