MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stand at Start of Spring Training
Pitchers and catchers will begin reporting to spring training later this week, and among other things, that means it's time for an updated version of our MLB power rankings.
These rankings were last updated Jan. 16, so any transactions or injuries that have taken place between then and now factored into any changes in the rankings this time around. There was also some shifting of opinion on how one team stacks up to another.
Notable additions and re-signings during that time include:
- SP Yu Darvish (CHC)
- LF Christian Yelich (MIL)
- CF Lorenzo Cain (MIL)
- 3B Todd Frazier (NYM)
- CF Austin Jackson (SF)
- CF Lewis Brinson (MIA)
- OF Randal Grichuk (TOR)
- RP Ryan Buchter (OAK)
- RP Seung Hwan Oh (TEX)
- RP Sergio Romo (TB)
- RP David Hernandez (CIN)
- SP Jesse Hahn (KC)
- RP Dominic Leone (STL)
- SS Alcides Escobar (KC)
- 1B Brandon Moss (OAK)
- IF Jose Reyes (NYM)
- C Andrew Susac (BAL).
There's still a ton of talent left on the free-agent market, though, so expect a lot more activity between now and Opening Day.
As with any offseason power rankings, these are not meant to be predictions for the year ahead, but instead a look at how teams would stack up with the rosters they currently have if the season were to start today.
Keep that in mind, as a lot can still change between now and Opening Day.
Note: Players listed in bold on projected rosters indicate newcomers, and italics indicate a player is not on the 40-man roster. An (R) next to a player indicates his rookie status is intact.
30. Detroit Tigers
1 of 30
Spring Outlook
After a 98-loss season last year and with an abundance of talent flipped for prospects since the trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers could be headed for their first 100-loss season since 2003.
Big picture, the next few seasons won't be about their win-loss record, as they work to cultivate the youngsters they've acquired while waiting out the contracts of guys like Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Jordan Zimmermann.
The two outfield spots alongside Nicholas Castellanos will both be up for grabs headed into spring training. Keep an eye on Rule 5 pick Victor Reyes, who finds himself in an ideal position to get a long look at the MLB level.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Leonys Martin | RHP Michael Fulmer |
| 3B Jeimer Candelario | LHP Matthew Boyd |
| 1B Miguel Cabrera | RHP Mike Fiers |
| DH Victor Martinez | RHP Jordan Zimmermann |
| RF Nick Castellanos | LHP Daniel Norris |
| C James McCann | |
| LF Mikie Mahtook | LHP Travis Wood |
| 2B Dixon Machado | RHP Buck Farmer |
| SS Jose Iglesias | LHP Daniel Stumpf |
| RHP Joe Jimenez | |
| C John Hicks | LHP Blaine Hardy |
| IF/OF Alexi Amarista | RHP Drew VerHagen |
| OF Victor Reyes (R) | RHP Alex Wilson |
| RHP Shane Greene |
DL: None
29. Kansas City Royals
2 of 30
Spring Outlook
If the Kansas City Royals open the season with the starting lineup that's projected below, they could legitimately have trouble averaging three runs per game this season. (The MLB low last season was 3.73 per game by the Padres.)
And considering they'll be backing that offense with a starting rotation that is unchanged from the group that ranked 24th in the majors with a 4.89 ERA last year, all signs point to a battle with the Tigers to avoid the AL Central cellar.
Deciding what to do with young infielder Raul Mondesi will be one storyline to watch this spring, as the decision to re-sign Alcides Escobar has clouded his immediate future.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| 2B Whit Merrifield | LHP Danny Duffy |
| LF Alex Gordon | RHP Ian Kennedy |
| RF Jorge Bonifacio | RHP Jason Hammel |
| C Salvador Perez | RHP Jake Junis |
| DH Jorge Soler | RHP Nathan Karns |
| 1B Cheslor Cuthbert | |
| 3B Hunter Dozier (R) | RHP Jesse Hahn |
| CF Paulo Orlando | RHP Brad Keller (R) |
| SS Alcides Escobar | RHP Kevin McCarthy |
| RHP Burch Smith | |
| C Drew Butera | LHP Brian Flynn |
| IF Ryan Goins | RHP Wily Peralta |
| OF Billy Burns | RHP Brandon Maurer |
| RHP Kelvin Herrera |
DL: None
28. Miami Marlins
3 of 30
Spring Outlook
Since we last updated these rankings, the fire sale continued for the Miami Marlins as Christian Yelich was flipped to the Milwaukee Brewers for a package of prospects built around outfielder Lewis Brinson.
The 23-year-old will be given every chance to win the starting center field job this spring, competing with fellow offseason prospect addition Magneuris Sierra and a handful of others.
