Kansas City Royals: Five prospects who can help team in 2020
By Cody Rickman
Kris Bubic – LHP Starting Pitcher/Reliever
(6’3”, 22-years-old, drafted in 2018 out of Stanford University)
- 2019 Stats (2 levels – A Lexington and A+ Wilmington)
- 2.23 ERA, 0.971 WHIP, 185 Ks, 42 BBs, 6 HRs allowed in 149.1 Innings
Kris Bubic is an advanced pitching prospect who had an exceptional season in the Royals farm system by mixes his arsenal of pitches well (above average 92 mph fastball, above average curveball, and plus change-up) with strange and deceptive delivery.
Watching video of Bubic shows he utilizes his deceptive mechanics and command to generate strikeouts and weak contact. Bubic utilizes his plus change-up (84 mph) with nice drop and fade as strikeout pitch.
Expectations – Bubic has looked unhittable in several of his starts this year and he may be the Royals Minor League Pitcher of the Year. The Royals will give Bubic every chance to develop as a starting pitcher, but with his lack of a diverse arsenal of pitches he may better be suited to a late inning bullpen role.
Bubic should start 2020 with the AA Northwest Arkansas to round out one of the best pitching staffs in the minors. If everything goes right for Bubic he could get a spot on the 40-man roster and a September call-up to begin his development for the 2021 team.
If Bubic continues his progression from 2019 he could be #3 type starting pitcher. Likely odds are he’s a #4 type starter or a high-leverage/late inning reliever.