The 2024 offseason for the Baltimore Orioles was one filled with promise. After a surprising and exciting 2023 season, where the Orioles competed for a playoff spot well beyond expectations, there was hope that the team would continue its upward trajectory. With a strong core of young talent emerging and a burgeoning farm system ready to produce even more stars, the Orioles seemed poised to build upon their momentum.
For many teams, especially those in the middle of a competitive rebuild or just emerging from it, the offseason represents an opportunity to fill gaps and add key pieces that can take them to the next level. This was the exact mindset the Orioles had going into the winter. They had an impressive group of hitters, led by players like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Anthony Santander, but they still needed to strengthen their pitching staff, which had been a mixed bag throughout 2023. They needed an experienced arm or two to anchor the rotation, provide leadership, and offer some reliability that would help stabilize what was at times a volatile pitching situation. In a division like the American League East, filled with potent offenses and perennial powerhouses, starting pitching could not be an afterthought.
The front office, led by executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias, was well aware of the importance of acquiring quality pitching. They had already done a great job in bolstering their lineup and building depth in the minor leagues, but the next step in the team’s evolution required finding veterans who could contribute immediately and perhaps fill some of the gaps in the rotation. In the midst of this search, the Orioles made a significant move, signing a veteran pitcher to a one-year contract in the hopes of solidifying their pitching staff. Unfortunately, this decision would prove to be one of the most disappointing and frustrating choices of the offseason.
The pitcher in question was Kyle Gibson, a veteran right-hander who had spent the previous seasons bouncing between various teams and showing some flashes of effectiveness mixed with periods of inconsistency. Gibson had been a reliable innings-eater for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023, making 31 starts and throwing over 180 innings. His ERA, while not spectacular, was serviceable, and he provided the Phillies with the kind of veteran presence they needed as they pushed for a playoff spot. However, at the time of his signing with the Orioles, it was clear that he wasn’t expected to be a frontline starter. Rather, he was brought in to serve as a back-end rotation piece—someone who could eat innings, provide depth, and serve as a stabilizing force for a pitching staff that had potential but was not yet fully proven.
From the outset, the signing seemed to be a move with a defined purpose: to plug a hole, add some veteran experience, and prevent the Orioles from relying too heavily on their younger, less experienced pitchers. Given the long-term nature of the Orioles’ rebuild, the addition of Gibson felt like a safe bet. The team wasn’t looking for a high-profile, high-risk acquisition, but rather a steady and durable presence that could help guide the team through a long season.
However, as the 2024 season unfolded, it quickly became apparent that Gibson was not the stabilizing force that the Orioles had hoped for. In fact, his performance on the mound in the early stages of the season has been nothing short of disappointing. While the Orioles had hoped that Gibson would serve as a reliable number four or number five starter, what they got was a pitcher who struggled with command, failed to get deep into games, and routinely allowed hard contact. The promise of a veteran pitcher who would bring stability to the rotation quickly faded, as Gibson’s outings became increasingly frustrating to watch.
One of the main issues with Gibson has been his inability to limit damage. His ERA has ballooned far beyond what anyone anticipated, and his performances have been characterized by inconsistency and an inability to make critical pitches in key moments. The problem wasn’t just about a lack of control or missed opportunities. It was about his inability to adapt to the competition in the AL East. The hitters in this division are notoriously tough, and Gibson has struggled to navigate through lineups that feature the likes of Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Rafael Devers. His stuff, once considered adequate for the back of a rotation, simply hasn’t been enough to succeed at this level. His fastball velocity, which had once been a strength, had declined, and his off-speed pitches were frequently hammered.
Moreover, his inability to avoid the big inning has been a recurring problem. Even in games where he would manage to pitch relatively well through a few frames, the wheels would often come off in a single inning. Whether it was walking a batter, leaving a pitch over the plate, or failing to execute with runners on base, Gibson’s outings were punctuated by costly mistakes that led to significant runs being scored. For a team like the Orioles, whose bullpen has often been taxed by a lack of innings from their starters, this was a particularly damaging issue. The Orioles’ bullpen, while talented, was not in a position to constantly clean up after Gibson’s failures, and the ripple effects on the rest of the team became increasingly evident.
Another issue with Gibson’s signing was his lack of an ability to elevate his game when the Orioles needed it the most. In crucial matchups, particularly against division rivals, Gibson’s struggles seemed to compound. For a team that had set its sights on competing for a postseason spot, having a veteran pitcher who couldn’t be counted on in big moments was frustrating. While younger pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer were developing and showing flashes of promise, the team expected Gibson to be someone they could rely on during stretches where the rotation was taxed. Instead, he provided little in the way of consistency or stability.
There was also a noticeable lack of improvement throughout the season. Many veterans, particularly those who have been around as long as Gibson, have the ability to adjust and find ways to be effective even when their physical tools begin to decline. Unfortunately, Gibson hasn’t shown that kind of adaptability. His inability to make necessary adjustments—whether it was adjusting his pitch selection, altering his mechanics, or finding ways to limit hard contact—has been one of the most disappointing aspects of his season. For a team in the Orioles’ position, relying on veterans to provide leadership and steady play is crucial, but Gibson’s struggles have left fans and analysts alike wondering if the signing was a mistake.
Perhaps what makes Gibson’s struggles even more frustrating is the fact that the Orioles did have other options available to them in the offseason. While Gibson was by no means the only veteran starter on the market, the Orioles opted to take a chance on him, hoping that his experience would outweigh his recent struggles. Given the potential for other available pitchers to perform at a higher level or provide more value, it’s difficult not to look back and wonder if the Orioles could have made a more impactful move.
It’s important to note that not all offseason additions are going to pan out the way a team hopes. For every successful acquisition, there are always a handful of signings that end in disappointment. The Orioles are not the only team that has experienced such setbacks in their quest to improve their roster. However, the failure of Kyle Gibson to meet expectations is especially painful because of how much the team needed his contribution. In a season where the Orioles are trying to capitalize on their young core, getting minimal value from one of their offseason signings represents a missed opportunity for growth and progress.
Despite his struggles, it’s clear that Gibson is not a lost cause for the Orioles. His experience could still be valuable to the younger pitchers, and the organization may look for ways to make the most of his presence, whether it’s by moving him to a long-relief role or by offering him an opportunity to work through his issues in lower-pressure situations. However, as a starting pitcher who was expected to provide consistency and stability, it’s fair to call his tenure in Baltimore thus far a failure.
Looking ahead, the Orioles will need to make adjustments to their rotation, and while Gibson’s struggles are certainly a part of that equation, they’ll need to find ways to address their pitching issues moving forward. Whether that means finding a new veteran presence, promoting from within, or even making a trade, the Orioles cannot afford to rely on a pitcher who is clearly not up to the task. The hope is that this rough stretch for Gibson will serve as a learning experience for the team and the pitcher alike, but it’s hard to deny that the addition of Kyle Gibson has been one of the most disappointing moves of the 2024 offseason.
