The Cleveland Guardians are in need of another starting pitcher in the rotation

In November of 2023, right-handed starting pitcher Luis Severino was traded from the New York Yankees to the New York Mets. Since the trade, the Mets have spent most of the 2024 season struggling to find wins, with the pitching rotation having its hiccups.

While they spent most of the offseason attempting to reload and rebuild their team in hopes of having a bounce-back season, recent rumors have suggested they may be making a few extra moves at this year's MLB Trade Deadline. Headlining those reports has been Severino, and a team in contention to bring in a new starter to their rotation is the Cleveland Guardians.

Despite injury setbacks in recent years, he has shown glimpses of the talent he showcased during his 2017 and 2018 Cy Young candidacy seasons. Through 15 starts in the 2024 campaign, Severino boasts a record of 5 wins and 2 losses with a 3.92 ERA across 90 innings pitched. His marks this season are already miles ahead of his strugglesome 2023 season.

Known for his fastball and slider, Severino has already started to return to his top velocity against opposing hitters this year. For an individual who has battled significant injuries, including Tommy John surgery, his turnaround has certainly paved the way for his career to rebound well. He has 71 strikeouts so far this season, which is already nearing his mark from last year. In 2023, he pitched in 19 outings and just 89 innings for a 6.65 ERA and a measly 79 strikeouts. With him having such a big change in his level of performance.

For the Guardians, who are seeking reliable starting pitchers to anchor their rotation after the loss of Shane Bieber earlier in the season, trading for Severino would be a massive upgrade. Recent reports have also suggested that starterTriston McKenzie also may be shut down for the season due to a potential need for surgery.Making this acquisition even more necessary for Cleveland.

The team is down to just Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen as their primary starting pitchers alongside McKenzie. The rotation also includes veteran arm Carlos Carrasco and should-be relief pitcher Ben Lively, two pitchers the Guardians more than likely would love to move into deeper roles to help the bullpen instead of having them as starters. When the team, who currently sits second in win percentage in all of MLB, makes a run in the 2024 playoffs, they are going to need to be able to have a strong rotation.

Luis Severino presents an opportunity for the Cleveland Guardians to increase their pitching depth, easing the stress off their youngsters and fortifying their chances at competing when October ultimately arrives in the front view. With a proven track record of success, experience, and potential for continued excellence, Severino could be the missing piece that propels the Guardians pitching staff forward.