Texas Rangers News: Kyle Gibson officially named Opening Day starter

Texas Rangers fans, the suspense is officially over!

Manager Chris Woodward announced to members of the media via Zoom Tuesday that he’ll be handing the ball on Opening Day April 1 in Kansas City to veteran righty Kyle Gibson.

Kyle Gibson gets the ball for the Texas Rangers in Kansas City on April 1.

This will be the 33-year-old’s first career Opening Day start in a big league tenure that has spanned eight seasons to date.

Gibson spent his first six seasons in MLB in a Twins uniform before signing on with the Texas Rangers in free agency on a three year, $23 million contract prior to the 2020 season.

It hasn’t been the partnership that Gibson and the Rangers have hoped for to this point, with the big righty posting a 5.35 ERA in 12 starts and 67 innings pitched during the pandemic-shortened, 60-game 2020 season.

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These also aren’t statistics that pop off the page when you think traditional Opening Day starter, nor does his career 4.57 ERA.

But what other options do the Texas Rangers legitimately have when it comes to bestowing this great honor on a pitcher?

Sure, we would all love to see Kohei Arihara, Dane Dunning or even Folty take the bump on Opening Day in Kansas City, as those options seem, on the surface, more exciting and certainly more appealing.

While Folty does have experience and an All-Star appearance to his name, his road to recovery will necessitate him needing to settle in.

As for Arihara and Dunning, both are young and inexperienced at the big league level, and will need time for further development as the season progresses.

Their talent is undeniable, but Opening Day would likely be a stage too bright even for these young hurlers at the moment.

All in all, it seems as though the Texas Rangers are making the most logical decision in this circumstance, giving the ball to the veteran Gibson who has tons of experience (and a new pitch!) and will be sure to fully embrace the honor he has received.