Will this pitcher make a 2026 Cy Young run?
The Kansas City Royals have one of the best pitchers in MLB in Cole Ragans. While he struggled in 2025, he could certainly bounce back during the upcoming 2026 campaign. However, Kris Bubic may be the Royals' starting pitcher who is in the best position to make an American League Cy Young run in 2026.
Bubic has momentum. He quietly earned an All-Star selection in 2025. He was limited to only 20 games pitched, but Bubic still performed well while on the mound. He ultimately recorded a 2.55 ERA across 20 starts.
He was stellar throughout 2026 spring training as well. The southpaw recorded an incredible 0.75 ERA in his four starts. Bubic added 14 strikeouts in his 12 innings on the mound.
Ragans had the strikeout pitch working in spring training, as he led the Royals with 23. However, he also turned in a lackluster 7.31 ERA.
There is no need to overreact to Bubic or Ragans' spring training performances. The point of this story is not to predict a bad season for Ragans. In fact, he will probably pitch well if he stays healthy in 2026. The point of this article, though, is to predict a true breakout season for Bubic.
Kris Bubic Could Have Huge 2026 Season
Bubic did not receive too much attention last year. Perhaps it was because the Royals underperformed. He also pitches in a smaller market. It may have been overlooked, but Bubic's performance was extremely impressive in 2025.
The left-hander ranked in the 89th percentile in chase percentage and 87th percentile in average exit velocity. That means he got hitters to swing out of the zone while also limiting hard contact.
Bubic is not a big strikeout guy. He ranked in the 63rd percentile last year. The Royals pitcher is also not a hard-throwing left-hander, as his fastball velocity was in the 18th percentile a season ago.
Still, he ranked in the 87th percentile in overall pitching run value and 90th percentile in breaking run value.
Bubic only made 20 starts in 2025 so he was not in the Cy Young conversation. Sure, he may not win the award in 2026, but there is reason to believe he can finish within the top 10 of AL Cy Young voting if he pitches in around 30 games.
Cole Ragans will receive most of the attention -- and that is understandable -- but Kris Bubic is also a pitcher to watch in Kansas City.