Baltimore Orioles Sign Veteran Pitcher Kyle Gibson to Strengthen Rotation

SARASOTA, Fla. — The Baltimore Orioles have made a crucial addition to their pitching rotation, signing veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson to a one-year, $5.25 million contract on March 21, 2025. The deal, which includes an additional $1.525 million in incentives, comes as the Orioles look to bolster their starting lineup with the upcoming season just days away.

Gibson, who previously pitched for the Orioles in 2023, is expected to compete for a rotation spot following the injury of Grayson Rodriguez. Rodriguez, a key player for the team, will start the season on the injured list after receiving a cortisone shot for right elbow inflammation earlier this month. Despite playing catch this week, it remains uncertain if he will recover in time for the regular season.

The 37-year-old Gibson has demonstrated solid performance over his career, making at least 30 starts in six of the last seven seasons and posting an adjusted ERA 14 percent below league average with the Orioles in 2023. His consistency is a welcome presence as Baltimore faces questions in their starting pitching lineup, particularly after losing ace right-hander Corbin Burnes to free agency.

The Orioles are now left with a rotation including Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Dean Kremer. If Gibson requires more time to prepare, potential fifth starters include righty Albert Suárez or lefty Cade Povich, while additional options like Chayce McDermott and Trevor Rogers could also fill in until the rotation stabilizes.

“We are excited to welcome Kyle back to Birdland,” the Orioles announced via their official Twitter account. “His experience and skill set will be invaluable this season.”

During his time with the St. Louis Cardinals last year, Gibson posted a 4.24 ERA across 30 starts, pitching over 169 innings. Historically, he has pitched more than 140 innings in ten of his twelve seasons in the major leagues, reflecting his durability and ability to log innings despite last year having allowed an American League-high 198 hits.

While the signing aims to provide depth and leadership to an evolving Orioles rotation, the team is also working to recover other pitchers recovering from injuries. Right-handers Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells are both on the road to recovery from major elbow surgeries and could potentially return to the roster in the second half of the season.

As the Orioles prepare for their first game, the focus turns to how Gibson will fit into the rotation dynamics and whether he can replicate his previous performances to help lead the team in 2025.