Kyle Gibson

Gibson was born in Greenfield, Indiana, to Harold and Sharon Gibson. He has a sister named Holly.{{cite news |last1=Neal III |first1=La Velle E. |title=Gibson's patience finally about to pay off |url=https://www.startribune.com/gibson-s-patience-finally-about-to-pay-off/213616091/ |access-date=July 31, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=June 29, 2013}}

Between his freshman and sophomore years of high school, Gibson transferred from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis to Greenfield-Central High School; as a result, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) ruled that he could not play for Greenfield-Central's high school baseball team for one season.{{cite book |last1=Cava |first1=Pete |title=Indiana-Born Major League Baseball Players: A Biographical Dictionary, 1871-2014 |date=2015 |publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc. |location=Jefferson, NC |isbn=978-0-7864-9901-4 |page=72 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S06nCgAAQBAJ |access-date=September 11, 2021}}

During his junior year, he was 7–2 and led the Cougars to a sectional championship and to the regional final. In his senior year, he was 8–6 with a 0.98 ERA and 140 strikeouts. He led Greenfield to the Elite Eight by pitching all of his team's tournament games. He was named the Hancock County Player of the Year after his senior year. He was also named to the Indianapolis Star All-East team in both his junior and senior years. After his senior year, he was named All-East Player of the Year and made the Indiana All-Star Team.

The Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB) selected Gibson in the 36th round of the 2006 MLB draft, but he chose not to sign.{{cite news |title=Phillies acquire Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and Hans Crouse from Rangers |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/phillies-acquire-kyle-gibson-ian-kennedy-and-hans-crouse-from-rangers |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=July 30, 2021 |access-date=September 11, 2021}} Instead, he opted to play college baseball for the Missouri Tigers, serving as the No. 2 starter behind Aaron Crow.{{cite news |title=Mizzou Hall of Fame Feature: Kyle Gibson |url=https://mutigers.com/news/2019/10/23/baseball-mizzou-hall-of-fame-feature-kyle-gibson.aspx |work=MU Tigers |publisher=University of Missouri |date=October 23, 2019 |access-date=September 11, 2021}} In 2007, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.{{cite web|url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |title=Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |access-date=September 25, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2007&T=Falmouth_Commodores |title=2007 Falmouth Commodores |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://capecodbaseball.org/news/asgnews/index.html?article_id=527 |title=West All-Star Roster: All-Star Game 2007 |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |access-date=May 6, 2020}}

Despite worries that a stress fracture to his elbow would negatively impact his chances in the 2009 MLB draft, the Minnesota Twins selected Gibson in the first round, 22nd overall after receiving the all-clear from the team's doctor.{{cite news |last1=Veal III |first1=La Velle E. |title=Missouri pitcher falls to Twins with 22nd selection |url=https://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/47482677.html |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=June 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614012558/https://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/47482677.html |archive-date=June 14, 2009}} Negotiations for Gibson's signing bonus forced his decision to sign with the team into the final hour before the August 16 deadline, with Gibson ultimately agreeing to sign with the team for a bonus of $1.85 million.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Kelsie |title=Minnesota Twins sign first-round draft pick Kyle Gibson |url=https://www.twincities.com/2009/08/16/minnesota-twins-sign-first-round-draft-pick-kyle-gibson/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=August 16, 2009}} The stress fracture pushed Gibson's professional baseball debut back to the beginning of the 2010 season, when he was assigned to the High-A Fort Myers Miracle of the Florida State League.{{cite news |title=Fort Myers Miracle Announce Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/fort-myers-miracle-announce-opening-day-roster/n-3985861 |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=OurSports Central |date=April 6, 2010}} In seven starts with Fort Myers, Gibson posted a 4–1 record and a 1.87 ERA, striking out 40 batters in {{frac|43|2|3}} innings of work.{{cite news |title=Twins first-round pick Gibson promoted from Miracle to Double-A |url=https://archive.naplesnews.com/sports/other/twins-first-round-pick-gibson-promoted-from-miracle-to-double-a-ep-394988600-343353582.html/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=Naples Daily News |date=May 11, 2010}}

