As the Kansas City Royals gear up for the new season, one name has sparked plenty of conversation among fans: Kris Bubic. With a wealth of starting pitching options, Bubic's name frequently surfaced in trade talks this offseason, especially given his stellar 2025 performance and impending free agency after 2026. The Royals, however, decided to keep Bubic in their rotation, at least for now.
This choice comes with some risk, considering Bubic's contract status and his previous season ending early due to a rotator cuff strain. Yet, for 2026, having a pitcher of Bubic's caliber alongside ace Cole Ragans and seasoned veterans like Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha bolsters the Royals' ambitions.
Throughout spring training, Bubic has rewarded the Royals' faith. He's been a standout performer, showcasing a 1.13 ERA, 2.28 FIP, and an impressive 11.25 K/9 over 8.0 innings in three starts. This marks a significant improvement from last year's 8.97 K/9 and mirrors his 2024 bullpen success post-Tommy John surgery.
His recent performance against the Padres was particularly impressive, with Bubic delivering 3.0 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out four.
While spring training stats should be viewed with caution, as games are more about development than standings, they do offer momentum. Bubic seems to be building just that as he heads into a pivotal season for both himself and the Royals.
If Bubic maintains this level of play, he provides the Royals with a valuable asset. They could either leverage his talent for a postseason push or consider trading him for a significant return before free agency, assuming no contract extension is reached.
For Bubic, 2026 is crucial. It's his opportunity to solidify his breakout 2025 season and set himself up for a lucrative free agency. As long as he continues to deliver, both he and the Royals stand to benefit from this promising scenario.