Catcher J.T. Realmuto is the most likely candidate to be traded if the team makes another move before the start of the season, while Starlin Castro, Dan Straily, Derek Dietrich and Brad Ziegler could all wind up being dealt before the 2018 season comes to a close.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| C J.T. Realmuto | RHP Dan Straily |
| LF Martin Prado | LHP Wei-Yin Chen |
| 2B Starlin Castro | RHP Jose Urena |
| 1B Justin Bour | LHP Dillon Peters (R) |
| RF Derek Dietrich | LHP Justin Nicolino |
| CF Lewis Brinson (R) | |
| 3B Brian Anderson (R) | RHP Elieser Hernandez (R) |
| SS J.T. Riddle | RHP Brett Graves (R) |
| RHP Nick Wittgren | |
| C Tomas Telis | RHP Junichi Tazawa |
| 1B Garrett Cooper (R) | LHP Jarlin Garcia |
| IF Miguel Rojas | RHP Drew Steckenrider |
| OF Scott Van Slyke | RHP Kyle Barraclough |
| RHP Brad Ziegler |
DL: None
27. San Diego Padres
4 of 30
Spring Outlook
While the San Diego Padres are still looking to the future and set for another season of rebuilding, they were better than most expected on their way to 71 wins a year ago and should continue trending in the right direction this season.
The starting rotation could surprise some people, with young starters Dinelson Lamet and Luis Perdomo, veteran Clayton Richard and trade pickup Bryan Mitchell all capable of turning in solid seasons.
With the Padres still in the mix to sign Eric Hosmer, it will be interesting to see what the rest of the offseason has in store, whether they get their guy, turn their attention elsewhere or simply stand pat.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Manuel Margot | LHP Clayton Richard |
| 3B Chase Headley | RHP Dinelson Lamet |
| 1B Wil Myers | RHP Luis Perdomo |
| LF Jose Pirela | RHP Bryan Mitchell |
| RF Hunter Renfroe | RHP Tyson Ross |
| SS Freddy Galvis | |
| 2B Carlos Asuaje | RHP Jordan Lyles |
| C Austin Hedges | LHP Buddy Baumann |
| RHP Kazuhisa Makita (R) | |
| C Rocky Gale (R) | LHP Jose Torres |
| 3B Christian Villanueva | RHP Craig Stammen |
| IF Cory Spangenberg | RHP Kirby Yates |
| OF Travis Jankowski | LHP Brad Hand |
| OF Matt Szczur |
DL: RP Carter Capps
26. Chicago White Sox
5 of 30
Spring Outlook
With Carlos Rodon set to start the season on the disabled list, the Chicago White Sox figure to have a trio of young starters round out the rotation behind Miguel Gonzalez and James Shields.
Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Carson Fulmer are the front-runners for those spots, and all three will be looking to prove they belong on the staff for good with strong springs. Fulmer, in particular, is still looking to shake the consensus that he'll inevitably wind up in the bullpen as a result of his high-effort delivery.
With a pair of outfield spots undecided and a number of bullpen jobs up for grabs, Guaranteed Rate Field could be a spot for some of the market's remaining midtier free agents on one-year deals, giving the White Sox some potential trade chips in the summer as they continue rebuilding.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| SS Tim Anderson | RHP Miguel Gonzalez |
| 2B Yoan Moncada | RHP James Shields |
| 1B Jose Abreu | RHP Lucas Giolito |
| RF Avisail Garcia | RHP Reynaldo Lopez |
| DH Nicky Delmonico | RHP Carson Fulmer (R) |
| C Welington Castillo | |
| 3B Yolmer Sanchez | RHP Rob Scahill |
| LF Leury Garcia | LHP Xavier Cedeno |
| CF Charlie Tilson | RHP Danny Farquhar |
| LHP Luis Avilan | |
| C Omar Narvaez | RHP Gregory Infante |
| 3B Matt Davidson | RHP Juan Minaya |
| IF/OF Tyler Saladino | RHP Joakim Soria |
| OF Willy Garcia |
DL: SP Carlos Rodon, RP Nate Jones
25. Baltimore Orioles
6 of 30
Spring Outlook
The Baltimore Orioles seem set on not making the same mistake they did four years ago when they signed Ubaldo Jimenez to an ill-advised four-year pact in free agency.
As a result, they'll pick at the scraps of the free-agent market to round out a starting rotation that currently stands as the worst in all of baseball.
Given that strategy and the strength of their own division, it's hard to see any way they're still in contention by midseason. That could mean upcoming free agents Manny Machado, Adam Jones, Zach Britton and Brad Brach all find themselves on the block.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| 3B Tim Beckham | RHP Dylan Bundy |
| SS Manny Machado | RHP Kevin Gausman |
| 2B Jonathan Schoop | RHP Gabriel Ynoa |
| CF Adam Jones | RHP Miguel Castro |
| 1B Chris Davis | RHP Mike Wright |
| LF Trey Mancini | |
| DH Mark Trumbo | LHP Nestor Cortes (R) |
| C Chance Sisco (R) | RHP Jose Mesa (R) |
| RF Austin Hays (R) | LHP Donnie Hart |
| LHP Richard Bleier | |
| C Caleb Joseph | RHP Darren O'Day |
| IF Engelb Vielma (R) | RHP Mychal Givens |
| OF Joey Rickard | RHP Brad Brach |
| OF Anthony Santander (R) |
DL: RP Zach Britton
24. Pittsburgh Pirates
7 of 30
Spring Outlook
There's no sense for the Pittsburgh Pirates to stop rebuilding now after they pulled the trigger on trading Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole earlier this offseason.
