Potential Mets-Royals trade centered on breakout starter Kris Bubic would be win-win

The Kansas City Royals are reportedly willing to trade from their rotation to improve their lineup. The New York Mets, meanwhile, are looking to add to their rotation. A trade between the two teams could make sense.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, such a deal could take place. Royals starter Kris Bubic was listed among the pitchers the Mets could be interested in as they noted that New York is interested in both controllable arms and rental options.

The 40th selection in the 2018 MLB Draft, Bubic struggled to find his footing at the major league level before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. He returned as a reliever for the Royals in 2024, posting a 2.67 ERA and a 1.022 WHIP over his 30.1 innings, striking out 39 batters with five walks.

Royals, Mets have what each other needs

Bubic was able to build off of his strong showing as a reliever when he returned to the rotation in 2025. He was a first-time All-Star, posting a 2.55 ERA and a 1.178 WHIP in his 116.1 innings, striking out 116 batters with 39 walks. Bubic has just one year of team control left, but at 28 years old, he is young enough where the Mets could consider an extension should he adapt well to New York.

Rosenthal and Sammon also noted that the Mets may be willing to move infielders Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuna and Ronny Mauricio as major league-ready options for pitching. All three options come with risk as they did not perform well in 2025. However, Acuna and Mauricio are former top-100 prospects and are still young enough to continue to develop. Vientos hit 27 homers in 2024, showing the type of power that the Royals need. He may benefit from a change of scenery.

Although nothing is imminent, a trade between the Mets and Royals involving Bubic would make sense. The two sides could help strengthen weak points on the other roster.