Gibson's stint with the Miracle was short-lived: on May 11, he was promoted to the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats in order to clear room on the Fort Myers 25-man roster for new pitchers Loek van Mil and Andrei Lobanov. After winning his first three Double-A starts and building a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.17 in his first month and a half with his new team, Gibson was one of three Rock Cats players selected to appear at the 2010 Eastern League All-Star Game that July.{{cite news |title=Three Rock Cats Selected for 2010 E.L. All-Star Game |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-11737684 |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=Minor League Baseball |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 29, 2010}} Gibson put up a 7–5 record at New Britain, with a 3.68 ERA in 16 starts and 77 strikeouts in 93 innings, before he received another promotion to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings on August 11.{{cite news |title=Shooter Now: Twins fast-track Kyle Gibson; Vikings' Childress stayed at Brett Favre's house |url=https://www.twincities.com/2010/08/11/shooter-now-twins-fast-track-kyle-gibson-vikings-childress-stayed-at-brett-favres-house/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=August 11, 2010}} He had been called up to replace Jeff Manship, who had been promoted to the major leagues as a fill-in for the injured José Mijares. Twins minor league director Jim Rantz informed reporters that there was no intention of promoting Gibson beyond Rochester during the 2010 season, as the team wanted to shut him down after 150–160 innings, and he had already pitched {{frac|136|1|3}} between Fort Myers and New Britain.{{cite news |last1=Christensen |first1=Joe |title=Manship promoted to the Twins; Gibson likely promoted to Rochester |url=https://www.startribune.com/manship-promoted-to-the-twins-gibson-likely-promoted-to-rochester/100547009/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=August 12, 2010}} He was shut down on August 25 in order to preserve his forearm for future seasons. At the time, Gibson had gone 0–0 with a 1.72 ERA in three Triple-A starts, giving him a combined 11–6 record and 2.96 ERA for the year. He had pitched a total of 152 innings, with 126 strikeouts and 39 walks, and had been placed on the disabled list with a sprained ankle.{{cite news |last1=Shipley |first1=John |title=Randy Flores to show Twins what he can do |url=https://www.twincities.com/2010/08/25/randy-flores-to-show-twins-what-he-can-do/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=August 25, 2010}}

Going into the 2011 season as Baseball America{{'}}s top-ranked prospect with in the Twins organization, Gibson received an invitation to spring training.{{cite news |last1=Short |first1=D. J. |title=Twins invite top pitching prospect Kyle Gibson to spring training |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2011/01/11/twins-invite-top-pitching-prospect-kyle-gibson-to-spring-training/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=NBC Sports |date=January 11, 2011}} He was assigned to Rochester for the season, where he seemed to experience a sophomore slump: Gibson did not win a game for the Red Wings after May 29, and was 3–8 with a 4.81 ERA when he was placed on the disabled list at the start of August with an elbow injury.{{cite news |last1=Shipley |first1=John |title=Twins pitching prospect Kyle Gibson might need Tommy John surgery |url=https://www.twincities.com/2011/08/03/twins-pitching-prospect-kyle-gibson-might-need-tommy-john-surgery/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=August 3, 2011}} After a non-surgical rehabilitation program did not improve his health, Gibson underwent Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament.{{cite news |last1=Neal III |first1=La Velle E. |title=Kyle Gibson to have Tommy John surgery |url=https://www.startribune.com/kyle-gibson-to-have-tommy-john-surgery/128894548/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=September 1, 2011}} He returned to the mound in 2012, pitching a series of rehab assignments for the Twins' lower-level affiliates before returning to Rochester on August 22, 2012, for the final two weeks of the International League season.{{cite news |last1=Goessling |first1=Ben |title=Minnesota Twins: Kyle Gibson returns to Triple-A Rochester |url=https://www.twincities.com/2012/08/22/minnesota-twins-kyle-gibson-returns-to-triple-a-rochester/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=August 22, 2012}} In two starts at the end of the season, Gibson went 0–2 with a 9.45 ERA, striking out 10 batters in {{frac|6|2|3}} innings.{{cite web |title=Kyle Gibson Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gibson002kyl |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=August 1, 2021}} He continued his rehabilitation process in the Arizona Fall League, where he finished 3–2 with a 5.40 ERA, striking out 28 batters and allowing 31 hits in {{frac|23|1|3}} innings.{{cite news |last1=Christensen |first1=Joe |title=Gibson's health passes key test in Fall League |url=https://www.startribune.com/gibson-s-health-passes-key-test-in-fall-league/179408571/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=November 15, 2012}} Gibson opened the 2013 season in Rochester, with Twins management anticipating that he would make his MLB debut sometime that season.{{cite news |last1=Berardino |first1=Mike |title=Minnesota Twins' Kyle Gibson looking good in Rochester |url=https://www.twincities.com/2013/04/22/minnesota-twins-kyle-gibson-looking-good-in-rochester/ |access-date=September 10, 2021 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=April 22, 2013}}

