In an exciting turn of events for Baltimore Orioles fans, the team has officially re-signed veteran pitcher Kyle Gibson to a one-year contract, with guaranteed pay of $5.25 million and the potential to earn an additional $1.525 million through performance bonuses. These bonuses are structured to kick in at various start milestones, making it an intriguing deal for both Gibson and the Orioles' management.

This signing comes after the Orioles have placed right-handed pitcher Kyle Bradish on the 60-day injured list following elbow surgery last June, creating a much-needed spot on the roster. Gibson, who was the top free agent starting pitcher left on the market, brings invaluable experience and durability to the team's pitching lineup. Just two seasons ago, he was an essential part of the Orioles' rotation, making 33 starts and logging 192 innings, although his earned run average (ERA) sat at 4.73 with 157 strikeouts.

During the 2023-24 offseason, Gibson signed a $13 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, continuing to offer stability in the back of their rotation. He completed 30 starts, accumulating a respectable 4.24 ERA over 169.2 innings. His performance metrics, including a strikeout rate of 20.9% and a ground-ball percentage of 44.8%, were around league averages. However, the Cardinals chose not to pick up a $12 million club option for 2024, leading to his return to Baltimore.

Gibson boasts an impressive track record, with nine seasons in the majors featuring at least 29 starts and more than 150 innings. Remarkably, he has avoided the injured list for the past three years, and his 711.1 innings pitched in the last four seasons rank him eighth among all major league pitchers. Once ready, Gibson is expected to secure the fifth spot in manager Brandon Hyde's rotation.

However, fans may have to wait a bit, as Gibson won't be ready for Opening Day. Although he has been participating in side sessions, these don't replace the rigorous conditioning of Spring Training. Hyde recently informed journalists that Gibson will need adequate ramp-up time, so his status for the season remains uncertain. It's unclear if he will opt for a minor league assignment or begin the season on the injured list.

Gibson is not the only veteran pitcher the Orioles have added recently; he is the third in a lineup that includes Charlie Morton (signed for $15 million) and Tomoyuki Sugano from Japan’s NPB, who was acquired at $13 million. Each of these pitchers is expected to serve as back-end options in the rotation at this point in their careers.

As for the rest of the pitching staff, Grayson Rodriguez recently received a cortisone shot for elbow inflammation and will also begin the season on the injured list. Zach Eflin is leading the starting five, which includes Morton, Sugano, and Dean Kremer, while lefty Albert Suárez and prospect Cade Povich are competing for the final rotation spot. With Povich showing promising performance in Spring Training, the Orioles are preparing for another thrilling season.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Orioles gear up for what promises to be an action-packed season!