Before I get ahead of myself and start hearing the cries, “It’s just Spring Training,” there isn’t a single New York Mets fan who doesn’t think that starting pitcher Luis Severino has been outstanding leading up to Opening Day. Tuesday night against the Houston Astros, Severino had another excellent outing. In four innings, he gave up just one run on two hits while striking out three.
The former Yankee has thrown nine innings so far this spring, recording a stellar 1.00 ERA with eight strikeouts and no walks. Even though the data sheet has shown promise thus far, two other crucial factors are that Severino looks to be totally healthy and that he is producing a high 90s fastball with a modified slider.
In his first four Mets games this spring, Luis Severino has looked invincible.
Severino projects as a front-line starter and has shown it while wearing the Yankees uniform, if he can maintain his health. With two weeks until Opening Day, Severino appears to be finding his rhythm on the mound right now, and the Mets general office and coaching staff couldn’t be happier with the outcome thus far.
After agreeing to a one-year contract this offseason to rehabilitate his value in the hopes of making a sizable profit next winter, Severino has a lot to prove this coming season. Right now, everything seems to indicate that he is the pitcher our cross-town opponents have been missing for the past two seasons—an All-Star caliber pitcher.
Given the way Severino has been throwing this spring, especially with ace Kodai Senga out of the lineup, Severino might finally provide the rotation depth a significant boost that Mets fans have been doubting this summer. Without a doubt, the two-time All-Star has always had the potential; his mechanics have simply needed to be consistent and healthy.
Though it’s still very early, Severino seems to be a contender for National League Comeback Player of the Year based on his current performance on the mound, both statistically and according to the eye test. This is after just four appearances this spring.