The Miami Marlins could have another intriguing name to consider as they explore ways to improve their starting rotation heading into the 2027 season.

Former Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Kris Bubic is expected to enter free agency, and despite some significant injury concerns, he could represent an opportunity for Miami to add a talented starting pitcher without making a massive financial commitment.

Bubic, who turns 30 next August, has already demonstrated the ability to be a productive major league starter. He was named an American League All-Star in 2025 after emerging as one of Kansas City's most dependable starting pitchers.

In 20 starts that season, Bubic recorded a 2.48 ERA across 116 1/3 innings while striking out 98 batters. He was particularly effective during the first half, putting together a stretch in which he posted a 1.43 ERA through his first 12 starts.

Unfortunately, injuries have interrupted what appeared to be a breakout stretch in his career. A left rotator cuff strain ended his 2025 campaign in July, and he experienced additional elbow and shoulder problems during the 2026 season. Kansas City eventually traded him to the Dodgers at the trade deadline.

Bubic finished 2026 with a 3.91 ERA, 55 strikeouts,   and a 1.21 WHIP across 53 innings and 12 appearances. He spent considerable time on the injured list before returning to the Dodgers in September.

Those medical concerns would obviously need to be thoroughly evaluated before Miami considers making an offer. Bubic also underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023, making his recent history particularly important when determining his long-term value.

However, when healthy, Bubic offers considerably more upside than the typical veteran starting pitcher the Marlins have targeted in recent offseasons. He's a southpaw who can miss bats, limit walks, and keep the ball in the ballpark, and his 2025 performance illustrated that he can be more than merely a back-of-the-rotation option.

Miami has repeatedly struggled to find reliable veteran additions to complement its homegrown pitching talent. While the organization has developed quality arms such as Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez, finding dependable depth behind its established starters has been a different challenge.

Adding Bubic could help bridge that gap, giving Miami another dependable rotation arm while top prospects such as Thomas White and Robby Snelling complete their remaining development for the big league level.

Projections from MLB Trade Rumors suggest Bubic may seek a short-term contract of just one or two years. A deal with that duration aligns well with a Marlins front office that must spend prudently without passing up chances to bolster the club's talent base.

Granted, substantial health risks remain. A setback or recurring injury could rapidly derail what looks like a smart acquisition, turning it into an expensive setback.

Provided the medical evaluation is clean, and the contract demands stay reasonable, the Marlins could secure a former All-Star just as he enters his peak seasons.

To evolve into serious playoff contenders, Miami must target higher-upside options rather than settle for cheap inning-eaters. Placing a measured bet on a starter with Bubic's ceiling could prove to be an ideal offseason target.