Luis Severino is a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who has gained a reputation for his high fastball velocity and impressive strikeout rates.
He made his MLB debut in 2015 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young pitchers in the game. Over the course of his career, he has earned numerous accolades and set records, including leading all major league pitchers in average fastball velocity for two consecutive seasons.
However, despite his impressive statistics, the question remains: is Luis Severino a good pitcher? In this blog post, we will analyze Severino’s performance using statistical data and explore his strengths and weaknesses, considering both tangible and intangible factors.
By the end of this post, we will provide a comprehensive evaluation of whether Luis Severino is, in fact, a good pitcher.
Statistical Analysis of Luis Severino
Overview of His 2019 Season
In the 2019 season, Luis Severino had a 19-8 record with a 3.39 ERA.
He had the highest line drive percentage allowed among all major league pitchers with 25.9%.
Severino led all major league pitchers with an average fastball velocity of 97.6 miles per hour for the second consecutive year.
Comparison With Other Pitchers
Luis Severino’s ERA for the 2019 season was the 15th-best among qualified starting pitchers in the MLB. His WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) was 1.14, which ranked him 16th in the league. He also had a strikeout rate of 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings, which was the 11th best in the MLB.
Using advanced metrics, Severino’s FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) was 3.43, which ranked him 15th in the league. His WAR (Wins Above Replacement) was 4.8, which placed him 11th among all starting pitchers in the league.
Evaluation of Severino’s Performance
Based on his statistics, Luis Severino had a strong season in 2019, with a record of 19-8 and an ERA of 3.39. However, his high line drive percentage allowed could be a cause for concern as it indicates he was prone to giving up hard-hit balls.
Despite this, he led all major league pitchers with an average fastball velocity of 97.6 miles per hour, which is an impressive feat. When compared with other pitchers in the league, Severino’s ERA, WHIP, and strikeout rates were all in the top 20, while his advanced metrics such as FIP and WAR were also impressive, placing him in the top 15.
Overall, these statistics suggest that Luis Severino was a solid pitcher in the 2019 season.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Luis Severino
Advantages of His Fastball Velocity
One of Luis Severino’s biggest strengths as a pitcher is his high fastball velocity, which can reach up to 100 miles per hour. This allows him to overpower batters and generate a lot of swings and misses.
His fastball is complemented by a slider and changeup, both of which have proven to be effective pitches for him. Overall, his fastball velocity is a significant advantage and has played a significant role in his success.
His Pitch Repertoire
Severino’s pitch repertoire includes a fastball, slider, and changeup. While his fastball is his most dominant pitch, his slider and changeup have also proven to be effective weapons in his arsenal.
His slider has a sharp break, and his changeup has good arm-side movement, making it difficult for batters to make solid contact. The combination of his fastball, slider, and changeup has made Severino a challenging pitcher to face.
Vulnerability to Hard-hit Balls
Despite his strengths, Luis Severino has shown vulnerability to hard-hit balls, as evidenced by his high line drive percentage allowed in the 2019 season.
This could be due to his tendency to throw strikes, making it easier for batters to square up and hit his pitches hard. He will need to work on limiting hard-hit balls to avoid giving up extra-base hits and home runs.
His Consistency and Durability
Another factor to consider when evaluating Severino’s performance is his consistency and durability. While he has had successful seasons, he has also had some inconsistent stretches and has struggled with injuries.
In 2019, he missed significant time with shoulder and lat injuries, which limited his availability to the Yankees. He will need to stay healthy and consistent to continue to perform at a high level.
Comparison With Other Pitchers in the League
When compared with other pitchers in the league, Luis Severino ranks favorably in terms of his strikeout rate and fastball velocity. However, his vulnerability to hard-hit balls puts him at a disadvantage compared to pitchers who induce weaker contact.
He will need to continue to refine his pitch repertoire and work on limiting hard-hit balls to reach the level of some of the league’s elite pitchers.
Factors Beyond Statistics
Clutch Performances in Big Games
Luis Severino has shown a tendency to perform well in big games, as evidenced by his strong performances in the playoffs. In the 2017 Wild Card Game, he pitched seven innings of shutout ball against the Minnesota Twins, helping the Yankees advance to the ALDS.
In the 2018 ALDS, he pitched four innings of one-run ball against the Boston Red Sox in Game 3, despite dealing with a shoulder injury. His ability to perform under pressure is a valuable asset for any team, especially in the postseason.
Leadership and Clubhouse Presence
As an established veteran of the Yankees, Luis Severino has become a leader in the clubhouse. He is known for his work ethic and dedication to his craft, which has earned him the respect of his teammates.
His leadership and positive presence in the clubhouse can help bring a team together and foster a winning culture.
The Mental Aspect of Pitching
Pitching is not just a physical game, but also a mental one. Luis Severino has shown mental toughness and resilience in the face of adversity. He has dealt with injuries and setbacks throughout his career but has always bounced back stronger.
His ability to stay focused and maintain a positive mindset is critical in the highly competitive world of professional baseball.
Evaluation of Severino’s Intangible Qualities
While statistics are an essential part of evaluating a player’s performance, there are also intangible qualities that are difficult to measure but are still valuable.
Luis Severino’s ability to perform in big games, leadership skills, mental toughness, and positive attitude are all qualities that make him a valuable asset to any team.
These intangible qualities can help a team succeed and make a player stand out as more than just a collection of numbers on a stat sheet.
Luis Severino’s 2019 Season vs. League Average (Starting Pitchers)
| Statistical Category | Luis Severino | League Average |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 19-8 | 10-10 |
| ERA | 3.39 | 4.49 |
| Line Drive % Allowed | 25.9% | 22.4% |
| Fastball Velocity | 97.6 mph | 92.8 mph |
| WHIP | 1.14 | 1.35 |
| Strikeouts per 9 innings | 9.28 | 8.65 |
| FIP | 3.43 | 4.62 |
| WAR | 4.8 | 2.0 |
Note: The data in this table is for the 2019 MLB season and only includes statistics for starting pitchers who pitched a minimum of 100 innings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Luis Severino ever won any major awards?
Luis Severino has been named an All-Star twice in his career, in 2017 and 2018. He has not won any major awards such as the Cy Young Award or MVP.
How does Luis Severino’s performance compare to other Yankees pitchers?
Luis Severino has had a strong performance as a Yankees pitcher, ranking among the top pitchers in the league in various statistical categories. However, his performance has not been as consistent as some other Yankees pitchers, such as Mariano Rivera, CC Sabathia, or Andy Pettitte.
How has Luis Severino dealt with injuries in his career?
Luis Severino has had his fair share of injuries in his career, including a shoulder injury that caused him to miss most of the 2019 season and all of the 2020 season. He has worked hard to rehab and recover from his injuries and has shown resilience in bouncing back stronger.
What is Luis Severino’s contract status with the Yankees?
Luis Severino signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension with the Yankees in 2019, which will keep him with the team through the 2022 season. The contract also includes a club option for the 2023 season.
What is Luis Severino’s nationality?
Luis Severino was born in Sabana de la Mar, Dominican Republic, and is a Dominican baseball player.
To Recap
Luis Severino is a talented pitcher with a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses. His high fastball velocity and effective pitch repertoire make him a dominant force on the mound, while his vulnerability to hard-hit balls and occasional inconsistencies pose challenges for him.
Additionally, his intangible qualities, such as his ability to perform in clutch situations, leadership skills, mental toughness, and positive attitude, make him a valuable asset to any team.
Ultimately, Severino’s success as a pitcher depends not only on his statistics but also on his ability to harness his strengths, improve his weaknesses, and maintain his mental and emotional composure on and off the field.
