Former Twins starting pitcher Kyle Gibson opts out of minor league deal

Gibson, who was DFA’d by the Baltimore Orioles on May 18 after posting a 16.78 ERA over four starts this season, is set to be a free agent again after opting out of a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

RHP Kyle Gibson opting out of minor-league deal with Rays, source tells @TheAthletic. No clear path to rotation with TB. Joe Boyle would be next in line if spot opens.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 20, 2025
Gibson, 37, will likely receive interest from other teams, as he allowed just one run in four starts for Triple-A Durham.

Should the Twins bring back veteran pitcher Kyle Gibson?

With Pablo López and Zebby Matthews’ injuries amid struggles from Bailey Ober and the rest of the starting rotation besides Joe Ryan, the Twins clearly need another starting pitcher if they want to improve their chances of making the postseason.

However, there is a good chance that the Twins will end up selling instead of buying at the trade deadline after dropping two of their last ten games and falling two games behind the third American League Wild Card spot.

Twins could potentially sign Gibson if starting pitching woes continue

The Twins could potentially bring back Gibson, who had a 4.52 ERA in 1087 innings with Minnesota from 2013-19, if Simeon Woods Richardson doesn’t step up his performance.

Woods Richardson had a great start against Houston on June 15 but gave up four runs against the Brewers on Saturday.

David Festa also has been inconsistent, allowing four runs, two earned in just 3 ⅔ innings against Cincinnati on Tuesday and surrendering eight earned runs against the Athletics two starts prior.

Gibson could provide the Twins with veteran leadership and, based on his minor-league stats, some solid starts. The Twins wouldn’t have to pay much to acquire Gibson, and if they do end up getting him, and it doesn’t work out, at least they wouldn’t have lost any of their prospects in the process.

The Twins signing Gibson is still an unlikely scenario, as the team would probably prefer to give experience to young starters who have more upside.

Still, it might make sense to bring back the former long-time Twin pitcher if he can pitch like he has in Triple-A recently in the big leagues.