Breaking News: Twins Sign First-Round Pick, Kyle Gibson

According to “a person familiar with the talks,” (via Joe C. of the Star Tribune), the Twins have signed first-round pick Kyle Gibson for $1.8 million, which is slightly above the recommended slot value for the 22nd overall pick ($1.287 million).

Gibson will most likely start next season either with the New Britain Rock Cats or Fort Myers Miracle and is instantly a top-five prospect in the Minnesota organization.

Click here for MLB.com’s scouting report on Gibson. He was originally projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2009 Draft, but an injury to his throwing forearm caused him to plummet to the Twins at 22.

Gibson believed he was worth top-10 talent money-wise, while the Twins refused to go too far above the recommended slot value. As late as yesterday, the two parties appeared to be at least $1 million apart in negotiations, with Gibson wanting $2.5 million and the Twins offering somewhere near $1.5 million.

The final deal, as announced by Joe C., was for $1.8 million.

Gibson projects to be a top-of-the-rotation starter and has the upside of a future Cy Young. He has three-plus pitches he can throw for strikes: a fastball, slider, and changeup.

He is quite tall and skinny, and currently 21 years old.

When the Twins lost last night to the Rangers, it seemed the time was right to pull the plug in the “being competitive” tub, and turn out attention towards being a spoiler.

It wasn’t an exciting night on the basepaths, but the signing of Gibson is some of the best news this franchise has given its fans this year.

Many congratulations go out to both Gibson and the Twins front office for making this deal happen.

Originally posted on TwinsFix.com