Yankees vs Royals Divisional Playoffs Predictions | MLB Picks Today, Best Bets
Grant White
Host · Writer
Playoff success has escaped the New York Yankees for much of the last 15 years. Without a World Series trip since winning it all in 2009, the Bronx Bombers have struggled to find success come October. They can exorcise those playoff demons in 2024, starting with their ALDS showdown versus the Kansas City Royals. But dismiss the Royals’ chances at your own peril. Led by Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City has put together an explosive offensive team and stout group of defenders that inhibit the Yankees’ outlook. The betting market has settled on the Yankees as steep favorites, but their advantage might not be as decided as the price implies.
Yankees vs. Royals Series Schedule
- Game 1: Saturday, October 5 – 6:38 pm ET @ Yankee Stadium
- Game 2: Monday, October 7 – 7:38 pm ET @ Yankee Stadium
- Game 3: Wednesday, October 9 – TBD @ Kauffman Stadium
- Game 4: Thursday, October 10 – TBD @ Kauffman Stadium (if necessary)
- Game 5: Saturday, October 12 – TBD @ Yankee Stadium (if necessary)
Yankees vs. Royals Series Odds
- Series Odds: Yankees -205 | Royals +172
- Series Spread: Yankees -1.5 (+108) | Royals +1.5 (-138)
- Series Total: OVER 4.5 (+172) | UNDER 4.5 (-215)
Yankees vs. Royals Series Winner Best Bet: Royals +172
The Yankees have some roster decisions heading into Saturday’s series opener. Specifically, they have to sort out which pitcher anchors their starting rotation. Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon have been named the Game 1 and 2 starters, respectively, but their depth beyond that looks a little questionable. Luis Gil surpassed his previous high in innings pitched back in August, and his effectiveness has taken a hit along the way. Similarly, Clarke Schmidt has been hit hard over his past few starts.
Moreover, the Royals are content to rely on their pitchers and grind out hard-fought wins. Conversely, the Yankees fall apart when their offense isn’t clicking. We don’t trust the Yankees’ playoff pedigree, and -205 is too steep of a price to get us to buy in. We’re supporting the Royals at the outset of the series.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
Yankees vs. Royals Best Bet Total: Over 4.5
If this series goes the distance, the odds could swing back in favor of the Yankees. Nevertheless, we don’t see this one settled in less than five. Both teams have a decided advantage at home. Predictably, New York finished with the most home runs in the American League at home, swatting 118 dingers at Yankee Stadium and resulting in the third-best OPS. Similarly, the Royals finished top ten in the MLB in nearly every offensive category at Kauffman Stadium, including OPS, runs scored, and stolen bases. We expect both clubs to wield home-field advantage unmercifully, leaving an edge in backing over 4.5 games.
Yankees vs. Royals Best Player Props
Juan Soto to Record Two or More Home Runs +290
The addition of Juan Soto adds a new perspective to the Yankees’ playoff dynamic. While Aaron Judge has struggled to find his footing in the postseason, Soto has been a reliable bat. As such, we’re betting he’s the catalyst for the Yankees’ early-series success. The four-time Silver Slugger has seven home runs in 29 playoff games, setting the high mark with five in the Washington Nationals run in 2019. Further, he’s been a menace at any venue, tallying 20 home runs at home and 21 on the road. Soto doesn’t need to rely on the hitter-friendly dimensions of Yankee Stadium and has the underlying metrics supporting more long fly balls. Therefore, we’re backing him to hit two or more home runs in the ALDS.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
