Kris Bubic's Comeback Story: A Spring of Hope and Promise
In a highly anticipated return to the Kansas City Royals, Kris Bubic took the mound with a mission: to reclaim his spot as a frontline ace. After a challenging 2025 season marred by injury, Bubic's spring debut against the Milwaukee Brewers marked a significant step towards his comeback.
Bubic's last competitive outing was a distant memory, dating back to July of the previous year. His final start, against the Cleveland Guardians, ended prematurely due to left shoulder discomfort. The diagnosis: a left rotator cuff strain. Despite not requiring surgery, Bubic's recovery journey was a lengthy one, keeping him sidelined for months.
Fast forward to Sunday, and Bubic was back in action. Pitching against the Brewers at Surprise Stadium, he delivered a solid performance, allowing four hits and one run across two innings. The outing was a showcase of his diverse arsenal, including a fastball averaging 91.9 mph, and a range of off-speed pitches like the changeup, slider, sinker, and sweeper. Bubic's 31 pitches were a promising sign, and he reported no pain post-game.
"I felt I had more in the tank," Bubic shared with reporters in Arizona. "Getting my legs back under me and adjusting to the game speed was crucial. We were attacking the zone, and despite a couple of hard-hit balls early on, I was able to mix things up. The changeup generated a good amount of whiffs, which was encouraging.
Bubic's performance was a glimpse into his potential, especially considering his impressive 2025 season. He made his first All-Star appearance and was even in the running for the AL Cy Young Award early in the season. Bubic's ability to pitch like an ace was evident, as he finished the year with a 3.1 WAR and a stellar 2.55 ERA across 116 ⅓ innings.
However, Bubic is acutely aware that consistency and health are key to the Royals' success. "Every year is unique," he said. "Last year's hot start was incredible, but I want to be available for the full season."
Bubic's determination to make a full slate of starts is evident. He's done it before with the Royals, but this season carries added significance with his impending free agency. Bubic is ready to leave his mark, and his offseason work focused on refining his sinker and "gyro" slider.
"I want to build confidence with my offseason improvements," Bubic explained. "I've been working on throwing the slider to right-handed batters in crucial two-strike counts. With the sinker, I aim to keep the arm-side of home plate covered, especially against lefties."
Royals manager Matt Quatraro was impressed with Bubic's command and the overall positives from his spring debut. "The depth on his off-speed pitches was impressive," Quatraro noted. "I know he wasn't thrilled about giving up some hard-hit balls, but he threw with conviction. His ability to mix up tempo and timing with runners on base was encouraging."
The Royals plan to give Bubic more opportunities this spring, gradually building him up as the regular season approaches. Pitching is a strength for the Royals, and if Bubic can replicate his All-Star form, the team could be a formidable force in the AL Central.
"I know I can stay healthy for a full season," Bubic affirmed. "It's just a matter of going out there and doing it again."
And with that, Bubic's comeback story continues to unfold, leaving fans and experts alike eager to see what the future holds for this talented pitcher.
Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star
Jaylon Thompson covers the Royals for The Kansas City Star. With a background in sports journalism, Jaylon has reported on major events like the 2021 World Series and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Jaylon brings a unique perspective to his coverage of the Royals.
