MLB insider backs Luis Severino ahead of make-or-break season with Yankees

MLB insider Bryan Hoch reckons Luis Severino, a talented pitcher plagued by injuries in recent years, could be a major factor for the New York Yankees this year. As the 2023 MLB season approaches, there's optimism among fans and analysts that the Yankees could have a bounce-back year. They have a strong squad, and Severino could add to that if he regains his form.

Severino burst onto the scene in 2015 as a 21-year-old rookie, impressing with his electric fastball and devastating slider. He quickly established himself as one of the Yankees' top pitchers, earning All-Star honors in 2017 and 2018. However, injuries derailed his career in 2019 and 2020, and he missed the entire 2021 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Despite those setbacks, there are reasons to believe that Severino could return to form in 2023. For one thing, he's only 29, and there's plenty of time to regain his old dominance. He has also been working hard to get back into shape, and reports suggest that he's feeling strong and healthy heading into spring training.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to believe in Severino's potential is his track record when he's healthy. As Hoch notes, when Severino is in his game, he can be downright dominant. He said:

"When he is (healthy), he is dominant and he can shut down elite offenses."

In 2017, Severino went 14-6 with a 2.98 ERA and 230 strikeouts, finishing third in the American League Cy Young Award voting. The next year, he posted similar numbers, going 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA and 220 strikeouts.

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Can Luis Severino take Yankees to next level?

What makes Luis Severino so effective when he's at his best? For one thing, he has excellent velocity, routinely hitting the upper 90s with his fastball.

He also has a devastating slider that can flummox even the most experienced hitters. Perhaps most importantly, he has a fierce competitive spirit, always looking to challenge opposing batters and come out on top.

Of course, there're also reasons to be cautious about Severino's prospects for the upcoming season. For one thing, he has not pitched in an MLB game since the 2019 playoffs, so there could be some rust to shake off. He also has a history of arm injuries, which could flare up again.

However, if Luis Severino can stay healthy and regain his form, he could be a major asset to the New York Yankees, who could find themselves challenging for the World Series.