Rangers Agree to 3-Year Deal With Free Agent Starter Kyle Gibson

The Texas Rangers are starting to make some notable moves as the MLB offseason heats up. They just made noise by claiming pitcher Nick Goody off waivers from the Indians on Wednesday, and are now adding free agent righty Kyle Gibson for three years and $30 million.

Right-hander Kyle Gibson and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a three-year, $30 million deal, sources tell ESPN.

It’s the first move in what’s expected to be a very busy winter for the Rangers as they head into their new stadium. They need pitching. Gibson is first step.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 27, 2019

Insiders Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi were first to report that the two parties were closing in on a deal Wednesday.

Gibson was an integral part of a Twins rotation that helped the team clinch a 2019 postseason berth by winning the AL Central. He threw for a 4.84 ERA with 13 wins and 160 strikeouts.

There's no questioning that Gibson has talent, but health is always a concern with the 33-year-old. Just this past season, he had a bout with E. Coli that caused him to lose a significant amount of weight.

At a time when most players struggle to keep weight, Kyle Gibson had to add this spring. After his bout with E. Coli, Gibson gained 13 pounds. Here’s what he and the #MNTwins’ medical team did to put him on the mound Weds and more about the 7-6 victory. https://t.co/D3LAenhkJ0
— Dan Hayes (@DanHayesMLB) April 4, 2019

But even with the concerns, the prospect of adding Gibson to a rotation with Mike Minor and Lance Lynn is totally worth a try. Texas ranked 24th in team ERA last season, so adding the veteran could be what they need to get over the hump and gain some ground in the tough AL West in 2020.