Josh Harrison makes the most sense as the next veteran to be on the move. His defensive versatility and reasonable contract give him broad appeal, and moving him would clear a path once some of the team's abundance of middle infield prospects proves ready.
At this point, it looks like the Pirates will not be battling with the Cincinnati Reds to avoid the NL Central cellar, and those two teams are headed in opposite directions.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| 2B Josh Harrison | RHP Jameson Taillon |
| LF Adam Frazier | RHP Ivan Nova |
| CF Starling Marte | RHP Trevor Williams |
| 1B Josh Bell | RHP Joe Musgrove |
| RF Gregory Polanco | RHP Chad Kuhl |
| 3B Colin Moran (R) | |
| C Francisco Cervelli | RHP Jordan Milbrath (R) |
| SS Jordy Mercer | RHP Dovydas Neverauskas (R) |
| RHP A.J. Schugel | |
| C Elias Diaz | RHP George Kontos |
| 1B/3B David Freese | RHP Michael Feliz |
| IF/OF Sean Rodriguez | RHP Daniel Hudson |
| OF Jordan Luplow (R) | LHP Felipe Rivero |
| OF Daniel Nava |
DL: RP Nick Burdi, 3B Jung Ho Kang (restricted list)
23. Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Spring Outlook
If a few things break right in the starting rotation, the Cincinnati Reds have a chance to be vastly improved from the group that won 68 games a year ago.
Luis Castillo looks like a potential breakout candidate and Robert Stephenson finished the 2017 season strong, so those will be two to keep an eye on as major X-factors this spring.
Perhaps the biggest decision facing this team in the short term will be what to do with Eugenio Suarez once top prospects Nick Senzel is ready to take over at third base. After he hit .321/.391/.514 last season and reached Double-A, that figures to be sooner than later, so don't be surprised if Suarez is trying some new positions this spring.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Billy Hamilton | RHP Anthony DeSclafani |
| RF Jesse Winker (R) | LHP Brandon Finnegan |
| 1B Joey Votto | RHP Luis Castillo |
| LF Adam Duvall | RHP Homer Bailey |
| 3B Eugenio Suarez | RHP Robert Stephenson |
| 2B Scooter Gennett | |
| SS Jose Peraza | LHP Amir Garrett |
| C Tucker Barnhart | RHP Kevin Shackelford |
| LHP Kyle Crockett | |
| C Devin Mesoraco | RHP Jared Hughes |
| IF Dilson Herrera | RHP David Hernandez |
| OF Phillip Ervin (R) | LHP Wandy Peralta |
| OF Scott Schebler | RHP Michael Lorenzen |
| RHP Raisel Iglesias |
DL: None
22. Philadelphia Phillies
9 of 30
Spring Outlook
Another team that will only be as good as the starting rotation allows, the Philadelphia Phillies desperately need someone to establish themselves as a long-term piece behind budding ace Aaron Nola.
There is no shortage of options as Jerad Eickhoff and Vince Velasquez have both flashed intriguing potential in the past, while Ben Lively, Jake Thompson, Nick Pivetta, Zach Eflin, Ricardo Pinto and prospect Tom Eshelman will all be battling for a spot on the staff this spring.
As for the lineup, paths have been cleared for J.P. Crawford and Jorge Alfaro to finally seize everyday spots, and unless they absolutely flop this spring, they should be penciled in on Opening Day.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| 2B Cesar Hernandez | RHP Aaron Nola |
| CF Odubel Herrera | RHP Jerad Eickhoff |
| LF Rhys Hoskins | RHP Vince Velasquez |
| 1B Carlos Santana | RHP Ben Lively |
| RF Nick Williams | RHP Jake Thompson |
| 3B Maikel Franco | |
| C Jorge Alfaro (R) | RHP Mark Leiter |
| SS J.P. Crawford (R) | RHP Victor Arano (R) |
| RHP Edubray Ramos | |
| C Cameron Rupp | LHP Adam Morgan |
| 1B Tommy Joseph | RHP Luis Garcia |
| IF/OF Pedro Florimon | RHP Tommy Hunter |
| OF Aaron Altherr | RHP Pat Neshek |
| RHP Hector Neris |
DL: None
21. Atlanta Braves
10 of 30
Spring Outlook
The Atlanta Braves have more top-tier pitching talent down on the farm than any team in baseball; it's simply a matter of waiting to see how they develop.
Luiz Gohara could be the first from that group to carve out a spot in the big league rotation, as he'll be competing with fellow prospect Max Fried and veterans Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy for the final two spots in the rotation.
