MLB Buzz: Royals Open To Trading Lefty Starter, Multiple Teams Interested

For MLB teams looking for a quality starting pitcher, news out of Kansas City should be of interest. The Royals are reportedly open to trading left-hander Kris Bubic this offseason, per The Athletic‘s Will Hammon. Multiple teams are reportedly already interested in acquiring Bubic.

Bubic, 28, is a former No. 40 overall pick who had a breakout season in 2025, making his first All-Star team along the way. The southpaw went 8-7 with an ERA of 2.55 and 116 strikeouts in 20 appearances for the Royals. Bubic made $3 million in 2025 and is projected to demand around double that for 2026.

Bubic is underrated as a starting pitcher asset, at least compared with Kansas City’s other, bigger name starters in Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo

The Royals aren’t reportedly interested in moving Ragans, Lugo, or Michael Wacha. It sounds like they are looking to cash in on Bubic while his value is at an all-time high.

Kansas City is reportedly looking to add an outfielder this offseason, which might influence which offers they field for Bubic. With lefty slugger Jac Caglianone expected to play every day in right field in 2026, the Royals would prefer to add a left fielder with a righty bat.

While Bubic hasn’t proven that his 2025 quality can or will be sustained, there’s a reason he has suitors. At his best, Bubic can be a difference-maker in the middle of a rotation, something that most contenders are interested in.