Rangers linked to former veteran pitcher in Bleacher Report prediction

A franchise that is attempting to stay under the luxury threshold will often have to get creative when filling out their roster.

This sort of strategy could mean allowing unproven prospects to test out their skills in the big leagues, but it more frequently entails signing veterans who are in search of another chance.

A recent Bleacher Report article predicted that the Texas Rangers could reunite with starting pitcher Kyle Gibson this offseason. The piece projected a one-year, $10 million contract that would allow the righty to continue what has been a long career.

"Only Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole have pitched more innings than Gibson over the last 11 seasons. So he has that going for him, which helps distract from how he's been a below average pitcher (i.e., 93 ERA+) for his career," Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer wrote.

"Gibson fits best as a back-end guy, preferably for a team with a solid infield defense. To the tune of a 50.1 GB%, his primary mode of procuring outs involves getting hitters to put the ball on the ground."

Rangers linked to former veteran pitcher in Bleacher Report prediction

Gibson is coming off a decent year with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Greenfield native went 8-8 with a 4.24 ERA across 30 starts. He ranked in the 77th percentile in Offspeed Run Value and the 68th percentile in Average Exit Velocity.

The Rangers are expected to make a run at re-signing Nathan Eovaldi and Andrew Heaney. If they can only retain one arm, or fail to keep either, Texas may be willing to take a chance on someone like Gibson.

While finding a way to sign all three talents would be impressive, the Rangers may not be in a position to do. The club still has to patch up their bullpen, and might also add another bat to a lineup that underperformed last season.

It is worth mentioning that the 37-year-old may have had the best stretch of his career in Arlington. Through two years as a Ranger, Gibson went 8-9 with a 3.79 ERA.

It is not likely that he would be this sort of pitcher in 2025, but his familiarity with the franchise could be a factor that makes the front office consider another stint.