File:Kyle Gibson on August 22, 2015.jpg in 2015]]

The Twins called Gibson up to the major leagues on June 25, 2013, after starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey suffered a back injury that placed him on the disabled list. At the time, he was the ninth pitcher to start a game for Minnesota during the 2013 MLB season, and his promotion offered a path to remain in the majors for the remainder of the year.{{cite news |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |title=Latest Twins call-up Kyle Gibson could round into staff's No. 2 starter |url=https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2013/06/latest-twins-call-kyle-gibson-could-round-staffs-no-2-starter/ |date=June 25, 2013 |access-date=September 10, 2021 |work=MinnPost}} Gibson was credited with the win in his MLB debut, allowing two runs and eight hits while striking out five batters in six innings on June 29. The Twins defeated the Kansas City Royals 6–2.{{cite news |title=Gibson pitches well enough to win MLB debut |url=https://www.mankatofreepress.com/sports/gibson-pitches-well-enough-to-win-mlb-debut/article_a08a9cd5-4c5f-5b0c-8b23-eac2f145b43e.html |work=The Free Press |location=Mankato, MN |date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} His success did not continue past that debut, as Gibson struggled to strike out batters in his future starts.{{cite news |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |title=After good debut, Kyle Gibson's Twins stint mostly a mess |url=https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2013/08/after-good-debut-kyle-gibsons-twins-stint-mostly-mess/ |work=MinnPost |date=August 22, 2013 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} After posting a 2–4 record and a 6.53 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 10 starts and 51 innings, Gibson was optioned back to Rochester on August 19. In his final major league start of the season, he gave up four runs on 10 hits in only {{frac|3|2|3}} innings. While he was sent back to Triple A to work on his pitch command, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire took the time to analyze how many innings Gibson had already pitched and to develop a plan for the remainder of the season.{{cite news |title=Minnesota Twins demote Kyle Gibson to Triple A |url=https://www.twincities.com/2013/08/19/minnesota-twins-demote-kyle-gibson-to-triple-a/ |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=August 19, 2013 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} He was shut down for the season on September 2, after pitching a combined {{frac|152|2|3}} innings between Rochester and Minnesota, with the expectation that he would compete for a Twins starting rotation position the following spring.{{cite news |title=Minnesota Twins shut down Kyle Gibson |url=https://www.twincities.com/2013/09/02/minnesota-twins-shut-down-kyle-gibson/ |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=September 2, 2013 |access-date=September 10, 2021}}

