3 Texas Rangers who should be All-Stars (but probably won’t be)

3. Kyle Gibson

He has the credentials, but will the rest of the league take notice of the Texas Rangers’ ace?

Kyle Gibson has been the best starter for Texas in 2021, without question. As of June 9, he leads the American League in wins above replacement for pitchers (3.0), earned run average (2.06), and ranks in the top five in WHIP (1.005) and top ten in win probability added. Shoot, he’s been one of the best pitchers in the entire league, if not the best, despite his win-loss record being a subtle 4-0 – which is mostly due to his team’s offense and their inability to light up the scoreboard.

As I’m writing this, I’m thinking, you know what? He actually better be an All-Star or I’ll be upset! He’s having a career year! Opposing batters have the softest hard hit rate of Gibson’s career at 38.4%, he’s locating his pitches like a guy who’s been torching the league for years, he barely averages two runs allowed per nine innings, and he’s also increased his number of ground balls forced by a wide margin.

Unfortunately, Gibson is another one of the guys swirling through trade rumors as we veer into the summer, and I can’t see a situation where the front office doesn’t ship him while his value is insanely high. Enjoy him while we have him, Rangers fans. As for Gibby’s All-Star campaign, this is there’s no better time than now for him to enjoy his first midsummer classic appearance.