Projecting Every MLB Team's Starting Lineup 2 Weeks from Spring Training
With MLB spring training still two weeks away, now is not the time for big league skippers to be writing in their lineups with a Sharpie.
But it's also not too soon to break out the No. 2 pencils and sketch out the batting orders for all 30 major league squads.
In order to project how all these lineups will shake out, we took a look back at the iterations that each manager chose in 2015 and also considered how the new free-agent and trade acquisitions fit into the mix.
For a variety of teams around the game, the biggest question with spring training looming is trying to figure out who will be leading off. That's true for a club like the Toronto Blue Jays, who own the scariest lineup in the majors. It's also true for the Chicago Cubs, who might just have the scariest lineup in the National League.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
The Lineup
- CF A.J Pollock
- LF David Peralta
- 1B Paul Goldschmidt
- RF Yasmany Tomas
- C Welington Castillo
- 3B Jake Lamb
- SS Nick Ahmed
- 2B Chris Owings
The Breakdown
Headlined by the likes of A.J. Pollock and NL MVP runner-up Paul Goldschmidt, the Arizona Diamondbacks offense was second in runs and third in OPS in the NL in 2015.
With those stats in mind, it's easy enough to understand why the brass hasn't tinkered much with the position players on its roster.
If there's one spot that the D-backs could use some help, it's second base, where incumbent Chris Owings hit .227 a season ago. Per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the club checked in on Howie Kendrick, but Arizona is "reluctant" to part with the second-round pick that the vet would cost as a result of his decision to reject a qualifying offer.
Then again, considering how aggressively the D-backs have moved this winter, it would make a lot of sense to sacrifice some of the future to reel in an upgrade for the present.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Ender Inciarte
- SS Erick Aybar
- 1B Freddie Freeman
- RF Nick Markakis
- 3B Adonis Garcia
- 2B Jace Peterson
- LF Hector Olivera
- C Tyler Flowers
The Breakdown
Last season, the Atlanta Braves scored the fewest runs, posted the worst OPS and left the yard the least of any team in the bigs.
So, just why will things be any better for the NL East squad, which is in full-on tank mode, in 2016? The addition of Ender Inciarte provides a sliver of optimism. In 2015, the center fielder clocked in with a .303 average (ninth-best in the NL) while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The trouble is that Inciarte is no lock to be with Atlanta on Opening Day. Per Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Houston Astros "inquired on" the 25-year-old in the middle of January.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
The Lineup
- 3B Manny Machado
- LF Hyun-Soo Kim
- 1B Chris Davis
- CF Adam Jones
- DH Mark Trumbo
- C Matt Wieters
- 2B Jonathan Schoop
- SS J.J. Hardy
- RF Nolan Reimold
The Breakdown
For the Baltimore Orioles, "Chris Davis watch" dominated the offseason.
But new left fielder Hyun-Soo Kim is also worth keeping an eye on. The 28-year-old torched the Korean Baseball Organization in 2015. While playing for the Doosan Bears, the left-handed hitter crushed 26 homers and put up a .979 OPS. Those are some highly intriguing numbers for a guy who arrived at Camden Yards on a two-year deal worth just $7 million.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
The Lineup
- RF Mookie Betts
- 2B Dustin Pedroia
- SS Xander Bogaerts
- DH David Ortiz
- 1B Hanley Ramirez
- 3B Pablo Sandoval
- LF Rusney Castillo (RHP)/Chris Young (LHP)
- CF Jackie Bradley Jr.
- C Blake Swihart
The Breakdown
With David Ortiz set to retire at the end of 2016, the role of face of the franchise is about to be vacant at Fenway Park.
Surveying the roster, Mookie Betts is a good bet to take on that position. In 2015, the Boston Red Sox's leadoff hitter was a force at the plate, posting an .820 OPS and connecting on 18 long balls. ESPN's Buster Olney tabbed the right fielder as "a good sleeper MVP candidate" for 2016, noting that he put up a .923 OPS after June 10.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
The Lineup
- 2B Ben Zobrist
- LF Kyle Schwarber
- 3B Kris Bryant
- 1B Anthony Rizzo
- RF Jorge Soler
- CF Jason Heyward
- C Miguel Montero
- Pitcher
- SS Addison Russell
The Breakdown
Manager Joe Maddon loves to shuffle his lineup, and however he shakes up this group, it's going to be one nasty test for the opposing starter.
