- Get betting predictions and analysis for Guardians vs. Royals on Opening Day.
- First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET at Kauffman Stadium.
- My Guardians vs. Royals prediction is Kansas City’s moneyline value (-125).
The American League Central race will be as competitive as ever after three teams made last year’s postseason — and two of those ballclubs will face off on Opening Day.
The Kansas City Royals will host the Cleveland Guardians at 4:10 p.m. ET at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday.
Cleveland won 92 games and a division title before losing in the ALCS last year, while Kansas City reached the ALDS after losing 106 games in 2023. Which team will begin the 2025 season in the win column?
Here’s a look at the latest MLB odds and my Guardians vs. Royals prediction for Opening Day.
Guardians vs. Royals Odds: Thursday, March 27
- Guardians moneyline: +110
- Royals moneyline: -130
- Game total: 7.5 (+100/-120)
Guardians vs. Royals Opening Day Starting Pitchers
Left-hander Cole Ragans will get the start for the Royals for the second straight Opening Day. Tanner Bibee will be Cleveland’s starter in the opener, snapping Shane Bieber’s five-year streak of receiving the honor.
- Guardians starting pitcher: Tanner Bibee
- Royals starting pitcher: Cole Ragans
Guardians vs. Royals Prediction for Opening Day
Based on the current MLB betting lines, I’m riding with Kansas City’s moneyline odds (-125) as my Guardians vs. Royals prediction for Opening Day.
I’m down on the Guardians’ chances of replicating last year’s results. They leaned heavily on their bullpen and elite defense to mask rotation concerns. There is a reason why they have fallen to fourth in odds to win the AL Central this preseason.
It’s much easier to believe in the Royals’ pitching (while they are healthy) to start the season. Ragans recorded a 3.14 ERA and 223 strikeouts in 186 1/3 innings last year, which is why he’s +900 to win the AL Cy Young Award entering the upcoming season.
The Royals made notable improvements in the offseason, trading for Jonathan India as their leadoff hitter and signing Carlos Estévez to help close games with Lucas Erceg. I still have concerns about Kansas City’s depth for the year, but that won’t be a problem in Game 1.
The Royals won 55.6% of their home games last year, scoring more in Kansas City than on the road. I like their chances of starting with a win in Kauffman Stadium on Opening Day.
Guardians vs. Royals Prediction: Royals Moneyline (-125)
- Pick made on March 18.
How to Watch Guardians vs. Royals on Opening Day
- Date: Thursday, March 27
- Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
- Location: Kauffman Stadium
- TV info: CLEG (MLB TV)
Guardians 2025 Schedule
Royals 2025 Schedule
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