The quest for starter depth has caused the Orioles to circle back to Kyle Gibson.
The club announced tonight that it has signed Gibson to a one-year contract. According to a source, the deal guarantees $5.25 million. The Athletic also reported that Gibson has the potential to earn an additional $1.525 million in performance bonuses.
Gibson, 37, played for the Orioles in the 2023 season, where he became one of the team’s most well-liked players, finishing with a 15-9 record and a 4.73 ERA across 33 starts. Last season, he pitched for the Cardinals, posting a 4.24 ERA in 30 starts.
This offseason, Gibson’s free-agency process progressed at a slower pace.
“Kyle was incredible for us a couple of years ago, both in the clubhouse and on the mound, taking the ball every five days and keeping us competitive,” manager Brandon Hyde said following a 9-1 loss to the Tigers at Ed Smith Stadium. “He was an outstanding leader. He had a solid year in St. Louis last season, and I’m thrilled to have him back.”
However, Gibson’s impact won’t be immediate. While he has been throwing at home, he isn’t yet prepared for major league action.
“He’ll need to go through a full spring training-style buildup,” Hyde explained. “It’s going to take some time.”
Gibson has consistently been a reliable presence in the rotation, making at least 30 starts in four straight full seasons and five of the last six. He started 29 games for the Twins in 2017 and 2019, and logged 31 and 32 starts in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
The veteran right-hander is one of just seven major league pitchers to have made at least 30 starts in four consecutive seasons, a group that includes 41-year-old Charlie Morton, who currently ranks second in the Orioles’ rotation behind Zach Eflin.
Gibson’s durability is crucial for a team that will be without Grayson Rodriguez on Opening Day. Rodriguez, sidelined by inflammation behind his right elbow that required a cortisone injection, resumed playing catch today but is headed to the injured list.
Kyle Bradish was placed on the 60-day injured list tonight to clear a roster spot for Gibson on the 40-man roster. If the Orioles need another opening, Tyler Wells could join Bradish, as both pitchers are recovering from reconstructive elbow surgeries.
Zach Eflin is set to start the season opener on March 27 in Toronto, followed by Charlie Morton. Tomoyuki Sugano and Dean Kremer will also be in the rotation to start the year, while Albert Suárez and Cade Povich are competing for the final spot.
When asked about the health of the rotation, manager Brandon Hyde acknowledged the challenges ahead. “He’s not going to be ready for a long time. As we saw last year, it takes a lot of starters. We used a lot last season, so adding another rotation piece was important. Anything can happen.”
Gibson is expected to arrive at the baseball operations center on Saturday. He previously pitched for the Orioles on Opening Day in 2023.
“Kyle will have to go through a full progression to build up to a starter’s workload,” Hyde said.
Manager Brandon Hyde described Félix Bautista’s performance tonight as “OK” after the reliever threw 26 pitches over two-thirds of an inning, allowing a home run to Zach McKinstry while walking two batters and striking out two.
“I thought he got a little tired toward the end,” Hyde said. “He threw some good splitters, but his command wasn’t at its best. He also had some trouble getting his fastball past hitters. This is spring training for him, though. Once the season starts and there are 40,000 people in the stands, I think the adrenaline will kick in more.”
Albert Suárez struggled in his outing, giving up eight runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings.
“He executed his off-speed pitches well in hitter’s counts against the Tigers during spring training,” Hyde said. “Tonight, they were aggressive and put good swings on pitches in the strike zone. He had a rough couple of innings after the second, struggling to keep hitters off the barrel, but he’s had a great camp overall. This was just a minor setback.”
