The exciting news of a “deadly 1-2 punch” forming in the Boston Red Sox rotation is based on a blockbuster trade proposal that would pair newly acquired ace Garrett Crochet with another controllable, high-upside left-hander: Kris Bubic.
This is currently a strong analyst proposal from Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter that is gaining momentum due to its perfect fit for both teams.
The $4.5 Million Ace: Kris Bubic
The pitcher being referred to is Kris Bubic, the 2025 All-Star from the Kansas City Royals. The figure of $4.5 million is Bubic’s projected salary for the 2026 season, making him a phenomenal bargain for an established front-end starter.
| Stat | Kris Bubic (2025 Season) | Notes |
| ERA | 2.55 | Elite mark, despite a rotator cuff injury cutting his season short. |
| Strikeouts (K) | 116 | Accumulated in just 116 innings pitched. |
| WHIP | 1.178 | Solid control, limiting traffic on the bases. |
| Control | Controllable through 2028 | The biggest appeal: multiple years of team control. |
The Proposed Blockbuster Trade
The proposal is based on the Red Sox trading from their position of depth (outfield) to address their primary need (starting pitching):
| Red Sox Send | Royals Send | Rationale |
| OF Jarren Duran | LHP Kris Bubic | Perfect Fit: The Royals need a leadoff hitter and everyday outfielder to pair with Bobby Witt Jr., and Duran’s club control (through 2028) is highly appealing. The Red Sox solve their outfield logjam and acquire the exact left-handed starter they need. |
The “Deadly 1-2 Punch”
If this trade is executed, the Red Sox would possess one of the most formidable, young, and cost-controlled top-of-the-rotation duos in the American League, sending a serious warning to the AL East:
| Pitcher | Handedness | 2026 Salary (Approx.) | Control Through |
| Garrett Crochet (Acquired 2024) | Left | $4.5M (est.) | 2028 |
| Kris Bubic (Proposed) | Left | $4.5M (est.) | 2028 |
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Both are left-handed, hard-throwing, and under club control for the same duration. This pairing, alongside their recent acquisition of veteran Sonny Gray, would instantly transform the Red Sox’s rotation into a major strength heading into the 2026 season.
The Red Sox have already acquired veteran pitcher Sonny Gray this offseason. Would you like a breakdown of the new Red Sox projected 2026 starting rotation including Crochet and Gray?
