3 Yankees players who need to step up before it’s too late

Luis Severino

Every Yankees fan dreams of the day where Luis Severino rediscovers his 2017-2018 form ... but it's just probably not going to happen. He's been terrible for 18.2 of his 30 innings pitched since returning from the IL in late May (yes, he was once again injured for an extensive period of time for the FIFTH season in a row!).

He's under contract through 2023, but there's an urgency for him to turn it around because of the approaching deadline. There's a world in which Severino gets traded for change-of-scenery purposes if the team is (rightfully) fed up, should he continue at this pace for the next month or so.

The right-hander was supposed to be a luxury "ace-type" behind Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, but he's instead been a liability and borderline bullpen demotion candidate after his last four outings. Ever since he tipped his pitches in LA back at the beginning of the month, he's been completely broken, pitching to a 9.16 ERA and 2.04 WHIP in June. Unacceptable.

The Yankees need Severino and Severino needs the Yankees in 2023. They need him to reach their desired heights and he needs them to get his desired contract once he hits free agency. Though both outlooks no longer appear optimistic, a good month from Sevy could erase the horrific three weeks he just endured.

As quickly as the narrative soured, it could turn in his favor. All he has to do is show up.