San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals MLB Prediction and Pick, Today’s MLB Betting Picks, 7-18-2026

San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals MLB Prediction and Pick, 7-18-2026. Today’s MLB Betting Picks – Best available odds at YouWager.lv. Claim your signup bonus.

Our San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals Pick: PADRES

San Diego is the recommended pick because its advantages on the mound, in the bullpen, and on defense outweigh its offensive struggles. While the Padres rank last in Major League Baseball in scoring at 4.0 runs per game, they counter with a stronger overall pitching staff, posting a 4.23 team ERA compared to Kansas City’s 4.95 ERA, while also owning one of the league’s best defenses with a .990 fielding percentage that ranks second in MLB. San Diego’s bullpen has also been more dependable, converting 72.5% of its save opportunities compared to the Royals’ 59.0% mark. Kansas City’s pitching staff has struggled throughout the season, allowing 5.27 runs per game and carrying a 1.45 WHIP, creating opportunities for the Padres to generate enough offense. If San Diego’s pitching and defense continue to control the game, the Padres have the edge to secure the victory.

MATCHUP | Padres | Royals
San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals Moneyline | -182 | +150
Where | Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO
When | Saturday, July 18, 2026

San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals MLB Prediction – 7-18-2026 – MLB Betting Picks

Here is our San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals MLB Prediction for both teams:

Padres Preview

The San Diego Padres are currently ranked 30th in baseball with an average of 4.0 runs per game. With a team on-base percentage of.302, they have scored 379 runs. As a team, the Padres have hit 99 home runs and earned 138 two-baggers. They have 709 hits and 370 RBI this season, with an average at the plate of.226. With a batting average of.370, San Diego has struck out 806 batters and been walked 322 times.

Their pitching staff has a WHIP of 1.34 and a K/BB ratio of 2.27. Pitchers for the Padres have allowed 422 runs overall, including 106 home runs (13th in baseball). San Diego has allowed 399 earned runs and 791 base hits (8.4 per 9 innings). The Padres’ staff has rung up 778 hitters this season, giving them a team earned run average of 4.23 (17th in the league). This season, their team’s FIP is 4.24, and their pitching staff has walked 343 batters.

Padres pitchers have made 107 outings in high-leverage situations and have stepped onto the mound 96 times with runners on base. The relievers are eighth in the league with 59 holds so far this season. The Padres’ relief pitchers have entered the game in 101 save situations and had a 72.5% save percentage. They have made 29 saves so far this year, while 11 of their 40 save opportunities have gone unconverted. 32.9% of the 164 runners that the bullpen relievers have inherited this season have crossed the plate. Throughout the season, the Padres have used 325 relief pitchers.

This season, the San Diego Padres have amassed 2,546 putouts, 839 assists, and 35 mistakes. They have 84 double plays and a fielding percentage of.990, which is second in professional baseball. In 7,638 innings on the field, the Padres have converted 70.0% of baseballs in play into outs, placing them 16th in the majors.

Throughout his career, Canning has pitched 639 innings and recorded 608 punch outs. He has a career WHIP of 1.362 and an ERA of 4.81 (342 earned runs allowed). He has had 248 walks and given up 623 hits (8.8 hits every nine innings). With a 33-44 career record and a 4.74 FIP, Canning has faced 2,749 hitters in his major league career.

Royals Preview

So far this season, the Kansas City Royals have a batting average of.246 and an OBP of.315. They have recorded 804 hits and have been called out on strikes 783 times, which ranks them 21st in MLB. This season, Kansas City has batted in 392 runs and hit 97 home homers. The Royals score 4.24 runs per game (21st in the league) and have a team slugging percentage of.397. They have scored 411 runs, scored 178 doubles, and received 310 free bases.

So far this season, the Royals’ staff has a WHIP of 1.452 and a FIP of 4.75. With 743 strikeouts and 371 walks, their K/BB ratio is 7.80. With 866 total hits surrendered, they rank 27th in the league as a pitching staff. They give up 5.27 runs per nine innings (28th in MLB) and have given up 129 long balls. With an ERA of 4.95 (469 earned runs permitted), the Kansas City pitching staff has allowed 499 runs this season.

They have sent 315 relievers to the mound this season and are ranked 21st in MLB with a save percentage of 59.0%. In addition to 68 times with base runners, their bullpen pitchers have taken the field 93 times in high-leverage situations. The Royals have recorded 38 holds and 16 failed saves in 77 save opportunities. Relievers have been called upon by Kansas City to enter the game in 39 save opportunities, and they have made 23 saves. Out of 96 inherited base runners, Kansas City relievers have an inherited scoring percentage of 35.4%.

The Royals have earned a defensive efficiency of 68.7% (27th in the majors) out of 7,674 innings played. The Kansas City Royals have a fielding percentage of.987 (11th in professional baseball) and have turned 83 double plays. The Royals have 2,558 putouts this season, 864 assists, and 45 mistakes.

Throughout his career, Kolek has tossed 213 innings and given up 212 hits while earning 150 Ks. With a 4.14 ERA and a 12-10 career record, Kolek has allowed 9.0 hits every nine innings. With a WHIP of 1.253 and a FIP of 4.1, he has surrendered a total of 98 ERs. Throughout his professional baseball career, he has faced 896 hitters and has a strikeout to walk ratio of 2.73.

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San Diego Padres vs Kansas City Royals MLB Prediction and Pick, 7-18-2026. MLB Betting Picks, by YouWagert.lv