Luis Severino: A Statistical Breakdown of One of Baseball's Rising Stars

Introduction

Luis Severino has quickly ascended to the elite ranks of Major League Baseball pitchers. The Dominican-born right-hander has emerged as a cornerstone of the New York Yankees' rotation, showcasing an impressive arsenal of pitches and unwavering determination. This comprehensive analysis delves into Severino's statistical profile, highlighting his strengths, areas for improvement, and overall impact on the game.

Career Highlights and Stats

• 2019 AL ERA Title (2.31)
• 2017 All-Star Selection
• 3x Top 10 AL Cy Young Finishes (2017, 2018, 2019)
• Career ERA of 3.46
• Career WHIP of 1.06
• Career Strikeout Rate of 10.7 K/9
• Career Record of 64-35

Pitching Profile and Statistical Breakdown

Fastball

• Average Velocity: 97.4 mph
• Max Velocity: 101.1 mph
• Movement: Excellent sinker action

Slider

• Average Velocity: 89.2 mph
• Movement: Sharp, down-and-away break

Changeup

• Average Velocity: 84.7 mph
• Movement: Subtle fading action

Cut Fastball

• Average Velocity: 93.6 mph
• Movement: Hybrid between a slider and a cutter

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Exceptional fastball command: Severino can locate his fastball with precision both inside and outside the strike zone.
• Devastating slider: His slider is a true swing-and-miss pitch that generates a high strikeout rate.
• Effective changeup: Severino's changeup helps keep hitters off balance and complements his fastball-slider combination.

Weaknesses:

• Durability concerns: Severino has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, particularly shoulder issues.
• Home run tendency: Severino has allowed 1.06 home runs per nine innings over his career, which is higher than the league average.

Impact on the Yankees

Severino has played a pivotal role in the Yankees' recent success. His ability to dominate opposing lineups has anchored the team's rotation and provided a stabilizing force for the bullpen. In 2019, Severino led the AL in ERA while also finishing among the league leaders in strikeouts and WHIP. His leadership and competitive spirit have also made him a respected figure in the clubhouse.

Outlook and Future

Despite his injury issues, Severino remains one of the most talented pitchers in baseball. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to establish himself as one of the game's elite starters and lead the Yankees to numerous championships. His ability to command his pitches and generate strikeouts will continue to make him a formidable force on the mound.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overreliance on fastball: Severino should mix up his pitches more effectively to prevent hitters from sitting on his fastball.
• Inconsistent changeup usage: His changeup can be an effective weapon, but he needs to use it more consistently to keep hitters guessing.
• Lack of deception: Severino's delivery can be somewhat predictable, giving hitters a slight advantage in anticipating his pitches.

How to Improve

• Strengthen core and shoulder muscles: This will help prevent future injuries and improve his durability on the mound.
• Work on changeup velocity: Increasing the speed of his changeup will make it more effective against major league hitters.
• Develop a better pickoff move: Improving his ability to hold runners on base will help prevent stolen bases and save his bullpen.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Elite fastball command
• Devastating slider
• Potential for dominance

Cons:

• Durability concerns
• Home run tendency
• Predictable delivery

Conclusion

Luis Severino is an exceptional pitcher with the potential to be one of the best in baseball. His combination of power, control, and competitive spirit make him a formidable force on the mound. While he has faced some durability challenges, Severino's talent and determination suggest that he will continue to be a star for the New York Yankees and a contender for the AL Cy Young Award for years to come.

Tables

Table 1: Luis Severino's Pitching Statistics

Table 2: Luis Severino's Postseason Statistics

Table 3: Luis Severino's Awards and Accomplishments