Kyle Gibson decision leaves another hole in Orioles' rotation

Kyle Gibson was far from elite for the Baltimore Orioles back in 2023, but he was exactly what Baltimore needed. The veteran was meant to pitch every fifth day, eat innings, and lead a young O's clubhouse in the midst of their rebuild. "Gibby" did just that.

The right-hander started 33 games for Baltimore that season, posting an uninspiring 4.73 ERA. But taking a closer look, Gibson provided more value than his numbers indicated. In those 33 starts, he allowed more than four earned runs on just six occasions, or about 18 percent of the time. Plus, he completed five innings of work in 28 games, 85 percent of the time. Gibson failed to record at least one out in the fifth inning once.

In 2025, however, Gibson didn't record any fifth-inning outs and allowed fewer than four earned runs just once in his four starts. A 16.78 ERA certainly didn't provide the same stability that a 4.73 ERA did, and he was designated for assignment on Sunday.

Gibson undoubtedly provided the Orioles a lot of value off the field, as one of the most frequently praised clubhouse presences the game has to offer. But the production on the field didn't match.

With no Kyle Gibson, where do the Orioles turn in the rotation?

The first and potentially best option to replace Gibson could already be on the roster: Charlie Morton. Aside from the obvious benefit of not having to make any additional roster moves, Morton has been much better since being removed from the rotation in April.

The veteran has a 3.86 ERA as a reliever compared to a 10.22 mark as a starter. That drop in ERA has less to do with Morton's role and more with the fact that the righty is finding the feel for his pitches once again.

If the O's make a roster move, it could be to call up either Chayce McDermott or Trevor Rogers. McDermott made one start in the bigs this season and flashed good stuff but iffy command. While there may be the most upside here, it may not make the most sense for a taxed bullpen. Rogers, on the other hand, has only pitched in Triple-A this season and has an 8.78 ERA in four starts.

The Orioles will undoubtedly miss Gibson's presence around the team. And he could still remain in the organization if he is not claimed and accepts an assignment to Triple-A. But Baltimore needed more production, and they'll search elsewhere to find it.

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