With the MLB trade deadline right around the corner, the intensity is picking up in the AL Central. The Kansas City Royals are preparing to sell once again, while the surprisingly formidable Minnesota Twins are in the thick of the playoff race. This series is a chance for the Twins to convince ownership to make some additions, but the Royals will happily play the spoilers.
Let’s get into a preview, prediction, and pick for this contest.
Royals vs. Twins prediction, preview
First things first, let’s look at the starting pitchers in this matchup.
The Royals haven’t officially announced a starting pitcher yet, but it’s likely to be Noah Cameron. After a promising rookie season in 2025, Cameron has been a disappointment this season with a 4.93 ERA through 107.2 innings. Manager Matt Quatraro tried something new in his last outing, using Beck Way as an opener before Cameron entered in the second inning. From there, the 27-year-old spun seven scoreless innings on two hits while piling up eight strikeouts. It stands to reason that Quatraro will try the same tactic on Thursday.
Bailey Ober will step to the mound for the Twins on Thursday. One of the softest throwers in MLB, Ober is struggling this season with a 4.56 ERA in 15 starts. The fastball, which comes in at 88.3 mph on the radar gun, has been knocked around a fair bit. Results haven’t been great for his slider, sinker, and curveball either. The only thing saving him right now is a solid changeup and a deadly sweeper that is, frankly, underused.
Offense has been a struggle for the Kansas City Royals this year. Other than Bobby Witt Jr., who is currently on the injured list, they’re short on above-average offensive contributors. Jac Caglianone has his moments, but there’s still so much swing-and-miss to his game. Nick Loftin, Michael Massey, and Lane Thomas have held their own, but that’s about it. Though Tyler Tolbert does bear some watching; the recent call-up can certainly change the game with his speed and has 12 steals in only 44 games played.
Minnesota’s lineup has been surprisingly robust this year. Byron Buxton, who is also injured, has been the main man as usual. But they’re also getting career seasons from Ryan Jeffers, Trevor Larnach, and Kody Clemens. Along with some production from youngsters like Brooks Lee and Luke Keaschall, it’s a darn good group of bats. With Jeffers likely to stay put through the rest of the trade deadline, they should have a top ten lineup for the remainder of the season.
Now we know these teams a bit better; who is going to come out on top?
Royals vs. Twins pick, best bet
It’s awfully hard to trust Ober here. Even though Minnesota is 9-6 in his 15 starts, they’re awfully reliant on big scoring numbers to offset his inefficiency. The Twins are 5-3 when he allows three or more runs — and with Buxton sidelined, their offensive upside is significantly lower. I’ll take the risk on Cameron having another strong piggyback performance and delivering a road win for the Royals.
