Texas Rangers: 3 teams that should consider trading for Kyle Gibson

Kyle Gibson and trade scenarios aren’t two entities that Texas Rangers fans would expect to mesh well.

After all, Gibson’s career ERA in Texas currently stands at 5.13 after struggling mightily in 2020. But who really counts 2020 as a legitimate indicator of talent, anyway?

Nobody, because the 33-year-old righty is off to a flying start in 2021. Through 21.1 innings and four starts pitched this season, Gibson has a 2.53 ERA and 18 strikeouts.

Are those numbers good?

In his most recent outing against the Baltimore Orioles, Gibson became the first Texas Rangers’ starter this season to pitch in and complete the eighth inning.

At long last, Gibson is living up to the three-year, $24 million contract the Rangers gave him prior to the 2020 season.

If he keeps pitching at this high level (and that’s still a pretty big if), there are contending teams that could use starting pitching depth to aid a playoff push later this summer.

Let’s look at three.

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have rotation issues. The Texas Rangers have Kyle Gibson.

The St. Louis Cardinals were the NL Central favorites entering 2021, especially after making a splash to acquire 3B Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies.

The result so far? A 7-8 record, good for 3rd place in their division.

It goes without saying that ace Jack Flaherty is one of the best starting pitchers in all of baseball, but the Cardinals are lacking in crime partners for him.

Even Flaherty himself is having a season that would fall below his normal standards, with a 4.11 ERA thus far.

Gibson’s 2.53 mark is better by comparison.

St. Louis sports an unsightly 5.34 ERA, worst in the league, as a whole pitching staff. So, they could use some upgrades on that side of the ball.

Kyle Gibson would be a perfect third or even fourth starter on a Cardinals team that should make the playoffs and potentially even be poised for a deep run in October.

Kansas City Royals

The KC Royals could make some noise in the AL playoff chase, and the Texas Rangers could trade Kyle Gibson to aid their pursuit.

Name the ace of the Kansas City Royals. You couldn’t without looking it up.

That’s what separates this team from the two in front of them (St. Louis and the Yankees).

Yes, the KC Royals swept the Texas Rangers to open the 2021 season, but these teams will only meet once more this season in Arlington.

The Royals were thought by many to be a sleeper team within the ranks of the American League, possessing enough roster firepower to make a run at a playoff spot come October.

One area where they’re lacking though: starting pitching.

KC ranks 18th in the league with a 4.34 staff ERA. Not great, and certainly not for a team that has postseason aspirations.

Ironically, Kyle Gibson was lit up by the Royals on Opening Day, but has settled into a nice groove since that debacle.

Perhaps due to this familiarity, KC would be interested in trading for Gibson, where he’d provide solid innings and production, albeit not as an ace.