Cardinals add their second starting pitcher in two days
The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year deal with right-handed starter Kyle Gibson, first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported the deal is for $12 million plus a team option.
The Cardinals are jumping in on the market on middle of rotation arms. This is the second starter for the red birds in as many days after agreeing to a one-year, $10 million deal with Lance Lynn on Tuesday.
Gibson pitched in 192 innings for the Baltimore Orioles last season compiling a 4.73 ERA going 15-9 in 33 starts. The advanced pitching numbers speak to slightly more success with a 4.13 FIP.
Gibson’s best asset is perhaps his durability.
The 36-year-old veteran has pitched in over 30 starts for five straight seasons, outside of the 2020 season.
Prior to the Orioles, he pitched for the Phillies, Rangers, and Twins.
The 2009 first round pick started his career with Minnesota from 2013-19. Over 294 career starts he pitched to a 4.54 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP.
While Gibson is not a strikeout machine, he works to be a ground ball pitcher. Last season the right-hander ranked in the 81st and 88th percentile in extension and ground ball rate.
Even by baseball standards this has been a slow offseason so far. However, with so many teams needing starters, others could look to turn up the hot stove and sign middle of the rotation arms until the top of the free agent class shakes out.
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