The Kansas City Royals may have lost one of their best trade chips.

The Royals announced on Monday that pitcher Kris Bubic has been placed on the Injured List due to left elbow soreness. Anne Rogers from MLB.com reported that the Royals and Bubic are hopeful that he will have a short stint on the IL but will undergo additional testing in the coming days.

Bubic had put together a decent start to the 2026 season, posting a 4.11 ERA and a 1.232 WHiP over his 50.1 innings, striking out 51 batters with 26 walks. 

Latest injury for Kris Bubic could hurt Kansas City Royals' return on trade market

While that performance was solid enough, it was a far cry from his showing from 2023 through 2025. Bubic posted a 2.71 ERA and a 1.162 WHiP over his 162.2 innings between the rotation and bullpen, striking out 171 batters with 46 walks. He was an All-Star in 2025 and appeared to finally be ready to fulfill the potential that made him a first-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft.

However, that performance also included a checkered injury history. He underwent Tommy John surgery after only three starts in 2023 and returned as a member of the Royals bullpen in 2024. Bubic had a stellar showing in 2025 but also missed the last two months due to a strained rotator cuff. Although the Royals are optimistic that Bubic will be back after a short stint on the IL, it is another mark against his checkered health.

That could have an impact on the Royals going forward. They have fallen to the AL Central basement, losing seven of their last 10 games. As Bubic is slated to reach free agency after this season, he was a likely trade chip if the Royals were unable to claw their way back into contention. Now, as Bubic begins another stint on the IL, the Royals' potential return may be lessened.