Three potential landing spots for Luis Severino
The past two weeks have made a drastic difference for the New York Mets.
The Mets have gone from being definite sellers at the trade deadline to one of the hottest teams in baseball. Grimace, the 53-year-old McDonald’s character, sparked a seven game winning streak after throwing out the first pitch nearly two weeks ago. The Mets entered Tuesday with a 37-39 record, within striking distance of a wild-card spot.
However, the Mets’ run of success does not mean they will keep their players. Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that the Mets could be open to trading some of their starting pitchers as Kodai Senga, Cristian Scott and Jose Butto could slide into the rotation. Jon Heyman, also of the New York Post, opined that pitchers Luis Severino, Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea could be dealt before the trade deadline on July 30 at 6:00 PM.
Severino has been one of the Mets’ best starters, posting a 3.29 ERA and a 1.151 WHIP over his 90.1 innings, striking out 71 batters with 31 walks. That type of production would fit well in the middle of any contending rotation. Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots for the Mets’ starter.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles (49-29) are going to be linked to any starting pitcher ahead of the trade deadline. John Means, Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells are all lost for the season. Albert Suarez had been a great story but has allowed eight runs on 16 hits and eight walks in his last 8.2 innings over two starts.
Severino may fit the Orioles in another way as well. The Orioles tend to avoid trading their top prospects, opting for smaller moves. Severino is on a one-year contract, which could lower the cost to acquire him. Should that be the case, the Orioles could land a needed piece for the middle of their rotation.
Houston Astros
The Astros also appeared to be sellers at the beginning of June. While Houston has a more difficult path to a playoff berth, it has won five consecutive games and seven of its last 10, pulling within 4.5 games of a wild-card spot at 38-40.
The Astros’ rotation has been decimated this season. Cristian Javier, Jose Urquidy, Justin Verlander, lance McCullers Jr., J.P. France and Luis Garcia are all on the injured list. Spencer Arrighetti has been hit or miss. If the Astros are going to make a run at a playoff berth, they will need another pitcher in the rotation. While Houston one of the worst farm systems in baseball, there could be enough there to entice the Mets.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals (40-37) are another team that will be linked to pitching on the trade market. Miles Mikolas has struggled this season while the fifth starter spot has been a revolving door. The Cardinals need to add another pitcher as they push for a playoff berth.
Severino may be the type of pitcher the Cardinals target. He could slot into the middle of the rotation, pushing Mikolas and Lance Lynn back. Severino is the type of veteran arm that the Cardinals target, a solid option with plenty of postseason experience. While the Mets and Cardinals could battle for a playoff berth, St. Louis could have enough in the farm system to make a trade happen.
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