That said, the biggest prospect storyline will be outfielder Ronald Acuna, who has a clear path to starting gig after the team moved Matt Kemp. He'll likely start at Triple-A so the team can secure another year of arbitration, but an early promotion and a run at NL Rookie of the Year looks inevitable.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Ender Inciarte | RHP Julio Teheran |
| 2B Ozzie Albies | LHP Sean Newcomb |
| 1B Freddie Freeman | RHP Mike Foltynewicz |
| C Tyler Flowers | LHP Luiz Gohara (R) |
| RF Nick Markakis | LHP Scott Kazmir |
| LF Preston Tucker | |
| SS Dansby Swanson | RHP Brandon McCarthy |
| 3B Johan Camargo | RHP Anyelo Gomez (R) |
| RHP Chase Whitley | |
| C Kurt Suzuki | LHP Sam Freeman |
| 3B Rio Ruiz | RHP Dan Winkler (R) |
| IF Charlie Culberson | LHP A.J. Minter (R) |
| OF Lane Adams | RHP Jose Ramirez |
| RHP Arodys Vizcaino |
DL: RP Grant Dayton
20. Tampa Bay Rays
11 of 30
Spring Outlook
Losing Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison from an offense that ranked 25th in the league in runs scored last season doesn't bode well for the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, they've always been a team that will go as far as its pitching staff allows, and the rotation has a chance to be a strength once again—provided Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi are both still on the roster come Opening Day.
Prospects Brent Honeywell, Willy Adames and Jake Bauers will all have a chance to position themselves for an early call-up with a strong spring.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Kevin Kiermaier | RHP Chris Archer |
| 3B Matt Duffy | RHP Jake Odorizzi |
| RF Steven Souza Jr. | LHP Blake Snell |
| DH Corey Dickerson | RHP Jacob Faria |
| C Wilson Ramos | RHP Matt Andriese |
| 1B Brad Miller | |
| LF Denard Span | RHP Nathan Eovaldi |
| 2B Joey Wendle (R) | LHP Jose Alvarado |
| SS Adeiny Hechavarria | RHP Chaz Roe |
| RHP Andrew Kittredge (R) | |
| C Jesus Sucre | LHP Dan Jennings |
| IF Daniel Robertson | RHP Sergio Romo |
| IF/OF Micah Johnson | RHP Alex Colome |
| OF Mallex Smith |
DL: None
19. Oakland Athletics
12 of 30
Spring Outlook
Position battles abound for an Oakland Athletics team that has an outside chance to make a run at a winning record after going 75-87 a year ago.
It will come down to whether the relatively anonymous stable of starting pitchers is up to the task, as the powerful lineup should score plenty of runs and the Blake Treinen-led bullpen has a chance to be a good unit.
Keep an eye on Dustin Fowler and Jorge Mateo—two prospects who came over from the Yankees in the Sonny Gray trade—as both could be in the mix for the starting center field job.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| SS Marcus Semien | RHP Kendall Graveman |
| LF Matt Joyce | LHP Sean Manaea |
| 2B Jed Lowrie | RHP Andrew Triggs |
| DH Khris Davis | RHP Daniel Mengden |
| 1B Matt Olson | RHP Paul Blackburn |
| RF Stephen Piscotty | |
| 3B Matt Chapman | RHP Raul Alcantara |
| CF Boog Powell | RHP Emilio Pagan |
| C Bruce Maxwell | RHP Chris Hatcher |
| RHP Liam Hendriks | |
| C Josh Phegley | RHP Yusmeiro Petit |
| 1B/OF Brandon Moss | RHP Santiago Casilla |
| IF/OF Chad Pinder | LHP Ryan Buchter |
| RHP Blake Treinen |
DL: None
18. San Francisco Giants
13 of 30
Spring Outlook
The San Francisco Giants are going to be a better team than the one we saw a year ago.
Then again, that's not exactly the boldest prediction, considering they lost 98 games with a roster than many expected to contend for a division title.
Adding Andrew McCutchen, Evan Longoria and Austin Jackson moves the needle, but not enough for them to look like anything more than fringe contenders until a number of bounce-back candidates prove they're capable of doing just that.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| LF Andrew McCutchen | LHP Madison Bumgarner |
| 2B Joe Panik | RHP Johnny Cueto |
| 3B Evan Longoria | RHP Jeff Samardzija |
| C Buster Posey | LHP Ty Blach |
| 1B Brandon Belt | RHP Chris Stratton |
| SS Brandon Crawford | |
| RF Hunter Pence | RHP Julian Fernandez (R) |
| CF Austin Jackson | RHP Derek Law |
| LHP Steven Okert | |
| C Nick Hundley | RHP Cory Gearrin |
| 3B Pablo Sandoval | RHP Hunter Strickland |
| IF Kelby Tomlinson | RHP Sam Dyson |
| OF Gorkys Hernandez | RHP Mark Melancon |
| OF Jarrett Parker |
DL: RP Will Smith
17. Seattle Mariners
14 of 30
Spring Outlook
It's been asked more than once this offseason: Are the Seattle Mariners going to add a starting pitcher?
The rotation looked to be far and away the biggest weakness on the roster heading into the offseason, and despite another busy winter from general manager Jerry Dipoto, they've yet to make a significant addition to the starting staff.
