Yankees: Luis Severino contract extension is a win for both parties

The New York Yankees won big on Friday as they have successfully signed Luis Severino to a contract extension. Not only did the Yanks avoid an unpleasant arbitration hearing, but they also locked up their ace for four more years.

The four-year $40 million contract extension signed by Luis Severino is a win for the Yankees and their soon to be 25-year-old ace. According to ESPN, the contract could max out to $52.25 million over five years, as it includes a fifth-year club option.

Also, the agreement is front-loaded to protect Sevvy against a potential work stoppage.

Locking up Severino is a win for the Yankees because they’ve extended their ace at a reasonable price. Having a talented starting pitcher on the roster that can dominate deep into ballgames is rare in modern baseball.

The Yanks may have the best bullpen in baseball, but they will need days off to keep bringing the heat. It was also important for Severino and the organization to avoid arbitration.

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Reports earlier in the week indicated that neither party was looking forward to entering a hearing. Luckily they avoided an unnecessary confrontational experience.

As for Severino, the deal gives him a couple of advantages. A front-loaded contract means he will collect a majority of the salary owed to him earlier. Since it’s a four year deal with a club option for a fifth, he could still test the free agent mark at the age of 28 or 29. Since most teams are buying into the theory that a player’s performance declines after the age of 32, this would make Severino a hot commodity should he reach the open market.

A controversial comment by Boston Red Sox consultant Bill James, the godfather of sabermetrics, was leaked earlier this offseason. He said that all baseball players are replaceable.

Well, during this unique window of opportunity for the Yanks, replacing Severino would be a tough pill to swallow. It’s honestly a relief for all Yankees fans to know Sevvy, a homegrown talent, will remain a Yankee for at least another four years.

There’s another homegrown talent who stands at 6-foot-7 (Aaron Judge) due for an extension by the way, but that’s news for another day.

The New York Yankees won big on Friday as they have successfully signed Luis Severino to a contract extension. Not only did the Yanks avoid an unpleasant arbitration hearing, but they also locked up their ace for four more years.

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