From Ben Zobrist to Addison Russell, there just aren't any easy outs in the above batting order. Speaking of Zobrist, the new Cub would make a lot of sense as the new leadoff man after posting a .359 OBP in 2015.
Jason Heyward—the other new guy—will also be looking to make his mark in Chicago. As a visiting player, Wrigley Field has always been a welcoming environment to the center fielder. In 25 games, he owns a .311 average and an .898 OPS.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Adam Eaton
- LF Melky Cabrera
- 1B Jose Abreu
- 3B Todd Frazier
- DH Adam LaRoche
- 2B Brett Lawrie
- C Dioner Navarro
- RF Avisail Garcia
- SS Tyler Saladino
The Breakdown
This lineup looks tremendously different than it did a season ago, and for good reason.
In 2015, the Chicago White Sox's offense was downright brutal, ranking last in the AL in departments like runs, slugging percentage and OPS.
Guys like Brett Lawrie, Dioner Navarro and Alex Avila all have the potential to be nice complementary pieces for the South Siders, but it's only Todd Frazier who has the ability to be a true difference-maker. For that reason, it's worth wondering if the brass in Chicago has done enough to put the team in position to contend in the ferocious AL Central.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
The Lineup
- SS Zack Cozart
- 2B Brandon Phillips
- 1B Joey Votto
- RF Jay Bruce
- C Devin Mesoraco
- 3B Eugenio Suarez
- LF Scott Schebler
- CF Billy Hamilton
The Breakdown
Losers of 98 contests in 2015, the Cincinnati Reds are the first of two NL Central rebuilders to hit this list.
As the trades of Todd Frazier and Aroldis Chapman this winter underscore, the organization's focus is trained squarely on building for the future.
Jay Bruce is yet another vet who looks like a logical trade chip. The 28-year-old slugger makes $12.5 million in 2016 and has a $13 million team option for the season after that. As we've previously speculated, Bruce would be ideal for one power-starved NL West hopeful.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
The Lineup
- LF Rajai Davis
- SS Francisco Lindor
- 2B Jason Kipnis
- DH Carlos Santana
- 1B Mike Napoli
- C Yan Gomes
- RF Lonnie Chisenhall
- 3B Giovanny Urshela
- CF Abraham Almonte
The Breakdown
Quietly, the Cleveland Indians have upgraded the lineup by bringing in table-setter Rajai Davis and thumper Mike Napoli.
The bad news for the Tribe is that the club will have to make due without its bell cow, Michael Brantley, who's recovering from shoulder surgery. According to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, Brantley could return by "sometime in May."
In the interim, Cleveland will need an offensive leader to emerge. Don't be surprised if sophomore Francisco Lindor turns into that player. In his first big league go-around, the then-21-year-old shortstop put up a .313 average and tallied 22 doubles, 12 homers and four triples in 99 games.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Charlie Blackmon
- SS Jose Reyes
- RF Carlos Gonzalez
- 3B Nolan Arenado
- LF Corey Dickerson
- 1B Mark Reynolds
- 2B DJ LeMahieu
- C Nick Hundley
The Breakdown
There's one prominent player missing from the above lineup: Gerardo Parra. The same Gerardo Parra who just inked a three-year, $27.5 million pact with the Colorado Rockies.
The trouble for manager Walt Weiss is that his roster now has four left-handed-hitting outfielders. So how does he go about fitting four guys into three lineup spots?
"These things tend to work themselves out somehow, someway," Weiss said, per Nick Groke of the Denver Post.
One way would be for the front office to trade away an outfielder—preferably for an arm or two.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
The Lineup
- 2B Ian Kinsler
- CF Cameron Maybin
- 1B Miguel Cabrera
- DH Victor Martinez
- RF J.D. Martinez
- LF Justin Upton
- 3B Nick Castellanos
- SS Jose Iglesias
- C James McCann
The Breakdown
Considering that Justin Upton, who smacked 26 homers in 2015, could be hitting sixth, this could be one fearsome lineup.
To be fair, there are some serious "ifs" in Motown. The biggest concern for the Detroit Tigers will be if Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez can stay healthy.
The outlook is promising on the Miggy front, as the first baseman is 100 percent healthy entering spring training for the first time since 2013, per Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.
There's also reason for optimism when it comes to Martinez, whose 2015 was ruined by an injured knee.
“Obviously, I wish I could feel like I was 25,” the 37-year-old told Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. “But I feel way better. I am doing stuff that’s just unbelievable compared to last year.”