For a franchise that is desperate to snap a postseason drought that stretches back to 2001, there's too much talent on this roster not to make a concerted effort to shore up the rotation. They look like fringe wild-card contenders right now and the fourth-best team in their own division.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Dee Gordon | LHP James Paxton |
| SS Jean Segura | RHP Felix Hernandez |
| 2B Robinson Cano | RHP Mike Leake |
| DH Nelson Cruz | RHP Erasmo Ramirez |
| 3B Kyle Seager | LHP Marco Gonzales |
| RF Mitch Haniger | |
| 1B Ryon Healy | RHP Shawn Armstrong |
| C Mike Zunino | LHP Marc Rzepczynski |
| LF Ben Gamel | RHP David Phelps |
| LHP James Pazos | |
| C Mike Marjama | RHP Nick Vincent |
| IF/OF Taylor Motter | RHP Juan Nicasio |
| IF/OF Andrew Romine | RHP Edwin Diaz |
| OF Guillermo Heredia |
DL: None
16. Toronto Blue Jays
15 of 30
Spring Outlook
By adding Curtis Granderson, Randal Grichuk, Yangervis Solarte and Aledmys Diaz, the Toronto Blue Jays have better positioned themselves to make one last run with the current core, and they've done it without altering the club's future plans.
It's easy to forget that a rotation led by the same four starters was one of the best in baseball two years ago, and if J.A. Happ and Aaron Sanchez can stay healthy, it has a chance to be a major strength once again.
Sorting out the No. 5 starter spot looks like the biggest decision of the spring, and left-hander Ryan Borucki could be the answer he went 8-8 with a 2.93 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 157 strikeouts in 150.1 innings while climbing three levels to Triple-A.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| LF Curtis Granderson | RHP Marcus Stroman |
| 3B Josh Donaldson | LHP J.A. Happ |
| 1B Justin Smoak | RHP Marco Estrada |
| DH Kendrys Morales | RHP Aaron Sanchez |
| SS Troy Tulowitzki | LHP Ryan Borucki (R) |
| 2B Yangervis Solarte | |
| RF Randal Grichuk | RHP Carlos Ramirez (R) |
| CF Kevin Pillar | LHP Matt Dermody |
| C Russell Martin | RHP Danny Barnes |
| LHP Aaron Loup | |
| C Luke Maile | RHP Joe Biagini |
| IF Aledmys Diaz | RHP Ryan Tepera |
| IF/OF Steve Pearce | RHP Roberto Osuna |
| OF Ezequiel Carrera |
DL: 2B Devon Travis
15. Minnesota Twins
16 of 30
Spring Outlook
The Minnesota Twins were dealt a pair of significant blows last season.
First, veteran Ervin Santana was lost for 10 to 12 weeks following surgery last week on his right middle finger, leaving his status for Opening Day in doubt.
That was followed by news that the Chicago Cubs signed Yu Darvish on Sunday, according to CBSSports.com. The Twins have made it clear that Darvish was their No. 1 target all offseason, and now they'll need to quickly shift gears in their search for starting pitching help.
The young offensive core has significant upside and Jose Berrios is capable of taking another step forward atop the staff, but until they shore up the rotation, it's hard to see them reaching the 85 wins they posted in 2017.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| 2B Brian Dozier | RHP Jose Berrios |
| 1B Joe Mauer | RHP Kyle Gibson |
| DH Miguel Sano | LHP Adalberto Mejia |
| LF Eddie Rosario | RHP Tyler Duffey |
| SS Jorge Polanco | RHP Aaron Slegers (R) |
| RF Max Kepler | |
| CF Byron Buxton | RHP Tyler Kinley (R) |
| 3B Eduardo Escobar | LHP Zach Duke |
| C Jason Castro | RHP Ryan Pressly |
| LHP Taylor Rogers | |
| C Mitch Garver (R) | RHP Trevor Hildenberger |
| 1B Kennys Vargas | RHP Addison Reed |
| IF/OF Ehire Adrianza | RHP Fernando Rodney |
| OF Robbie Grossman |
DL: SP Ervin Santana, SP Michael Pineda, SP Phil Hughes, RP Trevor May
14. New York Mets
17 of 30
Spring Outlook
Only one pitcher on the New York Mets staff—Jacob deGrom—topped 120 innings last season.
So what has the front office done on the pitching side of things this offseason?
Added veteran reliever Anthony Swarzak and nothing else.
Putting all your eggs in the same basket that broke and left you with a splattered, 92-loss mess a year ago is a recipe for disaster.
At the same time, it's hard to see things going any worse for this team from a luck standpoint. There's undeniable talent on the roster, so the middle of the pack here at No. 14 seems about right.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Brandon Nimmo | RHP Jacob deGrom |
| 2B Asdrubal Cabrera | RHP Noah Syndergaard |
| LF Yoenis Cespedes | RHP Matt Harvey |
| RF Jay Bruce | RHP Zack Wheeler |
| 3B Todd Frazier | RHP Robert Gsellman |
| 1B Adrian Gonzalez | |
| C Travis d'Arnaud | RHP Seth Lugo |
| SS Amed Rosario | RHP Rafael Montero |
| RHP Paul Sewald | |
| C Kevin Plawecki | LHP Jerry Blevins |
| IF Wilmer Flores | RHP Anthony Swarzak |
| IF Jose Reyes | RHP A.J. Ramos |
| OF Juan Lagares | RHP Jeurys Familia |
DL: OF Michael Conforto, SP Steven Matz, 3B David Wright, IF T.J. Rivera
13. Texas Rangers
18 of 30
Spring Outlook
Let the great, six-man rotation experiment begin!
