Could the New York Yankees swing this trade for this All-Star pitcher?
The New York Yankees certainly have some pitching issues heading into the start of the MLB regular season.
When healthy, the Yankees' starting rotation should be just fine, but Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are both beginning the campaign on the shelf, and with Ryan Weathers and Luis Gil having struggled in Spring Training, concerns have arisen.
New York is expected to go with a four-man rotation to start the year, with Gil being the odd man out, but at some point soon, the Yankees will go to five arms, and they may want a more reliable hurler at the back end.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller has pitched a trade idea in which New York would solve its pitching problem by sending outfielder Jasson Dominguez to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for All-Star pitcher Kris Bubic as well as pitching prospect David Shields and outfield prospect Asbel Gonzalez.
"Meanwhile, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt each unavailable to start the season, an established stopgap solution could be huge," Miller wrote. "And once their injured arms heal up, perhaps Bubic becomes a major trade chip to help address whatever becomes New York's biggest need four months from now."
Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.It actually seems hard to imagine Bubic himself becoming a trade chip later on in the season, particularly if he pitches well. If anything, the Yankees would probably move one of their younger arms.
Bubic made 20 starts in 2025, missing the last couple of months of the campaign due to a rotator cuff strain. During his time on the mound, he logged a 2.55 ERA while allowing 98 hits and registering 116 strikeouts over 116.1 innings of work.
A former first-round pick, the left-hander made his big-league debut in 2020 but struggled over his first few seasons. Bubic was then moved to the bullpen, where he experienced more success.
The Royals then inserted him back into the starting rotation last year, where he proceeded to enjoy a breakout campaign. His 2.89 FIP and 3.17 xERA are also indications that his 2025 showing was no fluke.
Dominguez has enjoyed a tremendous spring for the Yankees, but due to his defensive deficiencies and the fact that New York just re-signed Cody Bellinger on a long-term deal, his future in the Bronx is murky, especially with Spencer Jones also in the mix.
It may behoove the Yankees to trade Dominguez now while he still has value, and reaping a good pitcher in return may be the best route to pursue.
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