2015 Twins: Who Paces The Strikeouts?

Sep 28, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kyle Gibson (44) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Kyle Gibson

In 2014, Gibson owned a pedestrian 5.4 K/9 ratio. Not only is that mark relatively low, but he only totaled 107 strikeouts across just under 180 innings. Now another year removed from Tommy John surgery, the expectation should be that Gibson takes another step forward.

Likely slated to pitch out of the fourth spot in the rotation, Gibson should be able to find a more comfortable grove. With plenty of other storylines in the rotation around him, he no longer has the pressure of being the highly touted prospect. Look for Gibson to settle in and make 2015 a year in which he takes considerable steps forward.

While Kyle Gibson is never going to be a guy that mows batters down, he should improve upon his mark of a year ago. Expect a K/9 closer to 6.0 and a total somewhere near 120 strikeouts.