The Kansas City Royals host the Chicago White Sox on May 5, 2025. First pitch from Kauffman Stadium is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on FDSKC and MLB.TV.
The Royals enter as -245 favorites with the over/under sitting at 8.
Find my White Sox vs Royals prediction and MLB picks below, as well as probable pitchers, betting trends, injury reports and more.
White Sox vs Royals Prediction
- White Sox vs Royals Pick: F5 Under 4.5 (-120)
My White Sox vs Royals best bet is on both teams to stay under the F5 total. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
White Sox vs Royals Odds
| White Sox Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Run Line | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -105 | 8 -102o / -118u | +200 |
| Royals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Run Line | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -115 | 8 -102o / -118u | -245 |
White Sox vs Royals Projected Starting Pitchers
White Sox vs Royals MLB Betting Preview
Kansas City Royals Betting Preview: Return of Ragans
Cole Ragans has been knocked around in his last two starts, including a three-inning stinker against Colorado that saw him depart with a groin injury.
He missed one start but didn't go on the IL. If he's pitching, I'm going to assume he's healthy.
The ERA estimators adore Ragans, with his "worst" mark being a 2.57 xFIP. He's currently running a .338 BABIP despite average contact and batted-ball numbers.
His 4.40 ERA should be coming down soon.
Chicago White Sox Betting Preview: Can Smith Keep Producing?
Shane Smith is more of an unknown, but he's excelled so far. The Rule 5 pick has allowed two earned runs or fewer in all but one start in 2025.
Smith's fastball/changeup/slider combo has graded out well in terms of run value. The changeup is an obscene 90-mph weapon with three extra inches of vertical drop compared to average.
It's a Pitching Ninja darling and a formidable swing-and-miss pitch. Smith's ERA estimators are around 4.00, but the skills are solid.
White Sox vs Royals Picks, Betting Analysis
The Royals have been battling the Rockies for the worst offense in the league against right-handed pitchers. They are slowly waking up, though facing Baltimore's pitching staff certainly helped.
The White Sox are 25th or worse in OPS, wOBA and wRC+ against left-handed pitchers. If we trust the larger sample from the Royals, these are two underwhelming offenses.
Pick: F5 Under 4.5 (-120)
Moneyline
With the Royals entering this game as massive favorites, I'm staying away from either side on the moneyline here.
Run Line (Spread)
Like the moneyline, I don't see value on either run line here.
Over/Under
My best bet for this matchup is for the game to stay under the F5 total. I trust these pitchers to shut the opposing offenses down, and I want to avoid the uncertainty of the bullpens.