That's exactly what the brain trust wants to hear. There's no question that the Tigers have a slew of big bats, but the lineup leans heavily to the right side, and it sure would be ideal to have the switch-hitting Martinez around to balance things out.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
The Lineup
- 2B Jose Altuve
- RF George Springer
- SS Carlos Correa
- CF Carlos Gomez
- LF Colby Rasmus
- DH Evan Gattis
- 3B Luis Valbuena
- 1B Jon Singleton
- C Jason Castro
The Breakdown
Good luck facing that bunch.
The opening quartet in particular is going to cause all sorts of problems for opposing pitchers. And it all starts with Jose Altuve, who sets the tone with his uber-aggressive approach. According to the calculations of MLB.com's Lyle Spencer, "Altuve has put more first pitches in play than any hitter in the game."
All those ambushes are working.
As Spencer noted, Altuve clocked in with a .425 average on initial offerings in 2015. With that stat in mind, here's an idea: Bounce the first pitch.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
The Lineup
- SS Alcides Escobar
- LF Alex Gordon
- CF Lorenzo Cain
- 1B Eric Hosmer
- DH Kendrys Morales
- C Salvador Perez
- 3B Mike Moustakas
- 2B Omar Infante
- RF Jarrod Dyson
The Breakdown
The obvious knock against this lineup is that the group just doesn't leave the park enough. Last season, Kansas City totaled 139 long balls, which was second-to-worst in the AL.
The World Series champs offset that lack of pop with a ruthless knack for delivering big hits in big moments. Last season, the Royals led the majors with a .278 average with runners in scoring position and two outs. No one was better in those scenarios than Fall Classic MVP Salvador Perez, who hit at a clip of .371 with a .999 OPS.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
The Lineup
- 3B Yunel Escobar
- RF Kole Calhoun
- CF Mike Trout
- DH Albert Pujols
- 1B C.J. Cron
- 2B Johnny Giavotella
- SS Andrelton Simmons
- LF Daniel Nava (RHP)/Craig Gentry (LHP)
- C Carlos Perez
The Breakdown
As Albert Pujols goes, so go the Los Angeles Angels.
In 2015, a balky right foot derailed the masher's campaign. Pujols posted an .855 OPS in the first half, but that figure dropped to .707 after the All-Star break. Pujols' downturn coincided with the Halos offense going in the tank, as the club ranked No. 14 in the American League in runs in the second half.
In an effort to keep the 36-year-old healthy, manager Mike Scioscia is willing to utilize him heavily in the designated hitter's spot, as he explained to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com:
"The most we need from Albert is his 650 plate appearances and hitting in the middle of our lineup, and being as productive as he is. If we can do that with him playing the Gold Glove-caliber first base that he can bring, great. But we definitely don't want to jeopardize his ability in the batter's box with what he does at first base.
"
That's a smart move by the veteran skipper, because without Pujols' bat in the middle of the lineup, this group looks far from imposing.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
The Lineup
- LF Carl Crawford
- RF Yasiel Puig
- 1B Adrian Gonzalez
- 3B Justin Turner
- SS Corey Seager
- 2B Chase Utley (RHP)/Kike Hernandez (LHP)
- CF Joc Pederson
- C Yasmani Grandal (RHP)/A.J. Ellis (LHP)
The Breakdown
For first-year manager Dave Roberts, one serious concern this spring will be trying to figure out who should be leading off. Looking at the above lineup, there's no obvious candidate who jumps off the page.
Roberts will also figure out how to play the game of musical chairs in the outfield. Veterans Andre Ethier and Scott Van Slyke have earned the right to see time on the field, and don't sleep on Trayce Thompson. After hitting .295 in 44 games for the Chicago White Sox late in 2015, the 24-year-old is the dark horse in the derby for outfield at-bats.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
The Lineup
- 2B Dee Gordon
- LF Christian Yelich
- RF Giancarlo Stanton
- 1B Justin Bour
- CF Marcell Ozuna
- 3B Martin Prado
- C J.T. Realmuto
- SS Adeiny Hechavarria
The Breakdown
Giancarlo Stanton is the focal point of the Miami Marlins attack, but in 2016, Barry Bonds is going to be the smartest hitting mind in the dugout in South Beach.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the new hitting coach and his boss, skipper Don Mattingly, are especially looking forward to working with Marcell Ozuna, whose 2015 included a stint in Triple-A. Per Cafardo, Bonds and Donny Baseball think they can turn the 25-year-old Dominican into a "30/30 performer."
