Chicago Cubs Could Go After Kansas City Royals Starter Kris Bubic This Deadline
The all-in approach has worked (so far) for the Chicago Cubs.
President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer, in his contract year, went out and traded for a possible rental, Kyle Tucker.
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While it remains a risky move, Tucker, especially with Pete Crow-Armstrong's breakout, has guided the Cubs to a 51-35 record, and they hold a 3-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central lead.
However, Justin Steele is not coming back this season, and there are serious questions about whether or not this rotation can hold up in October. Chicago has positioned itself to buy at the trade deadline, and we should expect Hoyer to continue to push his chips.
One potential option is Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic. Here is what MLB Insider Jon Morosi had to say, via 670 The Score:
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Morosi also talked about how the Royals (40-47) are trending toward deadline sellers and that the Cubs' second-year pitcher Ben Brown could be a return asset.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) on the field during infield and batting practice before a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Wrigley Field.David Banks-Imagn Images
Onto Bubic, a 27-year-old lefty who has steadily improved during his six-year Kansas City tenure. Bubic sports a 6-6 record with a 2.25 ERA, a 2.66 FIP, and 101 strikeouts to 29 walks over 16 starts and 96 innings this season.
He is under salary arbitration control for 2026 before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Brown (6.13 ERA, 4.10 FIP) has struggled after an encouraging 3.58 ERA, 3.11 FIP rookie debut, and while he is still a fascinating prospect, he is more than worthy of sacrifice for someone of Bubic's caliber.
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Brown alone likely does not land Bubic, as the Royals should have numerous suitors at the end of the month. But, as Morosi also pointed out, Chicago is too big a market and too invested in 2025 to not try for Bubic.
Related: Former Florida Star Slugger Named Starter in 2025 MLB All-Star Game
Related: Cubs Expected to Make Matt Shaw Decision At Trade Deadline Because of Kyle Tucker
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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