Somewhat overshadowed by Tarik Skubal’s addition, the Los Angeles Dodgers also swung a deal to bring in left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals.
An All-Star last season, Bubic has not had the same success in 2026 and is currently on the 60-day injured list due to left elbow and left shoulder soreness. He has been inactive since May 18.
The 28-year-old has been a starting pitcher for the majority of his career, with 89 starts in 126 appearances, and he was a full-time starter during his All-Star season in 2025.
Dodgers set role for Kris Bubic
Despite Bubic’s health troubles, the Dodgers are confident in his ability to get back on the mound this year. However, his role in L.A.’s pitching staff will be out of the bullpen, according to Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes.
“The biggest thing with Kris is we know what he’s capable of; an All-Star and able to be a dominant force for us out of the ‘pen and as a starter,” Gomes said. “I think right now, looking at his progression, he just threw a ‘pen [Sunday], I believe his first one. So he’s going to start to build up in ‘pens and live BPs, and go out and see what that looks like.
“Our plan right now is to run him out as a reliever. Get him healthy and get him back to that version prior to this year, where he was fully healthy.”
Bubic received a cortisone injection in early July and, as of last week, was said to be throwing from out to 80 feet on flat ground. He previously began two separate rehab assignments this season, one on June 9 and the other on June 24. Both were shut down due to trouble with shoulder discomfort.
Even though the Dodgers do not need Bubic in the starting rotation, he provides valuable depth should an opening arise. He also offers intriguing upside as a reliever based on his performance last season.
The left-hander possesses the traits teams look for in a bullpen arm, including above-average chase, whiff and strikeout rates. His 90th-percentile chase rate was especially impressive.
Bubic will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Kris Bubic trade details
Minor League pitcher Carlos Duran was traded to the Royals in exchange for Bubic. He originally signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent in 2018 and spent parts of seven seasons with the organization over two stints.
The 25-year-old went 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 37 appearances (two starts) with the Comets this season.
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