Royals pitcher Kris Bubic wins arbitration case for $6.15 million, per reports

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic has reportedly won his arbitration hearing ahead of the 2026 season.

Bubic, 28, filed a figure of $6.15 million as his desired 2026 salary. The Royals filed at $5.15 million ahead of the hearing. The two sides failed to come to an agreement, so it was up to a panel of arbitrators to determine Bubic’s 2026 salary.

MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand was first to report that Bubic won his case.

“It’s just part of the business,” Bubic said earlier Wednesday. “It is what it is. But for me, that doesn’t change any of my preparation, you know, regardless of what happens. It’s still coming in, throwing a bullpen today and getting ready for the season.”

Bubic got off to a hot start in 2025. He was named to the All-Star team after posting a 2.48 ERA in his first 18 starts. The Royals lauded his production and he drew early American League Cy Young consideration.

However, Bubic dealt with a left-rotator cuff strain that sidelined him down the stretch. He missed the last two months of the season. The Royals said Bubic didn’t require surgery, so he allowed the injury to heal naturally.

This offseason, Bubic had a normal throwing program. He is excited to pitch again and continue his ascent with the Royals.

“It was long,” Bubic said of his injury absence. “I hadn’t pitched since the end of July, so you know, I’m kind of itching to get back out there and see what it’s like again. But for me, it was good. Not to say thankfully, but when I got hurt, I had a little bit of a head start on the offseason.”

Bubic began throwing in mid-November. He built up for two months and began throwing off the mound in January. It was two bullpens a week and a normal progression to get him ready for spring training.

The Royals have Bubic scheduled to face live hitters on Saturday. He will get additional chances to appear during Cactus League play as the Royals gear up for the regular season.

Bubic is expected to be in the Royals’ starting rotation. He will operate alongside Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha and Noah Cameron.

The 2026 season is an important juncture for Bubic. He is in his final year of team control and can test free agency at season’s end. Both sides are hoping he can enjoy a healthy 2026.

The Royals want to be able to evaluate how Bubic fits into their organizational plans with key decisions on the horizon.

“For me, it’s day by day and making sure I’m healthy,” Bubic said. “Everything else will take care of itself.”

The Royals have depth in their rotation. Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek and Bailey Falter all have major-league experience as starters. Additionally, young prospects Luinder Avila, Ben Kudrna and Steven Zobac are steadily improving.

Bubic aims to make a full slate of starts. He expects his arsenal to remain the same as he works on his control mechanically. The goal is to be smoother and pitch with efficiency.

“I’ve got some uniqueness to the arms and legs flying around,” he said. “I may try to rein that in just a little bit. Not to say the deception won’t be there or what not, but just trying to be a little under control moving down the mound while still being athletic. It’s just getting everything to the right spot at the foot plant.”

Pitching figures to be a strength for the Royals this season. Bubic and his fellow pitchers are eager for another run at the postseason.

“I know a lot of the guys that we have back (this season) have been there and done it at the highest level,” Bubic said. “We have the depth to back it up, too. So we are excited to get back to it and kind of pick up where we left off.”

This story was originally published February 11, 2026 at 5:41 PM with the headline "Royals pitcher Kris Bubic wins arbitration case for $6.15 million, per reports."