Sports
Royals Aim for Wild Card Spot in Crucial Series

CHICAGO, IL — The Kansas City Royals are looking to strengthen their playoff chances as they face the Chicago White Sox this week. The series starts on August 25, 2025, after the Royals swept the White Sox at home two weeks ago.
The Royals currently sit at 67 wins and 64 losses, while the White Sox are struggling with a record of 47-83. With both teams approaching the final stretch of the season, each game carries significant weight.
During their recent successful homestand, the Royals went 8-2, inching closer to a Wild Card spot. They will need to continue that momentum to remain competitive.
The matchup at Guaranteed Rate Field is significant for both teams. The Royals average 3.86 runs scored per game, ranking 28th in Major League Baseball, while allowing 3.89 runs, placing them fourth. In contrast, the White Sox score an average of 3.94 runs per game and have a team ERA of 4.49.
Royals catcher Kyle Teel is on a hitting streak, batting .347 with a .429 on-base percentage over his last 14 games. Fellow catcher Edgar Quero has also contributed with a .343 average in 19 games. However, not all players are performing well; outfielder Michael A. Taylor is struggling, hitting just .186 over his last 26 appearances.
The White Sox have faced difficulties on defense, with utility player Brooks Baldwin struggling significantly in the outfield. Their catchers have thrown out only 19% of baserunners attempting to steal.
On the mound, Kansas City faces challenges as well. Pitcher Shane Smith has struggled, giving up four runs in six innings in a recent loss. Meanwhile, Martín Pérez has been effective since returning from injury, allowing just one earned run in 8.2 innings over two starts.
The Royals have a good record against the White Sox this year, winning eight out of ten matchups so far. With the Mariners facing tough competition against the San Diego Padres, this series offers a prime opportunity for the Royals to gain ground in the Wild Card race.
As the season winds down, every game counts for the Royals. Fans are hoping for both consistency and a continued offensive surge as they push for a postseason berth.