Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kyle Gibson

How Kyle Gibson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kyle Gibson is an American professional baseball pitcher currently with the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft, he debuted in MLB in 2013 with the Twins. Prior to joining the Rays, Gibson played for the Twins, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and St. Louis Cardinals. He has had a lengthy career in Major League Baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Drafted by Philadelphia Phillies (Did not sign)

In 2006, the Philadelphia Phillies selected Kyle Gibson in the 36th round of the MLB draft, but he chose not to sign.

2007: Minnesota Pitcher bats five plate appearances

Because the Twins were playing a National League team at their home in 2016, Kyle Gibson also needed to bat in the game, and he became the first Minnesota pitcher to make five plate appearances in a game since Johan Santana in 2007.

2007: Played Collegiate Summer Baseball

In 2007, Kyle Gibson played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.

2009: Drafted by Minnesota Twins

Despite concerns about a stress fracture, in 2009 the Minnesota Twins selected Kyle Gibson in the first round, 22nd overall. He signed for a bonus of $1.85 million.

2010: Assigned to Fort Myers Miracle

At the beginning of the 2010 season, Kyle Gibson was assigned to the High-A Fort Myers Miracle of the Florida State League, marking his professional baseball debut.

2010: Promotion to Double-A New Britain Rock Cats

On May 11, 2010, Kyle Gibson was promoted to the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats. He was later selected for the 2010 Eastern League All-Star Game. He then was promoted to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings on August 11. He was shut down on August 25.

2011: Stint with Rochester and Tommy John Surgery

In 2011, Kyle Gibson received an invitation to spring training and was assigned to Rochester. He experienced a slump and was placed on the disabled list in August with an elbow injury, later undergoing Tommy John surgery.

August 22, 2012: Returns to Rochester Red Wings

On August 22, 2012, Kyle Gibson returned to Rochester for the final two weeks of the International League season after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

June 25, 2013: Called up to Major Leagues

On June 25, 2013, Kyle Gibson was called up to the major leagues by the Twins after Mike Pelfrey was injured. He was later optioned back to Rochester on August 19.

2013: Offseason Retooling

During the 2013-14 offseason, the Twins retooled their pitching rotation, impacting Kyle Gibson's position for Opening Day.

2013: MLB Debut

In 2013, Kyle Gibson made his Major League Baseball debut.

2013: Season Opening in Rochester

Kyle Gibson opened the 2013 season in Rochester, with expectations he would debut in the MLB sometime during the season.

2015: Improved ERA

In 2015, Kyle Gibson improved his ERA from 4.47 to 3.84, leading the team in innings and wins.

2016: Placed on 15-day disabled list

In 2016, Kyle Gibson was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 26 due to a right shoulder strain.

2017: Optioned to Rochester Twice

After a difficult start to the 2017 season, Kyle Gibson was optioned to Rochester on May 4. He was later called back up on May 22 due to an injury. Following the trade deadline, he was optioned to Rochester again to make room for Jaime García.

2017: Statistical Season

In 2017, Kyle Gibson compiled the same ERA, but with 12 wins, and hitters again hit over .290 against him.

June 2018: Achieving Career-High Strikeout Rate

As of June 2018, Kyle Gibson had struck out 66 batters in just 63 innings, achieving a career-high strikeout rate.

December 6, 2019: Signed with the Texas Rangers

On December 6, 2019, Kyle Gibson, a free agent, signed a three-year, $28 million contract with the Texas Rangers.

2019: Statistical Season

In 2019, Kyle Gibson's K/9 rose to a career high 9 despite registering an ERA of 4.84 in 160 innings. He also tied a career high in wins with 13.

2020: Worst Season of Career

The 60-game season of 2020 was the worst of Kyle Gibson's career. He went 2-6 with a 5.35 ERA.

July 30, 2021: Traded to Philadelphia Phillies

On July 30, 2021, Kyle Gibson was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies along with Ian Kennedy, Hans Crouse, and cash considerations.

2021: All-Star Game Selection and Performance with Texas

In 2021, Kyle Gibson was tapped for his first career Opening Day start. After leading the AL with a 1.98 ERA through his first 16 starts, Kyle Gibson received his first All-Star Game selection, joining his Rangers teammates Joey Gallo and Adolis García. For the season with Texas, he was 6-3 with a 2.87 ERA and 94 strikeouts over 113 innings.

December 5, 2022: Signed with Baltimore Orioles

On December 5, 2022, Kyle Gibson signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles.

2022: Season Performance

In 2022, Kyle Gibson had a 10-8 record with a 5.05 ERA and 144 strikeouts, giving up 24 home runs.

August 5, 2023: Achieved 100th MLB win

On August 5, 2023, Kyle Gibson achieved the 100th win of his MLB career in a victory over the New York Mets.

November 21, 2023: Signed with St. Louis Cardinals

On November 21, 2023, Kyle Gibson signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, including a club option for 2025.

October 31, 2024: Cardinals declined option

On October 31, 2024, the St. Louis Cardinals declined Kyle Gibson's option, making him a free agent.

March 21, 2025: Signed with Baltimore Orioles

On March 21, 2025, Kyle Gibson signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles and was optioned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides to start the year.