We’re at the season’s midway point, and the White Sox (50-45) sit alone atop the AL Central. The next few weeks will go a long way towards determining whether Chicago will be an active buyer during August 3rd’s trade deadline. It’s a similar story for the Blue Jays (45-51), who haven’t recaptured the magic from their 2025 American League pennant. Still, Toronto remains just 2.5 games out of a wild card spot. Picking up a series-opening win would be a boon for both of these teams.
The Blue Jays are favorites (-136) over the White Sox, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s showdown between Chicago and Toronto on DraftKings Sportsbook.
White Sox vs. Blue Jays pick, best bet today
- White Sox ML (+113): Kay, even if he’s gotten a bit lucky, presents some difficulty for a Toronto side that doesn’t hit lefties. In comparison, a homer-happy White Sox lineup may need to hammer only one or two pitches in what could be a lower-scoring affair. Back the visitors at plus money in this one.
White Sox vs. Blue Jays prediction, preview
Chicago’s biggest strength is at the plate (more on that later). However, the South Siders have managed to piece together a halfway decent pitching staff, thanks in part to a handful of unexpected contributors. That includes Anthony Kay, slated to make his 18th start of the season on Friday. Through 89.1 innings of work, he’s notched a 4.23 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 71 strikeouts (7.2 K/9). However, it’s fair to say that the southpaw has been fortunate thus far. His 5.20 xERA, .268 xBA and 17.6% strikeout rate only rank inside the 17th percentile among qualified starters. Still, Kay comes into this one with momentum; he has a 2.84 ERA over his previous four appearances.
It helps that this isn’t the most challenging matchup for an opposing pitcher. The Blue Jays have always been a contact-oriented offense, which they utilized to great success in 2025. That hasn’t translated to this season; they rank 26th in runs scored (392), 23rd in homers (98) and 26th in OPS (.690). No player embodies Toronto’s hitting woes better than Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The first baseman, known as a power hitter, has only managed to slug six home runs. Just one hitter on the roster, Kazuma Okamoto, has clubbed double-digit dingers this season. As a unit, the Jays have notched baseball’s second-worst OPS against left-handed pitching (.650).
What’s kept Toronto afloat up to this point is stellar pitching. While the starters have received plenty of praise, the team also owns the ninth-best bullpen ERA (3.80). Spencer Miles, acting as an opener, will get the start tonight. The rookie has been terrific this season, posting a 2.85 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 26 outings (three starts). However, it’s unlikely he tosses more than two or three frames in this one. With a well-rested ‘pen coming out of the All-Star break, Jays manager John Schneider should be able to mix and match all night long. Still, all it takes is one rusty arm to throw a wrench in those plans. Middle relievers Jeff Hoffman and Mason Fluharty have been inconsistent at best in 2026. A decent appearance from one, if not both hurlers, is crucial this evening.
Toronto’s relievers can certainly keep the opposition at bay. However, that’s easier said than done going into tonight’s matchup. The White Sox are an offensive juggernaut, averaging the American League’s third-most runs per game (4.78). To boot, they’ve clubbed the fourth-most home runs in baseball this season (129). Keep in mind, Chicago put up these numbers in spite of a lengthy injury absence for star first baseman Munetaka Murakami. The Japanese slugger is finally back in action, making this lineup that much deeper. He’s joined by co-stars Miguel Vargas (135 wRC+) and Colson Montgomery (111 wRC+).
Best Bet: White Sox ML (+113)
There’s no denying that a Chicago club with Murakami active has the more dangerous lineup. On the flip side, Kay presents some problems for a Toronto squad that struggles mightily against left-handed pitching. Keeping that in mind, the White Sox are the more enticing bet here at +113 on the moneyline.
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