Both Severino and the A's surprised last winter with a three-year, $67 million pact, the largest guarantee in Athletics franchise history. Money talks, but it was surprising for the pitcher in that the team was moving to a minor-league band box in Sacramento, and sure enough, Severino struggled in a major way at home at Sutter Health Park (2-9, 6.01 ERA). He also missed time in the second half with a left oblique strain. The right-hander was better following his return from injury in September, pitching to a 3.08 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB in his final five starts (26.1 innings). It was always an odd fit on paper and a trade is possible, though the A's don't seem interested in simply dumping his salary. Severino is better than he showed last season, but a strikeout rate below 20 percent two of the last three years should temper any enthusiasm for a potential bounce-back campaign. Read Past Outlooks