SURPRISE, ARIZONA — The Kansas City Royals have officially named Kris Bubic as their fifth starter for the 2025 season. Bubic, who has been part of the Royals’ pitching staff since 2020, has earned the role following a solid spring training performance and his return to starting after a successful stint in the bullpen last year.
The left-handed pitcher has spent the last few seasons working through various challenges, including Tommy John surgery, but has shown resilience and a strong ability to adapt. After spending much of 2024 coming out of the bullpen, Bubic is now ready to take on a starting role once again. He posted a 2.67 ERA in 27 relief appearances last season and showed his potential in high-leverage situations, including during the postseason.
“Just go out and pitch, the spots will take care of themselves,” Bubic said earlier this spring, staying focused on his game while navigating the competition for the starting rotation. “Whether I’m a starter or a reliever, I just want to pitch, pitch healthy, get outs, and contribute.”
Bubic’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure were key factors in the Royals’ decision to slot him into the rotation. He brings nearly 2,000 career innings to the table and will now be a crucial part of the team’s pitching depth alongside veteran starters Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Michael Lorenzen.
Manager Matt Quatraro and pitching coach Brian Sweeney have praised Bubic’s professionalism and work ethic throughout spring training, and the Royals are confident in his ability to deliver as their fifth starter for the upcoming season. Bubic’s experience and determination make him an invaluable asset to the rotation as the Royals look to compete for a strong finish in the AL Central.
With Bubic locked in as the fifth starter, the Royals now turn their attention to preparing for the start of the 2025 season, where they hope to build on the success of their starting pitching staff and make a push for postseason contention.