The Twins spent the 2013–14 offseason retooling their pitching rotation, spending approximately $84 million on signing new pitchers during the free agency period and giving Gibson an upwards battle for a major league position on Opening Day.{{cite news |last=Berardino |first=Mike |title=Twins: Kyle Gibson facing crowded pitching rotation in 2014 |url=https://www.twincities.com/2014/01/12/twins-kyle-gibson-facing-crowded-pitching-rotation-in-2014/ |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=January 12, 2014 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} He proceeded to outbattle Scott Diamond, Vance Worley, and Samuel Deduno during spring training, posting a 2.70 ERA in four starts. Gibson was named the No. 5 starter, while Deduno was sent to the bullpen and Worley was sent to Rochester.{{cite news |last=Neal III |first=La Velle E. |title=Gibson wins No. 5 spot. Worley to Class AAA Rochester |url=https://www.startribune.com/gibson-wins-final-spot-in-twins-rotation-worley-to-rochester/251441951/ |work=Star Tribune |date=March 21, 2014 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} He emerged as an early ace, posting an ERA of only 0.93 after his first three starts, including a scoreless eight-inning performance against the Toronto Blue Jays in {{convert|31|F|C}} weather.{{cite news |title=Twins' Kyle Gibson tosses gem in freezing weather |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/04/17/gibsons-gem-guides-twins-past-blue-jays-7-0/7834505/ |work=USA Today |date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} He did not allow a home run in a game until May 10, when he gave up a three-run home run to Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers; Gibson lasted only two innings in that game, giving up six runs in the process.{{cite news |title=Gibson, Twins shut out Tigers |url=https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/sports/3278710-gibson-twins-shut-out-tigers |work=The Dickinson Press |date=June 14, 2014 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} Gibson recorded his first MLB hit as a batter on June 2, a fifth-inning single against Matt Garza in a 6–2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite news |title=Garza, Reynolds lead Brewers to 6–2 win over Twins |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/340602108 |work=ESPN |date=June 2, 2014 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} Gibson remained in the rotation for the season, finishing with a 13–12 record and a 4.47 ERA in 31 starts. He additionally struck out 107 batters in {{frac|179|1|3}} innings.{{cite web |title=Kyle Gibson Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gibsoky01.shtml |access-date=September 10, 2021}} He led the team in innings, in wins and bettered his ERA from 4.47 to 3.84 in 2015.

File:Kyle Gibson on April 6, 2016.jpg

Gibson opened the 2016 season as the Twins' No. 2 starter, behind ace Ervin Santana.{{cite news |last=Mullen |first=Maureen |title=Twins will pitch Ervin Santana on Opening Day in Baltimore |url=https://www.twincities.com/2016/03/23/twins-will-pitch-ervin-santana-on-opening-day-in-baltimore/ |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=March 23, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} Both pitchers were placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 26, Santana with a lower back strain and Gibson with a right shoulder strain.{{cite magazine |title=Twins put pitchers Santana, Gibson on disabled list |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2016/04/26/ap-bba-twins-moves |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} He was meant to return on June 2, but began to experience back pain during his rehab assignment and had to be scratched from his scheduled start.{{cite news |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |title=Gibson scratched from start with back issue |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-gibson-dealing-with-lower-back-stiffness-c181768016 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 2, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} Gibson was reinstated to the active roster on June 10,{{cite news |title=Twins put Hughes, May on DL, summon Gibson, Chargois |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/10/twins-put-hughes-may-on-dl-summon-gibson-chargois/ |work=The Washington Times |agency=Associated Press |date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} and he picked up his first win of the season on June 28, pitching seven innings of the Twins' 4–0 shutout against the Chicago White Sox.{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Phil |title=Brian Dozier homers twice, Kyle Gibson earns shutout in Twins victory over White Sox |url=https://www.startribune.com/brian-dozier-homers-twice-again-kyle-gibson-earns-shutout-in-twins-victory-over-white-sox/384781541/ |work=Star Tribune |date=June 29, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} After struggling with stamina in a stretch of seven starts, Gibson pitched his first complete game victory on August 17, giving up only three runs on eight hits in a 10–3 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Because the Twins were playing a National League team at their home, Gibson also needed to bat in the game, and he became the first Minnesota pitcher to make five plate appearances in a game since Johan Santana in 2007.{{cite news |last=Bollinger |first=Rhett |title=Cloud 9: Gibson notches 1st CG victory |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-gibson-gets-1st-9-inning-complete-game-c196255726 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=August 17, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} He went 6–11 for the year, with a 5.07 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 25 starts and {{frac|147|1|3}} innings.

