The Royals were one of baseball's biggest surprises in 2024. The club, backed by AL MVP runner-up Bobby Witt, cracked the postseason and won a playoff series.
While Kansas City normally benefitted from playing in a weaker AL Central division, the emergence of the Guardians and Tigers has made things difficult. Witt should have another explosive season, and the KC order has more pop this season, but the Royals aren't a guaranteed playoff club.
In this 2025 Royals season preview, I’ll explore the latest odds, highlight key projections, and uncover the best bets for the team this year.
2025 Royals Odds: Division, AL Pennant, World Series
| World Series Odds | AL Pennant Odds | AL Central Odds |
|---|---|---|
| +4000 | +1800 | +280 |
Odds as of March 11
With Witt Jr. emerging as a premier talent and Jonathan India bolstering the infield, the Royals are poised for a strong 2025. Their young pitching staff shows promise, and last year’s playoff success adds confidence and grit. Kansas City offers strong value at +300 in a division without a clear frontrunner. The Royals could surprise many and make a serious push for the AL Central crown.
2025 Royals Win Total Odds
| 2025 Win Total | OVER | UNDER |
|---|---|---|
| 82.5 | -110 | -110 |
Odds as of March 11
This is an easy OVER for me, especially after KC won 86 games last year. The Royals made some good fine-tuning moves to enhance their roster. The acquisition of All-Star closer Carlos Estévez, who posted a 2.45 ERA with 26 saves last year, significantly strengthens a bullpen that wasn't great in '24.
2025 Royals Playoff Odds
| To Make Playoffs | To Miss Playoffs |
|---|---|
| +130 | -160 |
Odds as of March 11
I like the Royals to emerge from the AL Central grouping. Cleveland didn't make a ton of moves, and the Tigers and Twins are, at the very most, equal to KC's level. The Royals have some very strong pitchers in a vast home ballpark where homers go to die. The Royals roster is built for this division, and I'll take KC to crack the postseason at +130.
2025 Royals: NL MVP Odds + NL Cy Young Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Bobby Witt Jr | +400 |
Odds as of March 11
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Cole Ragans | +900 |
| Seth Lugo | +5000 |
Odds as of March 11
Witt enters 2025 with lofty expectations after leading MLB in 2024 with a .332 BA, 211 hits, 32 homers, and a .977 OPS — numbers that would’ve made him a lock for AL MVP in a non-Aaron Judge season. With improved plate discipline, elite defense, and few weaknesses, he’s a strong preseason MVP bet, though Judge (chalked) offers better value, I think. I'll leave Witt alone in the MVP market.
In 2024, Ragans posted an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA over 32 starts, leading the AL with 10.8 K/9. His combination of flash and consistency led to a fourth-place Cy Young finish a year ago. I like him for 2025 at +900 odds thanks to a new pre-arb contract, plus another good season under his belt.
