Severino Stays Put as A's Star Exercises $22M Player Option

Luis Severino will stay with the Athletics for 2027 after deciding to exercise his $22 million player option, according to reports on Saturday morning. The move removes one of the more intriguing names from a pitching market that has filled up quickly since the World Series, with Sonny Gray, Michael King and Nick Martinez all becoming free agents this week and the players' association putting the total pool at 155. Severino's decision gives the A's certainty at the top of their rotation and gives the right-hander another season to build on his time in Sacramento, rather than testing a market that is about to be frozen by the looming December 1 expiry of the collective bargaining agreement. Clubs have until Monday at 4 p.m. CT to settle their remaining options and finish exclusive negotiating windows with their own free agents, and Severino's call is one of the first major decisions to land. The A's also declined Jeffrey Springs' club option, according to the same reports, as front offices across baseball race to finalise their rosters before free agents can officially sign with new clubs on Monday and the threat of a lockout hangs over the winter.