The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a trade that brings right-hander Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals into their rotation, swapping the veteran for minor-league left-hander Carlos Duran.
A Calculated Gamble for October
Bubic arrives as an All-Star who posted a 2.48 ERA and 3.2 FanGraphs WAR in 2024, a season that hinted at a return to elite form after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
His 2025 campaign was interrupted by a rotator cuff strain in May, forcing a stint on the injured list and raising questions about his durability.
The Dodgers view the move as a low-risk, high-reward gamble; Bubic will be a rental who can become a free agent after the 2025 season, allowing the club to test his arm without committing long-term finances.
Kansas City’s decision to part with Bubic also cleared salary space and brought in a prospect who, while not considered a top tier arm, offers depth for the Royals’ rebuilding plan.
For the Dodgers, the acquisition adds a proven postseason arm to a staff that has been seeking stability as the regular season winds down, with the hope that Bubic can contribute in October.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see whether the former All-Star can recapture his 2024 dominance and justify the trade, a storyline that will unfold over the next few weeks.