Chicago Cubs: 3 offseason trades to bolster the starting rotation

Chicago Cubs: 3 offseason trades to help the starting rotation – #3: Kyle Gibson

Had the Cubs been buyers at the trade deadline, Kyle Gibson may very well have been on their wish list. Instead, Gibson was traded from Texas to Philadelphia at the trade deadline as the Phillies looked to make a move in a tight NL East.

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As things currently sit, the Phillies’ record is 70-66, two games behind Atlanta and just 2 1/2 games out of the Wild Card race. Odds are, if they don’t make the postseason, they would be listening to offers for Gibson considering he is only under team control for one more season.

Gibson’s contract is pretty straightforward. He is making $10 million this season and $7 million in 2022. The right-hander put up a 6-3 with a 2.87 ERA in Texas. After being traded, the change in scenery has not done him many favors as he has since struggled with a 4.46 in six starts but still carries a respectable 10-6 with a 3.30 ERA and 3.80 FIP combined on the season.

Looking at his career numbers, it’s pretty clear Gibson figured something out early this year prior to being traded. A sinker baller, Gibson eats innings by means of a high 52.4 percent ground ball rate. He doesn’t mow down hitters but induces a good amount of soft contact. In many ways he reminds me of Hendricks, who also gets soft contact and when he does, gets through six to seven innings almost routinely.

Gibson would be a solid addition to the middle of the starting rotation. Given the relative affordability of his deal, maybe an extension could be worked out if he were to play well in a Cubs uniform.