I was just looking at Luis Severino, I wonder if that makes some sense for both sides. Same age, very similar projections to Berrios but slightly better, only costs 2M more this season. The kicker for us would be the lesser commitment. Both can opt out after 2026 but Berrios ($48M/2) would be walking away from much more than Severino (1 year $22M) and seems far less likely to do so. From our end I think we stand a good chance of getting the better starter in 2026 but also of having the payroll flexibility a year sooner.
From the A's perspective, Severino publicly stated his dissatisfaction with their home park situation. They signed him to fill a particular innings eater role and likely will have trouble adding any good arms in FA to replace him, especially in this market. A straight up swap for another veteran SP seems to make some sense.