Bubic named to first All-Star Game, will join Witt Jr. in Atlanta

PHOENIX -- One year ago to the day, the Royals activated Kris Bubic from the 60-day injured list, adding the lefty to their bullpen after a year-plus of recovery from Tommy John surgery. They didn’t know what to expect following the elbow surgery, and Bubic didn’t either at that point, just focused on doing whatever he could to help the team.

Over the next few months, Bubic emerged as a reliable, late-inning relief pitcher who helped the Royals get to the postseason for the first time in nine years. He won a rotation job in Spring Training and has become one of the top starters not only in Kansas City but in baseball with a 2.36 ERA across 17 starts.

Now, he’s an All-Star.

Bubic and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. were named American League All-Stars on Sunday afternoon and will represent the Royals on July 15 in Atlanta. This is Witt’s second consecutive All-Star selection; it’s Bubic’s first.

Right after manager Matt Quatraro told his team who the two All-Stars were, Bubic exited the Royals’ clubhouse at Chase Field to call his mom Jela Bubic -- an emotional phone call, to say the least.

“It’s a moment you’ll never forget, and you’ll never know when you’ll be in a situation like this again,” Bubic said. “... I think it speaks more to just the work we put in, not just this year, but coming back last year from the elbow. It’s been a long road, kind of unpredictable at times, but to be in this situation is pretty cool.”

Witt said it was an “honor” to be selected again. He was in the running to be the AL’s starting shortstop, but A’s rookie Jacob Wilson won the fan vote.

That won’t take away the excitement of the All-Star experience for Witt.

“I dreamed about it when I was little -- always wanted to be an All-Star,” Witt said. “So making these things a reality is always a blessing. Lot more work to do, but it’s special.”

A year after finishing runner-up in AL MVP voting and establishing himself as one of the best players in baseball, Witt is at it again in 2025. After Sunday’s series finale in Arizona, the 25-year-old Witt is slashing .292/.344/.493 with 12 home runs, 49 RBIs, a Major League-leading 30 doubles and 24 stolen bases. And he’s been elite defensively, with his 13 Outs Above Average ranking first among AL shortstops -- and tied for fourth-best in MLB regardless of position.

He’s turning into a perennial All-Star, and Witt still isn’t satisfied.

“The ultimate goal is just to be as consistent as possible and keep preparing the way I prepare each and every day,” Witt said. “And just not worry about results, not worry about whatever. Just go out there and try to be the best Bobby Witt Jr. I can be for the team and help the team in any way I can.”

Witt was just as excited for Bubic’s first All-Star experience as his own, as Witt has had a front-row seat to what Bubic has done for Kansas City in the first half.

Bubic has 107 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings, and his 2.36 ERA this season ranks fifth-best among AL starters. Bubic earned AL Pitcher of the Month honors back in May with a 0.56 ERA.

The No. 40 overall pick as part of the Royals’ college pitching-heavy 2018 Draft, Bubic debuted in 2020, struggled for two seasons, went through an arsenal overhaul ahead of 2023 and then endured the long rehab process from Tommy John surgery.

Now 27 years old, Bubic has been through a lot in the past five years. But now he feels he’s just getting started.

“This game can change in an instant,” Bubic said. “First couple of seasons, I’d probably say the way I pitched and just the mentality I had was just trying to survive. But I think now it’s trying to sustain. We’ve built something that’s sustainable and that I can rely upon going forward and years to come. I think just that mentality and the pitching staff as a whole – because our pitching staff has been a big strength for us, and I think we’re all just trying to feed off each other.”

Witt also emphasized he thought there should be even more Royals going to Atlanta, including third baseman Maikel Garcia -- whose .303 average ranks first and .826 OPS ranks second among all AL third basemen -- and closer Carlos Estévez, whose 24 saves rank second in the AL.