\u201cPretty much trying to save it for two strikes,\u201d Gibson said. \u201cPretty much any opportunity I\u2019m trying to get whiff.\u201d<\/p>\n
He earned those whiffs Friday against the New York Yankees. All three of his strikeouts came via the death ball. And Gibson\u2019s overall arsenal is full of deception and spin. Gibson won\u2019t break camp with the major league squad, but he\u2019s worth a closer look during camp.<\/p>\n
And before long he may be spiking those death balls at Camden Yards. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m on the right track right now,\u201d Gibson said. \u201cI feel pretty good where I\u2019m at. Obviously, have to be where my feet are. So not trying to think too big, too far ahead like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s a fine approach. Instead, others can think farther ahead on his behalf. Last year was a massive one for Gibson. It saw him rise three levels of the minor leagues, ending in Triple-A, and he begins 2026 as the Orioles\u2019 top-ranked pitching prospect, according to Baseball America (and third overall). On Baseball America\u2019s top-100 list, Gibson comes in at No. 72 nationally.<\/p>\n
The 6-foot-5 right-hander is an elite strikeout threat. Across three levels of the minors last year, he averaged 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Even as he struggled with the immediate adjustment to Triple-A (7.98 ERA in 29 1\/3 innings), Gibson struck out more than a batter per inning.<\/p>\n
The leap to Triple-A exposed Gibson\u2019s four-seam fastball. According to Prospect Savant<\/a>, opponents recorded a 58.82% hard hit rate against it. So this winter Gibson made an adjustment to use his sinker more frequently, particularly against right-handed batters. He didn\u2019t throw his four-seamer once Friday.<\/p>\n \u201cStill throwing the four-seam, but yesterday I didn\u2019t feel it was the right spot for it,\u201d Gibson said. \u201cI was getting a lot of ground balls with the sinker early in counts. I felt like it was the time to just stick with that. But, moving forward, still keeping the four-seam in the bag.\u201d<\/p>\n The development process for the 23-year-old is far from over, but given his stuff, Baltimore could see Gibson this season, be it in the rotation or bullpen. He\u2019s using his time in major league spring training camp to pick the brains of the experienced starters in the clubhouse, including Chris Bassitt<\/a>.<\/p>\n Gibson is part of a group of young pitchers that excites those within the organization. Among others, left-hander Luis De Leon (No. 95-ranked) and right-handers Nestor German and Levi Wells have drawn attention this spring.<\/p>\n \u201cThose guys have all the ingredients of being big league starters,\u201d manager Craig Albernaz said, \u201cand we just want to pour into them and hopefully it comes to fruition.\u201d<\/p>\n The first opportunity for one of that group in a spring training game this year belonged to Gibson, and he made the most of it. With a death ball, he may keep the whiffs coming.<\/p>\n A well-regarded familiar face<\/p>\n As Ryan O\u2019Hearn came to the plate before his first appearance at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, Orioles fans rose to serenade him with applause. After 2 1\/2 seasons in Baltimore, O\u2019Hearn is still a fan favorite, even after joining the Pirates this winter.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was awesome,\u201d O\u2019Hearn said. \u201cIt\u2019s spring training, so I didn\u2019t really want to take my helmet off and hold it up. But, no, pretty cool. It means a lot to me, showing me support like that.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NH4ZFCOWNRDS7AGOOAF2JPGQQI.jpg\")
Pirates right fielder Ryan O’Hearn hits a three-run home run against his former team Saturday. (Ulysses Mu\u00f1oz\/The Banner)<\/p>\n