3 Yankees extension candidates not named Aaron Judge

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 01: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the 9th inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on May 01, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Luis Severino #40 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at Yankee Stadium on April 14, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

2. Luis Severino

When right-handed starting pitcher Luis Severino is on, he is one of the best pitchers in the game today. Unfortunately for both player and club, that’s exactly the problem. Severino has not been able to stay healthy to save his life.

Debuting back in 2015 at the age of 21, Severino looked great in his first season but severely faltered in his second. As of 2017, Severino became dominant, making two All-Star Game appearances and racking up two top-10 finishes in the AL Cy Young race.

In February of 2019, Severino was signed to a four-year, $40MM contract extension with a club option for a fifth season. He began to suffer from right shoulder issues and ultimately made just three starts for the Yankees. Tommy John surgery followed soon after, and he missed the entire 2020 season.

At the tail end of the 2021 campaign, Severino finally returned – more than two years later – to the big league mound, making four scoreless appearances out of the Yanks bullpen, striking out eight and walking just one while not allowing a single home run.

A free agent at season’s end, Severino has looked very sharp to begin 2022. Through his first five starts, he is 2-0 with a 3.75 ERA and 23 strikeouts against just seven walks in 24 innings.

All told, Luis Severino owns a career 45-26 record with a 3.44 ERA and a sparkling 10.0 career SO/9. He has struck out 620 batters and walked only 158 in 560 innings, making him one of the strongest starting pitchers in the game. While health has been an issue for him in the past, a healthy 2022 season with about 30 starts could land the 28-year-old righty a contract extension from the Yankees.

Home/New York Yankees