Twins vs. Royals prediction and odds for Opening Day (Back Minnesota)

The Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals will face-off in an AL Central showdown on Thursday to get the 2023 MLB season started.

Pablo Lopez will take the mound for the Twins in what will be his first start for Minnesota after coming over from the Marlins last season. He'll face-off against Zack Greinke of the Royals, who will look to build off his 2022 campaign in which he finished with a 3.68 ERA.

Let's dive into the odds for this Opening Day showdown and then I'll give you my best bet.

Twins vs. Royals odds, spread, and total

Twins vs. Royals prediction and pick

Pablo Lopez may be one of the most underrated pitchers in Major League Baseball, which made him one of the best offseason acquisitions by the Twins. He has had a sub-4.00 ERA in three straight seasons, and now he gets to bolster a Twins rotation that needed plenty of help.

The Twins have a significant offensive advantage over the Royals. They outranked them 11 to 24th in OPS last season, and I expect Minnesota to be the far superior offensive team once again.

The Twins went 12-7 against the Royals last season, and I expect that dominance to continue on Opening Day. Have faith in Pablo Lopez, and back Minnesota on the moneyline.