Severino hopes to stay with Mets past deadline: 'I want to be here'

It's still unclear whether the New York Mets will buy or sell ahead of next month's trade deadline. Either way, right-hander Luis Severino isn't ready to leave Flushing just yet.

"I want to be here," Severino told Newsday's Tim Healey about potentially being traded. "I've developed a routine here. I know my teammates here, the pitching coach, everybody who has been helping me. It would be really nice if I stay here."

Severino, who's in the midst of a stellar comeback season, would be one of the most sought-after arms on the market if his team decides to sell. However, the Mets' recent 8-2 surge has catapulted them into the playoff race, and they enter Friday just one game out of a playoff spot.

The 30-year-old joined New York on a one-year, $13-million contract in the winter on the heels of a career-worst 2023 season with the Yankees. Moving across the RFK Bridge turned out to be just what he needed to rediscover the old form that helped him garner AL Cy Young votes in 2017 and '18.

The two-time All-Star could make it to a third Midsummer Classic as the Mets' best and most consistent starter this season. Over his first 15 starts for a rotation that's been hit hard by injuries, Severino's posted team-best marks in ERA (3.29) and WHIP (1.15) while allowing only eight home runs.

Although his strikeout numbers are down this year, his 71 Ks still rank second on the club. Severino said this is by design as he admitted to being too focused on racking up strikeouts in recent seasons rather than just pitching to record outs.

"I'm really proud of the work I'm doing this year," Severino said. "Hopefully, I can continue it for the full year."