Left-hander Kris Bubic secured a salary arbitration victory against the Kansas City Royals, earning $6.15 million instead of the team's $5.15 million offer. The 28-year-old's award came from arbitrators Margaret Brogan, Brian Keller, and Janice Johnston after hearing arguments Tuesday. Bubic's case marked another win for players in this year's arbitration hearings, bringing their record to 8-3 with two cases still pending.

Bubic's 2025 salary represents a significant increase from his $3 million in 2024, when he posted a career-best 2.55 ERA in 20 starts before a rotator cuff injury ended his season in late July. The Royals' lefty, now in his sixth major league season, has accumulated a 19-36 record with a 4.14 ERA but is entering his walk year before free agency. Meanwhile, Toronto's Eric Lauer lost his hearing, accepting $4.4 million instead of his $5.75 million request.

Lauer, 30, has pitched for San Diego, Milwaukee, and Toronto over seven seasons, compiling a 45-39 record with a 4.13 ERA. His 2024 season was split between Houston's Triple-A affiliate and South Korea's Kia Tigers after signing in August. With Bubic and Lauer's cases decided, Milwaukee's Willson Contreras and Miami's Calvin Faucher remain scheduled for hearings this week, keeping the arbitration spotlight on baseball's salary negotiation process.