Kansas City Royals 2025 Preview: MLB Odds & Prediction

The Kansas City Royals put together one of the most impressive turnarounds in baseball last year, finishing 86-76 and reaching the ALDS one season after losing 106 games.

Kansas City hopes to take the next step by contending for an American League Central title. But did the Royals do enough to address their flaws?

Here’s a look at the latest MLB odds and my betting prediction for the Royals ahead of the 2025 season:

Royals MLB Odds 2025

Win Total: 82.5
AL Central: +300
AL Pennant: +1500
World Series: +4000

The Royals’ MLB odds are getting more market respect this time around.

Their preseason win total has climbed nine games after soaring past last year’s mark of 73.5. Kansas City is +300 to win the AL Central after being +900 last spring. The Royals have also gone from 150/1 to 40/1 to win the World Series.

Here is a look at Kansas City’s preseason odds in recent years:

Royals Depth Chart 2025

According to RosterResource, the Royals project to have a similar roster in 2025 after making minimal moves this offseason.

Kansas City’s most significant addition came in the form of a leadoff batter, trading for Jonathan India to help put someone on base in front of Bobby Witt Jr. The deal cost the Royals starter Brady Singer.

Projected lineup

Projected rotation

Royals Player to Watch in 2025

The Royals didn’t make any moves to boost their outfield situation, a position group that ranks among the worst in baseball. India could see some playing time in left field, though they are banking on a breakout campaign from MJ Melendez.

Melendez, who is 26 and entering his fourth MLB season, has a career OPS+ of 94. It’s easy to be skeptical of him putting it together, but it’s worth noting that his personal Instagram showed him working on potential swing changes this winter.

It remains to be seen if Melendez will avoid falling into the habit of his powerful swings that lead to many whiffs during the regular season.

However, Melendez could alter the outlook of the Royals’ season, if the former second-round pick is closer to the player he was expected to be as a prospect.

Royals 2025 Betting Prediction

Based on the updated MLB betting market, I predict the Royals will finish below their win total (82.5) in the 2025 season. I actually placed this bet when the win total was at 83.5.

I’m skeptical that the Royals will solve their outfield issues, particularly if Melendez remains the same player. 

Kansas City also benefited from tremendous health last year, something I’d bet against happening again after Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha all pitched a career high in innings.

The Royals have only had five winning seasons in the last 30 years, and they lost 106 games as recently as 2023. The market might have overreacted after a season where everything broke right for Kansas City on its way to an unlikely playoff appearance.

Prediction: Royals to finish under 82.5 wins (-105)

MLB Standings

2025 MLB Team Previews & Predictions