After a difficult start to the 2017 season, going 0–4 with an 8.20 ERA in his first six starts, Gibson was optioned to Rochester on May 4.{{cite news |title=Twins option Kyle Gibson to Triple-A Rochester |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/twins-option-kyle-gibson-to-triple-a-rochester-228357548 |access-date=September 11, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=May 4, 2017}} Gibson understood why he was sent down, telling reporters, "I don't know that I've had a more frustrating stretch that I can even remember" during his baseball career.{{cite news |last1=Bollinger |first1=Rhett |last2=Lee |first2=Jane |title=Cotton K's nine to lead A's past Twins |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jharel-cotton-pitches-athletics-past-twins-c228193024 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=May 3, 2017 |access-date=September 11, 2021}} His minor-league stint was short-lived, as an injury to Phil Hughes forced the Twins to call Gibson back up on May 22.{{cite news |title=Twins place Phil Hughes on disabled list |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/twins-place-phil-hughes-on-disabled-list-231797256 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=May 22, 2017 |access-date=September 11, 2021}} He continued to struggle in Minnesota, and when the Twins received former Braves pitcher Jaime García at the trade deadline, Gibson was optioned to Rochester for a second time to make room for Garcia in the rotation. Twins manager Paul Molitor said that the decision to send Gibson to Triple-A would keep him available should there be an issue in the Twins' rotation; if he had been sent to the bullpen, he could not be asked to make a start as easily.{{cite news |last=D'Hippolito |first=Joseph |title=Twins welcome Jaime Garcia, option Kyle Gibson to Triple-A Rochester |url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/07/25/twins-option-kyle-gibson-to-triple-a-rochester-to-make-room-for-jaime-garcia/ |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=July 25, 2017 |access-date=September 11, 2021}}

He compiled the same ERA in 2017, but with 12 wins, and hitters again hit over .290 against him. In 2018, he entered the Twins’ rotation again and started achieving a career-high strikeout rate than before — as of June 2018, he had struck out 66 batters in just 63 innings. Gibson finished the season with a record of 10–13 in {{frac|196|2|3}} innings. He led the team in ERA, finishing with a 3.62 ERA and a career high 179 strikeouts. He slotted 2nd in the Twins rotation in 2019. Gibson's K/9 rose to a career high 9 despite registering an ERA of 4.84 in 160 innings. Gibson tied a career high in wins with 13.{{cite web|url=https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2019/11/19/20971763/mlb-free-agents-kyle-gibson-twins-slider|title=Don't sleep on Kyle Gibson|author=Kenny Kelly|website=Beyond the Box Score|publisher=SB Nation|date=November 19, 2019|access-date=November 27, 2019}}

A free agent after the 2019 season, Gibson signed a three-year, $28 million contract with the Texas Rangers on December 6, 2019.{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=T. R. |title=Rangers, Gibson finalize 3-year contract |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-gibson-agrees-with-rangers |access-date=July 30, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=December 6, 2019}} Because of his ulcerative colitis diagnosis, Gibson was considered "high risk" for COVID-19, and was given the option to opt out of the 2020 MLB season while receiving a full pro-rated salary. After discussion with his wife and gastroenterologist, he decided to play the season and limit his non-baseball outings.{{cite news |last1=Blum |first1=Sam |title=Facing a higher risk from COVID-19, here's how Rangers pitcher Kyle Gibson is approaching his MLB return |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2020/07/05/facing-a-higher-risk-from-covid-19-rangers-pitcher-kyle-gibson-is-taking-extra-precautions-in-his-mlb-return/ |access-date=July 30, 2021 |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=July 5, 2020}} The 60-game season was ultimately the worst of Gibson's career as he went 2–6 with a 5.35 ERA, a 1.53 WHIP, and a 5.39 fielding independent pitching (FIP).{{cite magazine |last1=Halicke |first1=Chris |title='What's Happened With Kyle?' Rangers' Gibson Gaining League-Wide Attention With Stellar Season |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/rangers-gibson-gaining-league-wide-attention-with-stellar-season |access-date=July 30, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=June 26, 2021}} After picking up his first win of the season on August 15, Gibson did not win again until he pitched a complete game shutout against the Houston Astros on September 17. Prior to the shutout, the Rangers staff had isolated a mechanical issue when Gibson was pitching from the stretch, which he responded to by narrowing his stance.{{cite news |last1=Weaver |first1=Levi |title=Calamity, inches, masterpiece: Kyle Gibson's shutout important even in lost year |url=https://theathletic.com/2073134/2020/09/17/calamity-inches-masterpiece-kyle-gibsons-shutout-important-even-in-lost-year/ |access-date=July 30, 2021 |work=The Athletic |date=September 17, 2020 |url-access=subscription}} Gibson and the rest of the Rangers' starting rotation remained healthy throughout the shortened season, but saw low inning counts: Gibson was second on the team with {{frac|67|1|3}} innings pitched, while his rotation mate Lance Lynn led MLB with 84.{{cite news |last1=Weaver |first1=Levi |title=The Rangers rotation might get a little weird this season |url=https://theathletic.com/2387720/2021/02/15/the-rangers-rotation-might-get-a-little-weird-this-season/ |access-date=July 30, 2021 |work=The Athletic |date=February 15, 2021 |url-access=subscription}}

