Kansas City Royals vs. Athletics Prediction and Picks for Sunday, September 28th, 2025
Use Code SSWC This game between the Kansas City Royals (81-80) and the Athletics (76-85) has no playoff implications, but it should still be an entertaining season-ending clash. We’ve got you covered with our Royals vs. Athletics prediction. Below, I’ll recap each team’s season and break down the starting pitching matchup before concluding with picks and predictions on this contest that gets underway at 3:05 ET from Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, CA. Read on for free MLB picks on this game, and check out that link for other game breakdowns.
Royals Miss the Playoffs
The Kansas City Royals snapped an eight-year playoff drought in 2024, but it’s looking like that was a one-off appearance as the franchise will miss the postseason again in 2025. If you were to pinpoint one area that hindered the Royals, it’d be their offense, which ranked 26th in runs per game (3.99) this season. Heading into Sunday’s finale, Kansas City sits at 81-80, which puts them 14.0 games out of the divisional race and 5.0 games out of the wild card. In terms of recent form, they’re playing roughly .500 baseball down the stretch, going 7-5 in their last 12 games.
That 7-5 stretch includes Saturday’s 4-2 victory over the Athletics. Michael Wacha (6.0 IP, 0 ER) was sharp in his start and picked up the win, while Carlos Estevez (1.0 IP, 0 ER) slammed the door and logged his 42nd save. Offensively, Vinnie Pasquantino led the way, going 1-for-5 with two RBI.
- Cole Ragans gets the nod for Sunday’s finale, and the 27-year-old hasn’t been overpowering in 12 starts (57.1 IP) this season.
- The left-hander is currently 3-3 with a 5.02 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP.
- Ragans has made two starts since returning from the IL (rotator cuff), and he most recently limited the Angels to two earned runs on three hits and a walk over 5.0 innings.
- He racked up 10 strikeouts and picked up the win in the 8-4 victory.
Athletics Miss Postseason Again
As for the Athletics, they’re set to miss the playoffs for the fifth straight season. The organization feels like it's in limbo currently, as they’re playing their games in a Minor League park and the front office refuses to infuse cash into the lineup. The A’s are just 28th in payroll ($78.8 million) this season, making them one of five clubs with a sub-$100 million roster. The team does have an intriguing young core, including SS Jacob Wilson (.313 AVG, 13 HR), Brent Rooker (30 HR, 89 RBI), and 1B Nick Kurtz (.291 AVG, 35 HR, 84 RBI). All things considered, the Athletics enter Sunday’s finale at 76-85, which puts them in fourth place in the A.L. West.
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Saturday’s 4-2 defeat to the Royals fell on Luis Morales (4.2 IP, 2 ER) in the starter’s role. Offensively, Shea Langeliers turned in a solid game, going 3-for-4 with an RBI.
- As of this writing (Saturday evening), the Athletics have yet to announce a starting pitcher.
- Pitching has been a weakness for the organization this year, as the Athletics are ranked 27th in ERA (4.69) and 23rd in opposing batting average (.251).
- As for the bullpen specifically, they’re 24th (4.50) and 16th (.243) in those respective categories.
- The Athletics have converted 35 saves on 55 attempts (63.6%).
Royals vs. Athletics Pick
Moneyline Pick for Royals vs. Athletics
- Kansas City Royals Moneyline (5 units)
I’m riding with the Royals in Sunday’s regular-season finale. This one really just boils down to a few straightforward factors. First off, Kansas City has a significant edge with Cole Ragans taking the ball. Even though he has been injured this year, the left-hander is a budding star in this league. The Royals have won seven of his 12 starts in 2025, including three straight.
The other area where the Royals have a sizable edge is in the bullpen. Kansas City has a legit backend, as their relief staff is sixth in ERA (3.62) and 11th in WHIP (1.26). The Athletics are 24th (4.50) and 23rd (1.38) in those respective categories. Look for Kansas City’s pitching staff to guide them to a low-scoring victory.
Over/Under Pick for Royals vs. Athletics
- Under (5 units)
Building on my case for the Royals moneyline, and why I’ll also be on the under, is because Ragans has dominated the A’s in the past. Their current roster is slashing just .097/.243/.161 against the southpaw over 31 at-bats.
Furthermore, neither of these offenses has been great recently. Over the last seven days, the Athletics are 22nd in wOBA (.280) and 23rd in ISO (.126), while the Royals are 16th (.295) and 16th (.139). Kansas City has had scoring issues all season, as they’re just 26th in runs per game (3.99). Give me the under.
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