Luis Severino the New York Yankees X-factor in 2022

The New York Yankees were amongst the biggest disappointments of the offseason prior to the lockout. Despite numerous holes, both in their lineup and on their pitching staff, they had done virtually nothing. While they have made some minor league signings during the lockout, their offseason has been underwhelming, to say the least.

It is possible that the Yankees have an upgrade to their rotation already in their system. Luis Severino says that he is healthy once again and ready to work as a starter once spring training begins.

New York Yankees could have their upgrade with Luis Severino

There was a time when Severino appeared to be the next ace for the Yankees. He had posted a 33-14 record between 2017 and 2018, with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.092 WHiP in his 384.2 innings, striking out 450 batters with 97 walks. He was an All Star in both of those seasons, and at just 24 years old, appeared set to dominate for years to come.

Then injuries happened. Between his shoulder issues in 2019, the pandemic, and Tommy John surgery, he has pitched a combined 18 innings since the end of the 2018 campaign. He was solid when he was on the mound, allowing just two runs on eight hits and seven walks while striking out 25 batters.

That performance gives hope that the Yankees could have that arm they need in the rotation. Gerrit Cole has been everything they could hope for, and if Nestor Cortes Jr. can build off of his breakout season in 2021, the Yankees may actually have a formidable top three in the rotation.

But it all comes down to his ability to stay healthy. Severino has plenty of potential and is still young enough to make a major impact in the league. He just has to get on the mound in order to fulfill that potential and be the pitcher the Yankees need him to be.

The New York Yankees need another arm to step up in their rotation. Luis Severino may be the pitcher they need.