Image Source: MLB Trade Rumors
Kris Bubic is heading to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a surprising trade that gives the defending champions another potential weapon for their pitching staff. The Dodgers acquired the left-hander from the Kansas City Royals on August 3, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, while MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that right-hander Carlos Duran is going to Kansas City in return.
The move is a low-cost gamble for Los Angeles. Bubic is currently on the Royals’ 60-day injured list, meaning he will not count against the Dodgers’ 40-man roster until he is activated. The Dodgers are reportedly expecting him to return around the end of August, which could give him several weeks to establish himself before the postseason.
Why the Dodgers Acquired Kris Bubic
The Dodgers do not appear to need another traditional starter. Their current rotation includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski and Roki Sasaki. Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are also expected to return from the injured list this month, while Shohei Ohtani remains limited to hitting because of a knee issue.
Instead, Bubic could compete for a bullpen role once he is healthy. Los Angeles already has several left-handed options, including Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and Eric Lauer. However, the club’s aggressive approach reflects the value of having another experienced arm available during a long playoff run.
There is also a chance Bubic could provide emergency rotation depth if injuries create an opening. It would likely take multiple setbacks for him to receive a regular starting opportunity, but the Dodgers can afford to wait while he completes his recovery.
A Powerful Rebound Opportunity After Injury
Bubic has spent his entire seven-year career with Kansas City. Across 522 innings, he has produced a 4.14 ERA, a 22.1% strikeout rate and a 45.7% ground-ball rate. His 2026 season has been fairly similar, with a 4.11 ERA across 50 1/3 innings and nine starts.
The 28-year-old has shown some encouraging signs. His strikeout rate has increased to 24.6%, up slightly from last year’s 24.4% mark. At the same time, his walk rate has climbed to a career-high 12.6%, and opponents have benefited from a .256 batting average on balls in play. That figure is well below both the league average and Bubic’s career mark of .309, suggesting some regression could be possible.
Still, Bubic’s 2025 campaign demonstrated his upside. He posted a terrific 2.55 ERA in 116 1/3 innings and earned an All-Star nomination. The Dodgers are betting that the pitcher from that breakout season can return in time to help them during the most important games of the year.
Injury Recovery Creates Immediate Uncertainty
Bubic’s availability is the central question surrounding the trade. He initially landed on the injured list in May because of soreness in his throwing elbow. A rehabilitation assignment in late June or early July was interrupted by shoulder soreness, forcing the Royals to shut him down for 10 days.
According to Kansas City’s official injury report, Bubic is in the early stages of a throwing program. He will need to build up gradually and complete another rehab assignment before he can return to the majors. That timeline makes it far from certain that he will pitch for the Dodgers this season.
Even if Bubic does not make an impact, Los Angeles has limited its risk. The club surrendered only Duran, a 25-year-old pitcher who joined the organization on a minor league deal last December after spending time in the Athletics’ system.
What Kansas City Receives in the Deal
Duran was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster in July but has not appeared in the majors this season. He owns a 3.38 ERA in 42 2/3 innings at Triple-A, along with a strong 31.1% strikeout rate. His 14.3% walk rate remains a concern, but Kansas City is acquiring a depth arm with the possibility of developing into a useful reliever.
The trade also clears room for the Royals to move forward from an injured player who is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. For Los Angeles, the deal is another attempt to strengthen its pitching options without sacrificing a major prospect.
The bottom line: Bubic is not an immediate solution, but he represents an intriguing late-season lottery ticket. If he returns healthy, his left-handed experience and past success could make him valuable in October. If his recovery takes longer than expected, the Dodgers have still paid a modest price for the chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Dodgers acquire?
The Dodgers acquired left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals.
Who did the Royals receive?
Kansas City received right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran from the Dodgers.
Is Kris Bubic currently healthy?
No. Bubic is on the 60-day injured list while recovering from elbow and shoulder issues.
When could Bubic return?
The Dodgers reportedly expect Bubic to return around the end of August, though he must complete a throwing program and rehab assignment first.
How will the Dodgers use Bubic?
Bubic is more likely to compete for a bullpen role than a rotation spot, although injuries could create a need for additional starting depth.
