Tommy John surgery could revive Bubic's career

The 2018 MLB Draft saw the Royals select a total of 23 pitchers, including standout Brady Singer. While Singer, Daniel Lynch, and Kris Bubic have shown promise, others like Jackson Kowar and Johnathan Heasley have faced challenges in the big leagues.
Kris Bubic, often criticized as a draft disappointment, deserves understanding. Dealing with recovery from Tommy John surgery, he expressed optimism: "I want to pick up where I left off essentially," he stated, emphasizing his determination.
In 2023, Bubic diversified his pitches, adding a slider. Reflecting on his injury, he acknowledged the risk of altering one's repertoire but expressed no regrets, striving for self-improvement. Bubic's recovery aligns with the modern trend where pitchers often return stronger post-Tommy John surgery.
Despite the risk, Bubic, like successful cases such as Jacob DeGrom and Justin Verlander, aims for a triumphant return. Dr. Vincent Key emphasizes individualized recovery, a factor crucial to Bubic's potential success.
Recently agreeing to a $2.35 million one-year deal, Bubic's big-league return is anticipated mid-season. The key to his success may hinge on the development of his slider, initiated before his injury.
In April 2023, Bubic showcased improvement, as noted by Fangraphs.com. However, with additions like Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, his roster spot is uncertain. The 2024 season, with its revamped pitching staff, presents a pivotal opportunity for Bubic to fulfill the Royals' first-round expectations and potentially emerge as a top-tier starter.









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