Royals vs Padres Picks and Prediction – 6/22/2025

On Sunday, the Kansas City Royals (37-38) face off against the San Diego Padres (40-34) at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Keep up to date with all the MLB action, with our expert MLB picks.

San Diego comes into this matchup on a one-game winning streak, but has dropped three of their last five games prior to their first two games of the series against Kansas City. In their recent 5-3 victory over the Dodgers, the Padres were powered by a stellar performance from Xander Bogaerts, who went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate. Bogaerts also chipped in with a home run, crossed the plate three times, and drove in a run, helping lead San Diego to the win. On the season, Fernando Tatis Jr. has been the team’s top power hitter, currently leading the Padres with 13 home runs. Not far behind him is Gavin Sheets, who has contributed 12 home runs, making him the team’s second-most prolific long ball hitter. Manny Machado has been San Diego’s biggest run producer, topping the team with 45 RBIs so far this year. In addition to driving in runs, Machado also boasts the best batting average on the squad, hitting an impressive .310 for the season. Defensively, the Padres have struggled recently, giving up an average of 4.6 runs per game over their last five contests. As a result, San Diego trails the San Francisco Giants by one and a half games for second place in the NL West. Looking to halt their current skid, the Padres are aiming for a much-needed win at home against the Royals. Overall, San Diego’s offense has produced an average of 4.2 runs per game throughout the season.

Kansas City enters this game on a three-game winning streak and has won three of their last five games prior to their first two games of the series against San Diego. In their 4-1 victory over Texas, Jac Caglianone had a standout performance for the Royals, collecting two hits in four at-bats. Both hits were home runs, and he finished the game with two runs scored and two RBIs. This season, Vinnie Pasquantino has emerged as Kansas City’s top power threat, leading the team with 11 home runs. Bobby Witt Jr. ranks just behind him, having hit 9 home runs this year, making him the Royals’ second-most prolific home run hitter. Pasquantino is also the team’s most productive run producer, topping the Royals’ lineup with 41 RBIs so far this season. Maikel Garcia has been Kansas City’s most consistent hitter at the plate, leading the club with an impressive .313 batting average. Over their most recent five-game stretch, the Royals have averaged 3.6 runs per game. Despite this slight uptick in offensive output, Kansas City is still a game and a half behind both Boston and Seattle in the race for the AL’s third Wild Card spot. After enduring a difficult slump, the Royals appear to be regaining momentum and will look to continue their resurgence as they travel to San Diego for a series against the Padres. Overall, however, Kansas City has struggled to score this year, averaging just 3.4 runs per game—currently the lowest in the American League.

The Padres have deeply excelled at home while Kansas City has had its struggles on the road. Kansas City’s offense has been one of the worst in the AL and San Diego will look to take advantage of that. Taking the mound for the Royals, Seth Lugo enters the game with a season record of 4-5, posting an impressive 3.05 ERA, reflecting his effectiveness at limiting opponents’ runs. On the other side, the Padres will start Randy Vasquez, who currently holds a 3-4 record with a 3.70 ERA, indicating a respectable, though slightly less dominant, performance so far this year. Final Score Prediction, San Diego Padres win 3-1.