Kyle Gibson (SP, MIN) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 41% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kyle Gibson is coming off of his best start of the season, throwing eight innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox in Boston. Gibson has won three of his last four starts, pitching at least seven innings in each of those wins and striking out at least seven batters in each of those starts as well.

Gibson is just 5-7 this season, but he has a 3.42 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 129 innings pitched, allowing 106 hits and uncomfortable 50 walks. He has also allowed a home run in five of the last seven starts, but has a solid 46.2% ground ball rate for the season and the same 46.2% rate since the beginning of June. A 40.5% hard hit ball rate allowed since the beginning of June is not good, but his 1.52 GB/FB rate has helped limit the damage.

Gibson will face the Indians on July 31, which could be an interesting day for many reasons. Considering his run of play, fantasy owners may still want to start him against the feared Tribe lineup. Also, he could be traded to a contender before the trade deadline, moving his start but strengthening his fantasy stock. Either way, add him in all leagues.