Gibson was tapped for his first career Opening Day start in 2021, where he was pulled after only one out after giving up five earned runs to the Kansas City Royals and briefly lifting his ERA to 135.00.{{cite magazine |last1=Kistner |first1=Kade |title=Gibson 'Out Of Control' As Rangers Top Pitcher |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/kyle-gibson-out-of-control-as-texas-rangers-opening-day-pitcher |access-date=August 1, 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=April 2, 2021}} His opening day outing proved to be a fluke, as Gibson's ERA over his next five starts was only 0.82, and he did not allow a single home run in the month of April.{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Jeff |title=Kyle Gibson's ERA after Opening Day was 135.00. It's now 2.16 for one of AL's best. |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article251045724.html |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=April 30, 2021}} After leading the AL with a 1.98 ERA and a 6–0 record through his first 16 starts, Gibson received his first All-Star Game selection in 2021, joining his Rangers teammates Joey Gallo and Adolis García.{{cite news |last1=Landry |first1=Kennedi |title=Gallo, García, Gibson added to ASG roster |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-joey-gallo-adolis-garcia-kyle-gibson-added-to-all-star-game-roster |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=July 4, 2021}} For the season with Texas, he was 6-3 with a 2.87 ERA and 94 strikeouts over 113 innings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gibsoky01.shtml|title=Kyle Gibson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}

On July 30, 2021, Gibson was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies along with Ian Kennedy, Hans Crouse, and cash considerations in exchange for Spencer Howard, Kevin Gowdy, and Josh Gessner.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/phillies/news/kyle-gibson-ian-kennedy-trade|title=Phils deal for RHPs Gibson, Kennedy, Crouse|date=July 30, 2021|first=Todd|last= Zolecki|work=MLB.com}} He recorded his 1,000th career strikeout in his Phillies debut on August 1, fanning Michael Pérez of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth inning of a 15–4 Phillies rout.{{cite news |last1=Garcia |first1=Megan |title=Gibson as advertised in dominant Phils debut |url=https://www.mlb.com/phillies/news/kyle-gibson-phillies-debut-vs-pirates |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=August 1, 2021}}

In 2022, Gibson was 10-8 with a 5.05 ERA and 144 strikeouts in {{fraction|167|2|3}} innings pitched across 31 starts. He gave up 24 home runs, 10th-most in the NL.

On December 5, 2022, Gibson signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/kyle-gibson-orioles-deal|title=O's ink righty Kyle Gibson to 1-year deal|work=MLB.com|first=Brian|last=Murphy|date=December 5, 2022|accessdate=December 5, 2022}} He achieved the 100th win of his MLB career in a 7–3 victory over the New York Mets at Camden Yards on August 5, 2023.{{cite web | last=Ladson | first=Bill | title=Kyle Gibson wins 100th game as Orioles beat Mets | website=MLB.com | date=2023-08-06 | url=https://www.mlb.com/orioles/news/kyle-gibson-wins-100th-game-as-orioles-beat-mets | access-date=2025-02-15}} In 2023, Gibson was 15-9 (his 15 wins were third in the league) with a 4.73 ERA and 157 strikeouts in a league-leading 33 starts over 192 innings (6th in the league), as he had the second-best range factor per 9 innings of all pitchers in the league (1.55). He became a free agent following the season.

