As the Kansas City Royals look to improve after missing the playoffs in 2025 following a 2024 postseason appearance, their offseason roster decisions will be pivotal to their trajectory. One of the biggest storylines is what to do with left-handed starter Kris Bubic. Coming off a breakout 2025 season, it may seem counterintuitive to trade one of your most valuable pitchers, but there are strong reasons the Royals should consider moving Bubic in exchange for impact offense.
The 28-year-old posted an impressive 2.55 ERA across 116.1 innings in 20 starts last season, earning his first All-Star selection. He struck out 116 batters and finished with a solid 1.178 WHIP, showcasing improved command and run prevention compared to his earlier career. Prior to 2025, Bubic struggled with injuries and inconsistent results, including Tommy John surgery in 2023 and time missed later in the season due to a rotator cuff strain. Those health issues and a relatively limited track record temper some long-term projections.
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From a contract and control standpoint, Bubic is entering the final year of team control in 2026 before free agency. That limited control amplifies his trade value now. Pitchers with a strong single season and one year remaining before free agency often draw interest from contenders looking for rotation help without giving up long-term commitments. Multiple teams have reportedly shown interest in Bubic this offseason, and league chatter suggests the Royals could leverage that interest to address glaring offensive needs.
One logical trade target is Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, who is controlled through the 2028 season. Duran hit .256 with 16 home runs, 84 RBIs and 24 stolen bases over 157 games in 2025, providing a combination of power, speed and defensive versatility that the Royals desperately lack in their outfield.
Kansas City’s offense ranked near the bottom of MLB in runs scored last season, and improving the outfield should be a priority if the Royals want to remain competitive in the AL Central. Trading Bubic for a bat like Duran would boost lineup production while addressing a team weakness without surrendering top pitching talent like Cole Ragans, whom the organization reportedly prefers to keep.
In a division without overwhelming contenders, the Royals must balance present competitiveness with future flexibility. Turning a one-year controlled starter into a multi-year offensive contributor could be the kind of move that accelerates their progress and keeps them in the playoff conversation.