With Martin Perez sidelined to start the season, there's a good chance non-roster invitee Bartolo Colon will be given every chance to break camp as the No. 6 starter for the Texas Rangers.
While a six-man staff might not make sense for a lot of teams, the Rangers look to be in a perfect position to give it a try. They have two converted relievers (Mike Minor and Matt Bush), a bounce-back candidate (Matt Moore), two capable veterans who will benefit from additional rest (Doug Fister and Colon) and an aging ace (Cole Hamels) who failed to reach 150 innings for the first time since 2006.
The battle for DH at-bats between prospects Willie Calhoun and Ronald Guzman will also be fun to watch this spring, and both players have a chance to make an impact.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Delino DeShields Jr. | LHP Cole Hamels |
| RF Shin-Soo Choo | LHP Matt Moore |
| SS Elvis Andrus | RHP Doug Fister |
| 3B Adrian Beltre | LHP Mike Minor |
| LF Nomar Mazara | RHP Matt Bush |
| 1B Joey Gallo | RHP Bartolo Colon |
| C Robinson Chirinos | |
| 2B Rougned Odor | RHP Chris Martin |
| DH Willie Calhoun (R) | RHP Tony Barnette |
| RHP Jose Leclerc | |
| C Juan Centeno | RHP Seung Hwan Oh |
| IF/OF Jurickson Profar | LHP Jake Diekman |
| IF/OF Ryan Rua | RHP Keone Kela |
| LHP Alex Claudio |
DL: SP Martin Perez
12. Milwaukee Brewers
19 of 30
Spring Outlook
There's no question the Milwaukee Brewers improved with the additions of Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain to what was already a potent lineup.
However, it's hard to see them legitimately contending with the top dogs in the National League with a rotation that's fronted by Chase Anderson, Zach Davies and eventually Jimmy Nelson.
Now that Yu Darvish is off the board, things may finally get moving on the Jake Arrieta market, and the former Cy Young winner could truly be the missing piece for the Brew Crew.
While it might be hard to see them contending for a title without a significant addition to the starting staff, this is still a legitimate wild-card contender with their current roster.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| LF Christian Yelich | RHP Chase Anderson |
| CF Lorenzo Cain | RHP Zach Davies |
| 3B Travis Shaw | RHP Jhoulys Chacin |
| RF Ryan Braun | RHP Yovani Gallardo |
| 1B Eric Thames | LHP Brent Suter |
| SS Orlando Arcia | |
| C Stephen Vogt | RHP Oliver Drake |
| 2B Jonathan Villar | RHP Jeremy Jeffress |
| LHP Boone Logan | |
| C Manny Pina | RHP Matt Albers |
| 1B Jesus Aguilar | RHP Jacob Barnes |
| IF/OF Hernan Perez | LHP Josh Hader |
| IF/OF Eric Sogard | RHP Corey Knebel |
| OF Domingo Santana |
DL: SP Jimmy Nelson
11. Colorado Rockies
20 of 30
Spring Outlook
A strong bullpen and viable starting pitching depth.
That's two things the Colorado Rockies have rarely had since their inception as a franchise, and they are their tickets to building off an 87-win season and a trip to the Wild Card Game a year ago.
Ace Jon Gray, along with Chad Bettis and Tyler Anderson look like locks for the rotation, leaving German Marquez, Kyle Freeland, Antonio Senzatela and Jeff Hoffman to compete for the final two spots on the staff.
The other big spring decision will be whether prospect Ryan McMahon is the answer at first base. That said, don't be surprised if Mark Reynolds eventually returns on another one-year deal.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Charlie Blackmon | RHP Jon Gray |
| 2B DJ LeMahieu | RHP Chad Bettis |
| 3B Nolan Arenado | LHP Tyler Anderson |
| RF Gerardo Parra | RHP German Marquez |
| SS Trevor Story | LHP Kyle Freeland |
| 1B Ryan McMahon (R) | |
| LF Ian Desmond | RHP Antonio Senzatela |
| C Chris Iannetta | LHP Chris Rusin |
| RHP Scott Oberg | |
| C Tony Wolters | LHP Mike Dunn |
| IF/OF Pat Valaika | RHP Adam Ottavino |
| OF Raimel Tapia | RHP Bryan Shaw |
| OF Mike Tauchman (R) | LHP Jake McGee |
| RHP Wade Davis |
DL: None
10. Boston Red Sox
21 of 30
Spring Outlook
At some point, the Boston Red Sox are going to do something, right?
The team has not made a single addition to the 40-man roster this offseason, as re-signing first baseman Mitch Moreland has been their biggest move to date.
Slugger J.D. Martinez remains the top free-agent target, but there were varying reports last week that he might be "fed up" with the team's unwillingness to negotiate from its original five-year, $125 million offer.