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
The Lineup
- 2B Scooter Gennett
- C Jonathan Lucroy
- RF Ryan Braun
- LF Khris Davis
- 1B Chris Carter
- CF Domingo Santana
- SS Jean Segura
- 3B Will Middlebrooks
The Breakdown
For the Brew Crew, Chris Carter, who has averaged 30 homers a year over the past three seasons, stands out as the big add.
The big question is whether the Milwaukee Brewers are going to make a big subtraction before Opening Day. Per Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jonathan Lucroy wouldn't mind if the rebuilding club shipped him out to a contender.
"I want to win and I don't see us winning in the foreseeable future," Lucroy said. "I want to go to a World Series. That's what all players want. Rebuilding is not a lot of fun for any veteran guy."
The smart play would be for the team to hold on to the backstop after an injury-riddled 2015 (.717 OPS) dented his trade value. Milwaukee should hope for a strong first half from Lucroy before trying to flip him at the deadline.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Byron Buxton
- 2B Brian Dozier
- LF Miguel Sano
- 1B Joe Mauer
- 3B Trevor Plouffe
- DH Byung Ho Park
- RF Eddie Rosario
- C Kurt Suzuki
- SS Eduardo Escobar
The Breakdown
From Miguel Sano to Byron Buxton to Eddie Rosario, this lineup is young and talented. It also includes veteran mainstays like Brian Dozier, Trevor Plouffe and Joe Mauer.
But there are some big questions about just how well the defensive alignment will work out.
After importing Korean slugger Byung Ho Park on a four-year, $12 million pact to slot into the DH role, the Minnesota Twins will be trotting out Miguel Sano in left field. As Aaron Gleeman of NBCSports.com detailed, that's a historically bold plan: "Listed weights are iffy, but: Miguel Sano is listed at 260. No one listed above 250 has a season with 100 games in right field in 50 years."
Good luck, big fella.
New York Mets
18 of 30
The Lineup
- RF Curtis Granderson
- 3B David Wright
- 1B Lucas Duda
- CF Yoenis Cespedes
- LF Michael Conforto
- C Travis d'Arnaud
- 2B Neil Walker
- SS Asdrubal Cabrera
The Breakdown
The New York Mets' batting order looks a whole lot different with Yoenis Cespedes back under contract and set to clean up.
"Cespedes’ presence in the middle of the lineup, his willing embrace of being The Guy You Don’t Want To Beat You, gives more room for error to everyone else," Ken Davidoff of the New York Post wrote after the team inked La Potencia to a three-year, $75 million deal.
One Met who should really thrive with the spotlight trained squarely on Cespedes is Michael Conforto. Last summer, the left fielder posted an .841 OPS with nine dingers in 56 games. Those are some seriously impressive numbers considering Conforto did so while just 22 years old and just over a year removed from getting drafted out of Oregon State.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Jacoby Ellsbury
- LF Brett Gardner
- DH Alex Rodriguez
- 1B Mark Teixeira
- 2B Starlin Castro
- RF Carlos Beltran
- C Brian McCann
- 3B Chase Headley
- SS Didi Gregorius
The Breakdown
Still just 25 years old, Starlin Castro is the perfect pickup for a New York Yankees team that struggled mightily with second-base production in 2015. Last season, the players who patrolled that spot combined to hit .223, which was the second-worst mark in the AL. Castro hit .295 in the second half for the Chicago Cubs.
While second base was a problem spot, the big picture was in sharp focus, as the Yankees ranked second in the bigs in runs.
But if the team is going to repeat that feat in 2016, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira will once again have to supply the power. Last year, A-Rod and Tex accounted for 64 homers. Father Time will be pushing against the Yankees sluggers as they take the field in 2016. Rodriguez turns 41 in July, and Teixeira turns 36 in April.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Billy Burns
- 2B Jed Lowrie
- RF Josh Reddick
- 3B Danny Valencia
- C Stephen Vogt
- LF Mark Canha
- DH Billy Butler
- 1B Yonder Alonso
- SS Marcus Semien
The Breakdown
The Oakland Athletics offense wasn't awful in 2015 (ninth in AL in runs), but it was also far from dynamic.
Jed Lowrie, who figures to see most of his time at second base, is the headliner acquisition, but it's Josh Reddick who has the potential to be the biggest star.
As Joe Stiglich of CSN California noted, the right fielder paced the club in homers, RBI, slugging percentage, total bases and extra-base hits a season ago. With free agency looming at the end of the campaign, Reddick has the incentive to match that performance in 2016.
