The Royals have traded left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Duran, ending Bubic's seven-year run in Kansas City. The deal came just before the MLB trade deadline as the Royals continued reshaping their roster for the future.
Bubic, a 2025 American League All-Star, was sidelined on the 60-day injured list with elbow and shoulder issues after posting a 4.11 ERA over 50⅓ innings this season. Despite the injuries, the 28-year-old drew interest from several contenders because of his track record and left-handed arm.
Kansas City receives 25-year-old reliever Carlos Duran, who has impressed at Triple-A Oklahoma City with a 3.38 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 42⅔ innings. The hard-throwing right-hander is viewed as a high-upside bullpen arm, an area the Royals have prioritized after struggling in relief throughout the season.
Royals GM JJ Picollo on the reported "heavy interest" in starting pitchers Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo. pic.twitter.com/2v48A60QgH
— Rob Collins (@RobCollinsTV) August 3, 2026
Thank you, Kris, for your years of hard work as a part of the Royals organization. 💙
We wish you all the best as your career continues in Los Angeles! https://t.co/7NAIgEdRmG pic.twitter.com/NlXRHqy9SA
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 3, 2026
