LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers added veteran left-hander Kris Bubic to their pitching staff Monday, acquiring the former All-Star from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran. The move gives Los Angeles a seasoned starter with a track record of durability and swing-and-miss capability as he works his way back from injury.
Bubic Brings Seven Years of Experience and All-Star Pedigree
Bubic, 28, appeared in nine games for Kansas City this season, posting a 3–2 record and 4.11 ERA before being placed on the 60-day injured list with left elbow soreness. Over seven seasons with the Royals, he compiled a 22–38 record, 4.14 ERA, and 495 strikeouts across 522 innings, establishing himself as a reliable rotation arm.
His best season came in 2025, when he earned his first All-Star selection after going 8–7 with a 2.55 ERA in 20 games. Kansas City originally selected Bubic in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Stanford University.
Duran Heads to Kansas City After Strong Season in Triple-A
Duran, 25, has been one of Triple-A Oklahoma City’s most effective relievers this season, posting a 3–2 record, 3.38 ERA, and 61 strikeouts in 42.2 innings while holding opponents to a .204 batting average. He made his major league debut last season with Oakland, allowing three runs in one-third of an inning on May 22.
Across seven minor league seasons, Duran owns an 11–22 record, 4.17 ERA, and 454 strikeouts in 371.2 innings. The Dominican native originally signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent in March 2018.
The trade provides Los Angeles with a left-handed option who has shown top-tier performance when healthy, while Kansas City adds a power right-hander with upper-minors success and remaining development upside.
