Luis Severino, Yankees avoid arbitration with new four-year contract

The New York Yankees and Luis Severino had an arbitration hearing scheduled for later this month to determine the star pitcher’s salary for 2019, but that will no longer be necessary.

According to numerous reports, the Yankees have signed Severino to a four-year, $40 million extension. The deal includes a team option for a fifth season.

Severino gets $40M for 4 yrs guaranteed with an option. #Yankees

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 15, 2019

Severino’s deal covers his four arbitration years and the option covers what would be first chance at free agency. #Yankees

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 15, 2019

Severino has been the Yankees’ best pitcher over the past two seasons and is poised to be the ace of their staff for years to come. He went 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA last year. The deal he signed with New York is very similar to the one Aaron Nola got from the Philadelphia Phillies this week that also allowed him to avoid arbitration.

While he faded down the stretch a bit last year following the All-Star break, Severino has reportedly taken steps this offseason to assure that does not happen again in 2019.