Kansas City Royals: Prospect to Watch, Kris Bubic

Left handed pitcher Kris Bubic was chosen by the Kansas City Royals with the 40th overall pick in the supplemental first round of the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft. He was assigned to a role as a starter for the Idaho Falls Chukars. So far, he is doing well.

Kris Bubic sits in the nine spot on MLB Pipeline’s list of Top 30 Prospects for the Kansas City Royals. He signed with the Royals for $1,597,500.

Since he was drafted out of Stanford, Bubic has been playing for the Idaho Falls Chukars. So far, he has started seven games, and things are going well for him. His record currently stands at 2-1, and he has yielded an ERA of 3.24. In those starts, he has tallied a total of 25.0 innings, walked nine batters, and he has fanned 37. In two of his last three starts, he has struck out 10 batters.

https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline/status/1029928364570755072

Scouting Report

According to MLB Pipeline, his change up grades out the highest of his pitches, at 60. But, the others aren’t far behind with his fastball grading out at 55 and his curve at 50. The 6’3″ 220 pound lefty led the Cape Cod League in strikeouts last summer, and he was awarded the pitcher of the year award.

He also added to his fastball velocity in the spring, reaching a high of 95 MPH. He also adds an average curveball to the mix. His pitches, along with his ability to control them, make a strong case for him as he ascends through the minor league system. The one worry, though, according to MLB Pipeline, are his mechanics. They also said, though, that it is no cause for concern because it does not affect his ability to deceive hitters and throw strikes.

Where could he fit with the Royals?

MLB Pipeline predicts that he is a viable option to be the fourth man in the starting rotation as early as 2021. He still needs time to move through the farm system. Through that time, he can work on further improving his fastball velocity, as well as strengthening his curveball.