Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions May 25th 2025

Twins Go for Sweep as Ober Takes Mound vs. Royals’ Bubic

The Minnesota Twins, the hottest team in baseball this May, are on the verge of a three-game sweep of their American League Central rivals, the Kansas City Royals. On Sunday afternoon at Target Field, Minnesota sends Bailey Ober to the mound hoping to cap off a dominant homestand.

The Twins have won 16 of their last 18 games, and if the last two walk-off victories are any indication, they have momentum—and belief—on their side.

Walk-Off Wonders: Twins Win Another Thriller

Minnesota has found its magic late in games. On Saturday, they clawed back from a 4-0 deficit to defeat Kansas City 5-4 thanks to a two-out RBI single by Brooks Lee in the ninth inning.

That followed Friday’s 3-1 win, in which Ty France crushed a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.

“We’re confident offensively. Even if we’re not rolling, we still feel like we’re about to get rolling,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli.

Looking for updated game predictions? Visit the MLB Picks Page.

Royals Reeling After Back-to-Back Gut Punches

It’s been a tough weekend for Kansas City. Manager Matt Quatraro expressed frustration after watching his team lose two straight in heart-wrenching fashion.

“We’re competing like crazy… to get walked off both days in a row, it’s really a gut punch.”

The Royals are now looking to ace Kris Bubic to stop the skid.

Sunday Pitching Matchup: Ober vs. Bubic

Bailey Ober (4-1, 3.68 ERA) has been solid this season but carries a peculiar track record against Kansas City.

• Career vs. Royals: 0-4, 5.90 ERA in 11 starts
• 2024 vs. Royals: 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 4 K on April 10 (ND)

His most recent outing—a three-inning, one-run start against Cleveland—was cut short by a rain delay.

The Twins hope he can shake off his past struggles against Kansas City and guide the team to its seventh series sweep of the season.

Check Ober’s trends and prop data on the MLB Expert Betting Guide.

Kris Bubic: Royals’ Stopper Turns to Twins Challenge

On the flip side, Kris Bubic (5-2, 1.47 ERA) has emerged as one of the league’s top pitchers this season. But he, too, has historically struggled against the Twins.

• Career vs. Twins: 1-5, 5.27 ERA, .333 BAA, .902 OPS in 10 games

Still, Bubic has been dominant overall in 2024, and his arsenal could prove difficult for a lineup that often thrives late in games.

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Injury Report and Key Contributions

The Twins have been winning despite missing their star Byron Buxton, who has been sidelined since May 15 with a concussion after colliding with Carlos Correa.

Correa, who also suffered a concussion, returned Friday and has made an immediate impact:

• Friday: Game-tying HR
• Saturday: Led off the ninth with a pinch-hit walk and scored the winning run

Minnesota’s depth and resilience have carried them through, especially when the bullpen holds.

Bullpen Dominance: Twins’ Secret Weapon

Minnesota’s relievers have allowed just two runs over 8.1 innings this series, giving the team a chance to battle back late.

“If you give yourself a chance by keeping it close, things can work out,” Baldelli noted.

Explore full bullpen metrics on the MLB Team Page.

Pasquantino Finding His Groove

Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has been a bright spot. His average has climbed 24 points since May 16 to .244, and he’s 5-for-8 with two runs and an RBI in this series.

Kansas City may be struggling to finish games, but Pasquantino’s bat could be key if they’re to avoid a sweep.

Get stat leader projections and Royals lineup news on the MLB Odds Page.

What to Watch in the Series Finale

• Will Ober finally beat the Royals?
  Despite his poor history, he looked sharp against KC in April.
• Can Bubic outduel the Twins’ bats?
  He’s having a career year, but Minnesota has owned him historically.
• Will the Twins notch a sixth straight win?
  A sweep would put an exclamation point on their dominant May.
• Can Kansas City close out a close game?
  Two blown ninth-inning leads have haunted them this weekend.

FAQs

Who is starting for the Twins on Sunday?
Right-hander Bailey Ober (4-1, 3.68 ERA).

Who pitches for the Royals?
Lefty Kris Bubic (5-2, 1.47 ERA), one of the league’s top starters this season.

What is Ober’s record vs. the Royals?
He is 0-4 with a 5.90 ERA in 11 starts.

How have the Twins performed in May?
They’ve won 16 of their last 18 games, making them the hottest team in MLB.

Is Byron Buxton playing?
No, Buxton is still out with a concussion suffered on May 15.

Where can I get betting insights and prop analysis?
Head to the MLB Picks and Expert Guide pages for premium insights.