On November 21, 2023, Gibson signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.{{Cite web |last=Denton |first=John |date=November 21, 2023 |title=Cards keep adding pitching, sign veteran Gibson |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-gibson-cardinals-deal |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=MLB.com}} His contract gives him a $12 million salary, a $12 million club option for 2025 with a $1 million buyout, and a $500,000 bonus in any year in which he pitches 175 or more innings.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/gibson-gray-cardinals-contracts-557567217545f2f19a08e410c194b332|title=Kyle Gibson can earn $500,000 in annual performance bonuses in deal with Cardinals|date=November 28, 2023|website=AP News}} Gibson made 30 starts for the Cardinals in 2024, compiling an 8-8 record and 4.24 ERA with 151 strikeouts across {{fraction|169|2|3}} innings pitched. The Cardinals declined his option on October 31, 2024, making him a free agent.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/cardinals-will-not-exercise-team-options-for-gibson-lynn-or-middleton.html|title=Cardinals Decline Team Options For Gibson, Lynn, Middleton|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Leo|last=Morgenstern|date=October 31, 2024|accessdate=October 31, 2024}}

On March 21, 2025, Gibson signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-21 |title=Orioles Sign Kyle Gibson |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/orioles-sign-kyle-gibson.html |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} He consented to be optioned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides to begin the year, in order to build up after missing most of spring training.{{Cite web|title=Baltimore Orioles Option Former All-Star Starter to Minor Leagues|url=https://www.si.com/onsi/minor-league-baseball/news/baltimore-orioles-option-former-all-star-starter-kyle-gibson-to-minor-leagues|access-date=March 28, 2025|website=si.com|language=en}}

Gibson carries a six-pitch repertoire consisting of a sinker, a slider, a cut fastball, a four-seam fastball, a changeup, and a curveball. Boasting a fastball speed of only {{convert|93.2|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, rather than pitching for power, he aims to confuse his opponents by getting them to chase balls outside of the strike zone. His sinker is his primary pitch, with an average velocity of {{convert|92.8|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Both the slider and the cutter act as off-speed pitches that feint to Gibson's glove side, but at {{convert|89.1|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, the cutter is much faster than his {{convert|83.5|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} slider. His {{convert|85.3|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} changeup breaks to the opposite side of the former two pitches, while the {{convert|79.4|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} curveball serves as a surprise from the other five.{{cite news |last=Weaver |first=Levi |title=Kyle Gibson's newest pitch is good (and his old pitches are better than ever) |url=https://theathletic.com/2575463/2021/05/10/kyle-gibsons-newest-pitch-is-good-and-his-old-pitches-are-better-than-ever/ |work=The Athletic |date=May 10, 2021 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} This expanded repertoire has made Gibson an unpredictable pitcher to face; whereas, early in his career, batters knew how to hit well against him, he has improved at generating strikeouts, particularly with use of his slider.{{cite news |last=Blengino |first=Tony |title=Texas Rangers' Kyle Gibson: AL Cy Young Contender Or Pretender? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonyblengino/2021/07/06/rangers-kyle-gibsonal-cy-young-contender-or-pretender/?sh=599ae4d862aa |work=Forbes |date=July 6, 2021 |access-date=September 10, 2021}}

Gibson married Elizabeth Straatmann on November 27, 2010.{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=Symolene |title=Gibson sisters celebrate birthdays |url=https://www.themountaineagle.com/articles/gibson-sisters-celebrate-birthdays/ |work=The Mountain Eagle |date=April 6, 2011 |access-date=September 10, 2011}} The couple have four children together, with the youngest born in December 2022.{{cite news |last=Grant |first=Evan |title=Rangers pitcher Kyle Gibson, Big League Impact raise nearly $1 million to help feed children impacted by coronavirus |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2020/04/16/rangers-pitcher-kyle-gibson-big-league-impact-raise-nearly-1-million-to-help-feed-children-impacted-by-coronavirus/ |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=April 16, 2020 |access-date=September 10, 2021}} Gibson identifies as a Christian, and grew up attending a Southern Baptist church in Indiana.{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Kyle |title=Passionate Purpose |url=https://www.fca.org/magazine-story/2015/09/01/passionate-purpose |access-date=September 10, 2021 |work=FCA Magazine |publisher=Fellowship of Christian Athletes |date=September 1, 2015}}

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