Looking over the roster, the 36-year-old Coco Crisp stands out as a potential wild card. Injuries ruined his 2015, but if he can stay healthy, he'll get a crack in left field and push Mark Canha to first base.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
The Lineup
- 2B Cesar Hernandez
- LF Odubel Herrera
- 3B Maikel Franco
- 1B Ryan Howard (RHP)/Darin Ruf (LHP)
- C Carlos Ruiz
- RF Aaron Altherr
- SS Freddy Galvis
- CF Peter Bourjos
The Breakdown
The good news for the Philadelphia Phillies is that this lineup is littered with potential. Odubel Herrera (.297 average and 16 steals) and Maikel Franco (.280 average and 14 home runs) are among the guys who look like keepers.
And more help is on the way.
J.P. Crawford, whom MLB.com pegged as the fifth-best prospect in baseball, ended 2015 in Double-A.
The bad news is that as currently constructed, there's little reason to think this group will outproduce last year's lineup, which was No. 13 in the NL in homers and runs.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
The Lineup
- RF Gregory Polanco
- 3B Josh Harrison
- CF Andrew McCutchen
- LF Starling Marte
- 1B Michael Morse
- 2B Jung Ho Kang
- C Francisco Cervelli
- SS Jordy Mercer
The Breakdown
With Gregory Polanco setting the table and Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte anchoring the heart of the lineup, this group looks a lot like the one that helped carry the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 98-win campaign in 2015.
For the Bucs, as spring approaches, the central concern relates to Jung Ho Kang, whose status for Opening Day has yet to be fully settled. According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, Kang is "checking all the boxes" as he works his way back from a knee injury that cut short his brilliant debut season. Kang was especially impressive after the All-Star break, logging a .913 OPS.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
The Lineup
- 2B Cory Spangenberg
- CF Jon Jay
- 1B Wil Myers
- RF Matt Kemp
- 3B Yangervis Solarte
- SS Alexei Ramirez
- LF Melvin Upton
- C Derek Norris
The Breakdown
There's no question about it: The San Diego Padres are lacking in the power department. Last season, the Pads ranked No. 12 in the NL in slugging percentage, and the team has since watched masher Justin Upton depart to the Detroit Tigers in free agency.
Upton is gone, but there's a lot to like about Jon Jay, the team's new outfielder. Injuries limited the veteran to 79 games and a .210 average, but his track record is strong. Jay checked in with a .303 average for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014 and is a .287 hitter in six seasons in the majors.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Denard Span
- 2B Joe Panik
- RF Hunter Pence
- C Buster Posey
- 1B Brandon Belt
- SS Brandon Crawford
- 3B Matt Duffy
- LF Gregor Blanco (RHP)/Angel Pagan (LHP)
The Breakdown
This offense is sneaky good.
The formula for success is simple: The San Francisco Giants put the ball in play a lot (highest average in the NL in 2015 and third-fewest strikeouts).
Based on that model, new center fielder Denard Span should fit right in at AT&T Park. Span is a career .287 hitter, and in 2014, his last full season, he punched out just 65 times in 668 plate appearances. The key with the vet will be keeping him healthy, as he appeared in just 61 games in 2015 thanks to three stints on the disabled list.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
The Lineup
- LF Nori Aoki
- 3B Kyle Seager
- 2B Robinson Cano
- DH Nelson Cruz
- 1B Adam Lind
- LF Seth Smith (RHP)/Franklin Gutierrez (LHP)
- SS Ketel Marte
- CF Leonys Martin
- C Chris Iannetta
The Breakdown
Here's the big question facing the Seattle Mariners offense: Can the group hack it against right-handed pitching?
Last year, the answer was an emphatic "no."
As a team, the M's ranked No. 29 in the bigs in runs when facing right-handers. Of all the new additions GM Jerry Dipoto has made—and there have been a lot—Adam Lind provides the most compelling hope that things will be different in 2016. The first baseman is a righty-killer, logging an .883 OPS and clubbing 20 jacks against them a season ago.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
The Lineup
- 3B Matt Carpenter
- RF Stephen Piscotty
- LF Matt Holliday
- CF Randal Grichuk
- 1B Brandon Moss
- SS Jhonny Peralta
- 2B Kolten Wong
- C Yadier Molina
The Breakdown
For a team that won 100 games a season ago, there sure are a lot of questions surrounding the St. Louis Cardinals.
