As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to attempt to hunt down the New York Mets in the National League East, all options to improve must be considered. This includes looking at possible reunions with former players or reclamation projects.
For the Phillies, there is an added sense of urgency to find pitching depth thanks to Alvarado's selfish decision to ignore the league's banned substance list. The reliever will miss the next 80 games as well as any potential postseason action.
Still, the Phillies are good enough that risks should only be taken on their own terms or with clear upside. This qualifier rules out a potential reunion with former Philly starter Kyle Gibson. The veteran pitcher was just released by the Baltimore Orioles after a failed attempt to win a rotation spot. Gibson was a complete mess and gave the Phillies zero reason to even consider a potential reunion. With no value in the bullpen and Philly's starting rotation locked in, Gibson's career must continue elsewhere.
Former Philly Starter Has Hit Another Roadblock After Baltimore Release
Considering the league's consistent desperation to find established starters, it is unlikely this is the end of Gibson's career. A smart rebuilding team could add the veteran, hoping to turn him into a potential trade chip. On the flip side, a team with hopes of World Series contention could sign Gibson to a minor league deal in hopes the veteran can rediscover past production.
For Philly, it simply isn't a question the franchise needs to answer. With the team's current rotation stability, this isn't a time to visit the past. While Aaron Nola remains a source of frustration, the veteran certainly isn't going to be replaced by Gibson. Nola is dealing with an ankle injury but is expected to return soon.
Philly should consider potential rotation upgrades, but when it comes to buy-low opportunities should be focused on the bullpen and outfield. The Mets aren't making the NL East easy, and Philly does have the potential postseason concern of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Every possible improvement must be taken; however, Kyle Gibson simply doesn't qualify.