Philadelphia Phillies: 3 free agents who won’t be back in 2023 and why
By Tim Boyle
3. Phillies haven’t gotten enough from Kyle Gibson
Kyle Gibson falls into a similar category as Eflin. He’s not a bad pitcher. He’s also very replaceable. Gibson has managed to be far better for the Phillies in 2022 than he was for the two months he spent in 2021. Even so, re-signing this soon-to-be free agent doesn’t feel like the right move to make.
On a short-term deal for cheap money, Gibson wouldn’t be so bad to have as a fifth starter. It’s not ideal, though. There’s something about it that feels too stagnant.
Although Noah Syndergaard hasn’t been outstanding since joining the team, he at least has age on his side. At his best, he has been better than we should expect Gibson can be moving forward. Gibson is nearing the end of his career while Syndergaard, while not quite as excellent as his early days, should still warrant at least consideration for a multi-year contract.
Gibson is a fine mercenary for a year or two in the back of a rotation. Expecting him to be anything else is a great reach.
The Phillies will need to depend on Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, and Zack Wheeler heavily next season. We can expect at least one other veteran and maybe a younger arm to join the rotation, too. Gibson doesn’t quite fit into the plot. He didn’t perform well enough in 2021. In 2022, while a decent enough short-term option, he has been one of the weaker options for this club.
Next. 3 free agents the Phillies should steal from the Mets. dark
With whatever veteran it is the Phillies could consider adding into the rotation for next season, it should be a guy that stays for multiple seasons. Gibson isn’t it.