Royals’ Kris Bubic named AL Pitcher of the Month. He joins exclusive list in KC
It was a special May for Kansas City Royals starter Kris Bubic.
Bubic, 27, had a red-hot month with five strong starts. He nearly tossed a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants and he’s emerged as the Royals’ top ace so far in 2025.
His numbers in May were sensational. Bubic posted a 0.56 ERA in 32 1/3 innings while limiting opponents to a .182 batting average. He surrendered two earned runs and registered 33 strikeouts.
On Monday, Bubic was rewarded for his standout performance. He was named the American League Pitcher of the Month for May.
“Anytime you get recognized it’s pretty cool,” Bubic said. “But I think it’s more of a collective effort now, in terms of catchers and the defense behind me. The relievers coming in and stranding runners on base and just the pitching team as a whole and the process we put in.”
Bubic is the 10th different Royals pitcher (17th occurrence) to receive the honor. He joins teammate Cole Ragans (Aug. 2023) on the shortlist. Bubic is also the fourth Royals left-hander to be recognized by the league.
“It’s just ridiculous,” Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said recently. “I still remember his start here a few years ago. What he is doing now, hitters are getting to first base (and) talking about how frustrating it is facing him.”
Bubic has overcome a lot in his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023 and began the long road back to the majors. He returned in 2024 as a reliever before regaining his confidence.
His bullpen stint was impressive. He helped the Royals reach the playoffs and developed a new approach to attack hitters. Bubic relied on his fastball more to get in favorable counts before mixing the rest of his pitching arsenal.
The Royals reinserted him into the starting rotation this spring. It proved to be the correct decision as Bubic has received All-Star and potential Cy Young consideration.
“He’s spoiled us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, he’s throwing the ball exceptionally well all year.”
Here is a complete list of Royals who won AL Pitcher of the Month:
- Kris Bubic, May 2025
- Cole Ragans, August 2023
- Zack Greinke, April 2009
- Jose Lima, July 2003
- Kevin Appier, June 1995
- David Cone, May 1994
- Kevin Appier, July 1992
- Bret Saberhagen, September 1989
- Bret Saberhagen, August 1989
- Mark Gubicza, June 1989
- Mark Gubicza, June 1988
- Bret Saberhagen, April 1987
- Charlie Leibrandt, September 1985
- Bret Saberhagen, July 1985
- Charlie Leibrandt, April 1985
- Larry Gura, September 1981
- Larry Gura, July 1980
This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 3:47 PM.
