Orioles Secure Veteran Presence: Kyle Gibson Returns on a One-Year, $5.25 Million Deal
The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move to bolster their pitching staff by signing veteran right-handed pitcher Kyle Gibson to a one-year, $5.25 million contract. This marks a homecoming for the 37-year-old, who previously pitched for the Orioles during the 2023 season before spending last year with the St. Louis Cardinals.
A Veteran Leader Returns
Gibson’s return to Baltimore comes at a crucial time for the Orioles, who are looking to add experience to their rotation following injuries to key starters Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish. His presence in the clubhouse will also provide leadership to a relatively young pitching staff aiming to defend their AL East title and make a deep postseason run.
With 12 years of MLB experience, Gibson has pitched for multiple teams, including the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals. Over his career, he has established himself as a durable and reliable starter, known for his ability to eat innings and mentor younger pitchers.
Gibson’s Performance Over the Years
Gibson was originally drafted by the Twins in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft and made his debut in 2013. He spent the first seven seasons of his career in Minnesota, where he developed into a dependable rotation piece. His best season came in 2021 with the Texas Rangers, when he earned his first All-Star selection, posting a 2.87 ERA with 94 strikeouts in the first half of the season.
After being traded to the Phillies that year, he played a key role in their rotation before moving on to Baltimore in 2023. That season, he delivered a solid campaign for the Orioles, going 15-9 with a 4.73 ERA over 33 starts. Last season with the Cardinals, Gibson recorded an 8-8 record with a 4.24 ERA and 151 strikeouts over 169 2/3 innings, once again proving his durability.
Why the Orioles Made This Move
The Orioles are coming off a successful 2024 season in which they won the AL East but fell short in the postseason. With the team dealing with injuries to some of their top arms, signing Gibson provides much-needed depth.
Baltimore’s rotation, which features promising young pitchers like Rodriguez and Bradish, will benefit from Gibson’s leadership. His ability to pitch deep into games will also help ease the workload on the bullpen. The Orioles will be counting on him to provide stability as they navigate the early part of the season without two of their best starters.
Additionally, at just $5.25 million for one year, this deal is a low-risk, high-reward signing. If Gibson performs well, he could become a valuable trade asset or help solidify the Orioles’ postseason push.
What This Means for the Orioles’ Season
Baltimore has made it clear that they are serious about competing for a championship, and adding a veteran like Gibson aligns with that vision. While he may not be a frontline ace, his experience, leadership, and consistency make him a valuable addition.
With Spring Training underway, the Orioles will be looking to integrate Gibson back into their rotation quickly. If he can provide quality innings and mentor younger pitchers, his return could prove to be a key factor in Baltimore’s 2025 success.