Cleveland Guardians vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions September 8th 2025

Royals vs Guardians Picks and Predictions — September 8, 2025

The Cleveland Guardians return home Monday night to host the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field in a pivotal four-game series. Both clubs are chasing the final AL Wild Card spot, with Kansas City (73-70) sitting just ahead of Cleveland (72-70) in the standings.

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The Guardians are coming off a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays, while the Royals dropped two of three in Minnesota to close a 4-5 homestand. With Seattle and Texas also in the mix, this matchup could prove decisive. For more on how both teams have fared recently, check the updated MLB game results.

Opening odds: Guardians -120 (moneyline), Royals +102, Total 8.0 runs.

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Royals Can Win If…

Kansas City hands the ball to Ryan Bergert (2-1, 2.61 ERA), who’s been effective since coming over at the trade deadline. He’s allowed just 22 hits in 33 1/3 innings with the Royals, showing poise beyond his experience.

Bobby Witt Jr.’s health looms large—he’s missed two straight games with a sore side, though tests revealed no structural damage. Vinnie Pasquantino continues to provide power with 29 homers and 99 RBIs, while Kansas City’s pitching staff remains among MLB’s best with a 3.64 team ERA.

“We want to be able to control our own fate and play the teams you’ve got to beat. Sign us up,” manager Matt Quatraro said.

If Bergert delivers and the bats support him, Kansas City can gain ground in the Wild Card chase.

Guardians Can Win If…

Cleveland turns to Slade Cecconi (5-6, 4.78 ERA), who has struggled of late with no wins in his last eight starts. However, the Guardians are playing with renewed confidence after back-to-back one-run wins in Tampa.

José Ramírez (.283, 27 HR) remains the centerpiece of the lineup, while closer Cade Smith has converted 11 saves and anchored a bullpen that’s helped Cleveland rank 12th in ERA (3.91).

“We have to win every series and find a way to win close games on the road,” manager Stephen Vogt said.

If Cecconi can limit damage and the offense continues its timely hitting, the Guardians’ momentum could carry them to another crucial victory.

Key MLB Betting Trends

The Lean

Model Projection: Guardians 5, Royals 3
Pick: Guardians Moneyline (-120)
Total Lean: Under 8.0

Cleveland’s home momentum and steadier lineup make them the safer side here, even with Cecconi’s recent struggles. Bergert could keep this close, but with two solid pitching staffs, the total likely stays under. Keep pace with playoff pushes and daily insights at our MLB Best Bets hub.

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