Logan Morrison would be a cheaper alternative to adding some pop to the lineup, albeit a clear step down from Martinez.
A lack of starting pitching depth and the matter of filling the second base spot until Dustin Pedroia returns to action are also areas that will need to be addressed for a team that won 93 games and a division title last year.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| SS Xander Bogaerts | LHP Chris Sale |
| LF Andrew Benintendi | LHP David Price |
| RF Mookie Betts | RHP Rick Porcello |
| DH Hanley Ramirez | LHP Drew Pomeranz |
| 3B Rafael Devers | RHP Steven Wright |
| 1B Mitch Moreland | |
| CF Jackie Bradley Jr. | RHP Heath Hembree |
| C Christian Vazquez | LHP Brian Johnson |
| 2B Esteban Quiroz (R) | RHP Joe Kelly |
| RHP Carson Smith | |
| C Sandy Leon | RHP Tyler Thornburg |
| IF Deven Marrero | RHP Matt Barnes |
| IF/OF Brock Holt | RHP Craig Kimbrel |
| OF Bryce Brentz (R) |
DL: 2B Dustin Pedroia, SP Eduardo Rodriguez
9. St. Louis Cardinals
22 of 30
Spring Outlook
It looks like Luke Gregerson and Dominic Leone will be the extent of the St. Louis Cardinals' additions to the relief corps.
Will that be good enough to allow them to keep pace with the rival Cubs in the NL Central?
There's no question the offense is improved with the addition of Marcell Ozuna, and the starting rotation should again be a strength, even with Lance Lynn departing in free agency.
A healthy Alex Reyes would be one of the biggest X-factors in all of baseball, even if he's deployed exclusively as a reliever this season in an effort to limit his innings and ease him back into things on the heels of Tommy John surgery.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| 1B Matt Carpenter | RHP Carlos Martinez |
| CF Tommy Pham | RHP Michael Wacha |
| LF Marcell Ozuna | RHP Adam Wainwright |
| RF Dexter Fowler | RHP Luke Weaver |
| SS Paul DeJong | RHP Miles Mikolas |
| C Yadier Molina | |
| 3B Jedd Gyorko | RHP John Brebbia |
| 2B Kolten Wong | RHP Sam Tuivailala |
| LHP Brett Cecil | |
| C Carson Kelly (R) | RHP Matt Bowman |
| 1B Luke Voit | RHP Dominic Leone |
| 1B/OF Jose Martinez | LHP Tyler Lyons |
| IF Greg Garcia | RHP Luke Gregerson |
| OF Harrison Bader (R) |
DL: SP Alex Reyes
8. Los Angeles Angels
23 of 30
Spring Outlook
This is admittedly a bullish ranking for the Los Angeles Angels, considering they won 80 games last season and have failed to reach the playoffs in seven of the past eight seasons.
It's just tough to ignore how improved their roster looks heading into 2018.
The additions of Shohei Ohtani, Zack Cozart and Ian Kinsler—along with a full season of Justin Upton—are obvious improvements.
It's a healthy starting rotation that deserves equal attention.
Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker and Tyler Skaggs are all capable of being above-average or better rotation options, and they combined for just 36 starts a year ago.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| 2B Ian Kinsler | RHP Garrett Richards |
| CF Mike Trout | RHP Shohei Ohtani (R) |
| LF Justin Upton | LHP Tyler Skaggs |
| DH Albert Pujols | RHP Matt Shoemaker |
| RF Kole Calhoun | RHP JC Ramirez |
| 3B Zack Cozart | |
| SS Andrelton Simmons | RHP Luke Bard (R) |
| 1B C.J. Cron | RHP Blake Wood |
| C Martin Maldonado | LHP Jose Alvarez |
| RHP Keynan Middleton | |
| C Rene Rivera | RHP Jim Johnson |
| IF Luis Valbuena | RHP Cam Bedrosian |
| IF/OF Jefry Marte | RHP Blake Parker |
| OF Eric Young Jr. |
DL: SP Alex Meyer
7. Arizona Diamondbacks
24 of 30
Spring Outlook
The Arizona Diamondbacks went from 69 wins in 2016 to 93 wins last season, and it will be interesting to see where they land this year.
Based simply on their on-paper talent, this looks like a team that should be able to duplicate last year's success.
The starting rotation is rock-solid from top to bottom, the offense was plenty potent before J.D. Martinez was acquired last year, and the bullpen could actually be improved with Brad Boxberger and Yoshihisa Hirano in and Fernando Rodney out.
