The winter is here and everyone around MLB is waiting on the shoe to drop on free-agent signings. The feeling is that unlike last year, this offseason will get started earlier.
The Rangers have made their first move in free agency by signing Kyle Gibson to a 3 year $30 million dollar deal. Gibson was a former first-round pick in 2009 by the Minnesota Twins. Last season he started 29 games and was 13-7 with a 4.84 ERA over 160 innings. In his career with the Twins, he is 67-68 with a 4.52 ERA over 1087 innings.
With Texas planning on spending money this year, Gibson is a great addition in the right circumstance. Most Ranger fans are expecting a nice offseason where Texas is a player on most big-name free agents. They do expect to compete for a wildcard in 2020 so an upgrade is needed. (Or a hidden camera, laptop and trash can)
In a post, I did earlier in November where I played the GM. I had the Rangers making a similar move by signing Jordan Lyles as their number 4 starter along with Hyun-Jin Ryu as the top upgrade for the rotation. Gibson is very comparable to Lyles with an opportunity to be even better.
In 2019 Gibson was suffering from ulcerative colitis. This is the same thing Jake Diekman suffered from. He is expected to be back at full strength for spring training. If he is, maybe the Rangers can see something like his 2018 numbers when fully healthy. Lyles threw 196 innings with a 3.62 ERA.
Let’s look at the contract and compare it. Mike Minor 3 years $28 million. Lance Lynn 3 years $30 million. Kyle Gibson 3 years $30 million. If Gibson is anywhere close to Minor and Lynn, this team will be a lot better.
This is the first hand dealt by the Rangers. Third base and another top-line starter should still be on the table for Texas.
DSN Grade: B+ (This could upgrade to a solid A if Rangers add another starter)
Featured Image: USA Today Sports
