The Kansas City Royals host the Chicago White Sox starting Monday for a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium. The White Sox arrive with a 10-24 record after finishing April 5-21, though they won three of their last four games in early May. The Royals hold a 19-16 record entering the series.
Last season, the White Sox set a modern MLB record with 121 losses. The Royals went 12-1 against Chicago in 2024 on their way to a playoff appearance.
Chicago's offense ranks near the bottom of Major League Baseball in key categories. The team is 24th in runs scored per game (3.65), 28th in team batting average (.216), and last in slugging. Only three teams have hit fewer home runs.
Some White Sox players have struggled, including Andrew Vaughn, whose 38 wRC+ ranks near the bottom among qualified hitters. Luis Robert Jr. has a .165 batting average and the sixth-highest strikeout rate in baseball (31.6 percent), although he leads the American League with 15 stolen bases. Third baseman Miguel Vargas has shown recent improvement, hitting .348 in his last 13 games.
The expected pitching matchups include Shane Smith (2.23 ERA) for the White Sox against Cole Ragans (4.40 ERA) for the Royals on Monday. Tuesday features Sean Burke (4.91 ERA) versus Seth Lugo (3.07 ERA). Wednesday sees Jonathan Cannon (4.26 ERA) face Michael Wacha (3.52 ERA). The series concludes Thursday with Davis Martin (3.52 ERA) starting against Kris Bubic (1.98 ERA).
Chicago's bullpen carries a 4.47 ERA with the seventh-highest walk rate in MLB. The team has recorded only one save in four opportunities this season. Reliever Mike Vasil has a 0.92 ERA in 19.2 innings.
Broadcast information for the series indicates all four games against the White Sox will air on FDSKC and 96.5 The Fan. The first three games are scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CT starts, with the Thursday game set for 1:10 p.m. CT. For more game information, consult local listings. Additional analysis including predictions and odds is available ahead of the series.
While the White Sox record suggests struggle, the team's pitching staff includes some young arms performing well early in the season. However, the Royals are favored to win the series.
