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Texas Rangers ace Kyle Gibson is at the center of MLB trade rumors with July 30 approaching as the top starting pitcher available at the deadline. With the Rangers in rebuild mode, the All-Star hurler will likely be on the move.
It’s the perfect time for Texas to trade its top pitcher. Gibson is enjoying a phenomenal season, playing far beyond the wildest expectations anyone had for him. At a time when no elite pitcher is a trade candidate, contenders will be more desperate for Gibson.
Let’s examine the three best landing spots for a trade and what a package might look like.
Toronto Blue Jays acquire Kyle Gibson
The Toronto Blue Jays would miss the MLB Playoffs if the postseason started today. Responsibility for that doesn’t fall on the Blue Jays lineup, which owns the second-highest batting average (.264) and best OPS (.783) in MLB. Pitching is responsible for where this team resides in the standings and Gibson can help fix that.
- Toronto Blue Jays trade: Orelvis Martinez (TOR’s No. 6 prospect), RHP Eric Pardinho (TOR’s No. 13 prospect) and C Riley Adams (TOR’s No. 17 prospect)
- Texas Rangers trade: Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles
Orelvis Martinez is one of the top infield prospects in MLB, but he plays a position the Blue Jays are incredibly deep at long-term. Parting ways with him means acquiring a No. 2 starter in Gibson and a back-end arm with Lyles. Both will provide stability for this rotation, likely helping push Toronto toward an AL Wild Card Game.
San Diego Padres swing blockbuster trade
The San Diego Padres are going to be very aggressive at the MLB trade deadline. Joey Gallo is likely the front office’s top target, largely due to his ties to the organization and the need he fills in the lineup. But with San Diego’s rotation also needing some stability, a blockbuster trade makes sense.
- San Diego Padres acquire: Joey Gallo, Kyle Gibson
- Texas Rangers acquire: INF Tucupita Marcano (SD’s No. 5 prospect), RHP Justin Lange (SD’s No. 6 prospect), OF Joshua Mears (SD’s No. 9 prospect) and OF TIrso Ornelas (SD’s No. 19 prospect)
We don’t expect San Diego would part with CJ Abrams, Robert Hassell or MacKenzie Gore. Outside of that, everyone is likely available. Gallo can start at right field or first base, providing jaw-dropping power to complement the hitters around him. Meanwhile, Gibson becomes the No. 4 starter in San Diego’s playoff rotation.
Kyle Gibson traded to Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels still have a shot at the postseason, which is remarkable considering the injuries and rotation struggles this season. Getting Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon back will be huge, but Los Angeles must find a competent arm to join Shohei Ohtani.
- Los Angeles Angels trade: SS Jeremiah Jackson (LAA’s No. 4 prospect), OF D’Shawn Knowles (LAA’s No. 7 prospect)
- Texas Rangers trade: Kyle Gibson
Gibson fits the Angels because he fills a void through the 2022 season. Los Angeles is going to make another run at it next year and the confidence from knowing a rotation spot is secured will make the approach to this offseason so much easier. While Gibson (2.86 ERA, 4.23 SIERA) is bound for regression, he still provides a huge upgrade over the Angels’ current options.