Just how exactly manager Mike Matheny will divvy up playing time in the outfield and at first base is yet to be determined. Randal Grichuk has the inside track in center, but Tommy Pham will be challenging him for playing time.
Meanwhile, Brandon Moss will aim to hold off Matt Adams for the gig at first. And don't forget about Stephen Piscotty, who should see time at first and in right field.
Then there's Yadier Molina.
According to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, the seven-time All-Star will have his left hand in a cast until mid-February as he recovers from a second thumb surgery. It's no lock that the 33-year-old will be in the lineup from Day 1, but as Langosch wrote, "the Cardinals remain cautiously optimistic that Molina can be ready by April 3, Opening Day."
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
The Lineup
- LF Desmond Jennings
- RF Steven Souza
- 3B Evan Longoria
- DH Logan Morrison
- 2B Logan Forsythe
- 1B James Loney
- CF Kevin Kiermaier
- SS Tim Beckham
- C Hank Conger
The Breakdown
Last season, the Tampa Bay Rays were second-to-last in runs in the AL.
So, just how exactly did the front office go about bolstering that dismal attack? By bringing in Steve Pearce, who hit .218 with a .289 OBP in 2015.
Clearly, the Rays will be hoping they've acquired the 2014 version of Pearce. During that campaign, the right-handed hitter, who can line up at first base, the outfield corners and the DH spot, slammed 21 homers and posted a .930 OPS.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Delino DeShields
- RF Shin-Soo Choo
- 3B Adrian Beltre
- DH Prince Fielder
- 2B Rougned Odor
- 1B Mitch Moreland
- LF Josh Hamilton
- SS Elvis Andrus
- C Robinson Chirinos
The Breakdown
Even as the reigning kings of the AL West, the Texas Rangers have some real question marks in this lineup.
Prince Fielder was the AL Comeback Player of the Year, but his OPS dipped from .924 before the break to .742 after it.
Then there's Josh Hamilton, whose bum left knee just has no interest in cooperating. As Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported, Hamilton has undergone a pair of cleanup procedures after his initial surgery in September.
But it's not all bad for the Rangers. Adrian Beltre is still there to anchor a strong top of the lineup, and Rougned Odor is a rising game-changer.
After the Midsummer Classic, the Venezuelan posted an .832 OPS and clocked 12 homers. If Odor, who turns 22 in February, plays at that clip over an entire season, he won't just be an All-Star—he'll be one of the premier second basemen in the game.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
The Lineup
- LF Dalton Pompey
- 3B Josh Donaldson
- RF Jose Bautista
- DH Edwin Encarnacion
- SS Troy Tulowitzki
- 1B Justin Smoak (RHP)/Chris Colabello (LHP)
- CF Kevin Pillar
- 2B Devon Travis
- C Russell Martin
The Breakdown
The Toronto Blue Jays sported the most terrifying lineup in 2015, and it wasn't even close. The AL East squad scored 127 more runs than the second-best team in baseball.
That will happen when Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki hit No. 2 through No. 5 in your lineup.
But one decision manager John Gibbons will have to make this spring is determining who will bat first. One option would be to roll with Dalton Pompey, who hit .307 with 23 steals while spending most of 2015 in the upper minors
The 23-year-old will be battling with Michael Saunders for starts in left field. He'll also have to fend off Chris Colabello, who should spend time in the outfield when he's not playing first.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
The Lineup
- CF Ben Revere
- 3B Anthony Rendon
- RF Bryce Harper
- 1B Ryan Zimmerman
- 2B Daniel Murphy
- LF Jayson Werth
- SS Danny Espinosa
- C Wilson Ramos
The Breakdown
"Dangerous" isn't exactly the word that comes to mind after taking a gander at the above batting order.
But even with the likes of Anthony Rendon, Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth all missing considerable time in 2015, the Washington Nationals scored the third-most runs in the NL. Yunel Escobar has departed, but the front office has brought in a pair of professional hitters in Ben Revere and Daniel Murphy.
For the Nats, reigning MVP Bryce Harper is the superstar, but Rendon also has the potential to put up MVP-like numbers. A litany of injuries robbed the infielder of his productivity in 2015, but back in 2014, he landed in fifth place on the MVP ballot with 21 jacks and an .824 OPS.
In 2016, Washington needs that version of Rendon to return.
Note: All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and MLB.com. All salary information courtesy of Cot's Baseball Contracts on Baseball Prospectus.
If you want to talk baseball, find me on Twitter @KarlBuscheck.
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