They might not be able to bridge the gap to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but another 90-win season and a return trip to the Wild Card Game is well within reach.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| RF David Peralta | RHP Zack Greinke |
| CF A.J. Pollock | LHP Robbie Ray |
| 1B Paul Goldschmidt | RHP Taijuan Walker |
| 3B Jake Lamb | RHP Zack Godley |
| LF Yasmany Tomas | LHP Patrick Corbin |
| C Alex Avila | |
| 2B Chris Owings | RHP Albert Suarez |
| SS Ketel Marte | LHP T.J. McFarland |
| RHP Randall Delgado | |
| C Jeff Mathis | LHP Andrew Chafin |
| C/OF Chris Herrmann | RHP Yoshihisa Hirano (R) |
| IF/OF Daniel Descalso | RHP Brad Boxberger |
| IF/OF Brandon Drury | RHP Archie Bradley |
| OF Socrates Brito (R) |
DL: SP Shelby Miller
6. Cleveland Indians
25 of 30
Spring Outlook
The Cleveland Indians lost two key cogs from their recent run of success—first baseman Carlos Santana and workhorse reliever Bryan Shaw.
Free agent Yonder Alonso will replace Santana, and the hope is that he'll land somewhere between his huge first-half and dismal second-half numbers.
As for the bullpen, incumbent Nick Goody will likely be asked to step into a higher-leverage role to replace Shaw after he posted a 2.80 ERA and 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings with six holds in 56 games last year.
The Tribe should run away with the AL Central once again after winning the division by 17 games over the Twins, and anything short of a trip to the World Series will be a disappointing result.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| SS Francisco Lindor | RHP Corey Kluber |
| 2B Jason Kipnis | RHP Carlos Carrasco |
| 3B Jose Ramirez | RHP Trevor Bauer |
| DH Edwin Encarnacion | RHP Danny Salazar |
| LF Michael Brantley | RHP Josh Tomlin |
| 1B Yonder Alonso | |
| RF Lonnie Chisenhall | LHP Ryan Merritt (R) |
| CF Bradley Zimmer | RHP Zach McAllister |
| C Roberto Perez | RHP Dan Otero |
| LHP Tyler Olson | |
| C Yan Gomes | RHP Nick Goody |
| 3B Giovanny Urshela | LHP Andrew Miller |
| IF Erik Gonzalez | RHP Cody Allen |
| OF Brandon Guyer |
DL: SP Cody Anderson
5. New York Yankees
26 of 30
Spring Outlook
The New York Yankees are now the team to beat in the AL East, and they fit right alongside the Indians as the leading contenders to dethrone the Houston Astros for AL supremacy.
Sorting out second and third base will be one of the biggest storylines of spring training, in part because top prospect Gleyber Torres could be the answer at one of those spots.
Along with the high-profile addition of Giancarlo Stanton, a full season of Greg Bird at 100 percent health could also be a huge addition to an already potent offense.
The Red Sox still have work to do this offseason, but they'll be chasing the Yankees regardless of what additions they make.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| LF Brett Gardner | RHP Luis Severino |
| RF Aaron Judge | RHP Masahiro Tanaka |
| DH Giancarlo Stanton | RHP Sonny Gray |
| SS Didi Gregorius | LHP CC Sabathia |
| C Gary Sanchez | LHP Jordan Montgomery |
| 1B Greg Bird | |
| CF Aaron Hicks | RHP Adam Warren |
| 3B Miguel Andujar (R) | RHP Chad Green |
| 2B Ronald Torreyes | LHP Chasen Shreve |
| RHP Tommy Kahnle | |
| C Austin Romine | RHP David Robertson |
| 1B/OF Tyler Austin | RHP Dellin Betances |
| IF Tyler Wade (R) | LHP Aroldis Chapman |
| OF Jacoby Ellsbury |
DL: None
4. Washington Nationals
27 of 30
Spring Outlook
It's a make-or-break year for the Washington Nationals.
There's no glaring hole on the roster and there's a clear sense of desperation hanging over the franchise after another disappointing National League Division Series exit and with Bryce Harper staring down free agency.
A changing of the guard is coming for this organization one way or another, and winning a World Series title in 2018 would go a long way toward smoothing that transition.
At this time a year ago, there were major questions about the relief corps that ended up being completely justified. Now, the bullpen looks like an area of strength and this team looks poised to make a push for 100-plus wins and a deep playoff run.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| SS Trea Turner | RHP Max Scherzer |
| LF Adam Eaton | RHP Stephen Strasburg |
| RF Bryce Harper | LHP Gio Gonzalez |
| 1B Ryan Zimmerman | RHP Tanner Roark |
| 2B Daniel Murphy | RHP A.J. Cole |
| 3B Anthony Rendon | |
| C Matt Wieters | RHP Koda Glover |
| CF Michael Taylor | LHP Matt Grace |
| RHP Shawn Kelley | |
| C Pedro Severino | LHP Enny Romero |
| 1B Matt Adams | RHP Ryan Madson |
| IF/OF Wilmer Difo | RHP Brandon Kintzler |
| IF/OF Howie Kendrick | LHP Sean Doolittle |
| OF Brian Goodwin |
DL: SP Joe Ross
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
28 of 30
Spring Outlook
The extent of the Los Angeles Dodgers offseason has essentially been swapping out relievers Brandon Morrow and Tony Watson for Tom Koehler and Scott Alexander.
That's a far cry from last offseason when the front office dropped some serious money to re-sign Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner and Rich Hill.
Big picture, this team didn't need a splashy winter.
The lineup has a chance to be one of the best in baseball once again, the starting rotation is a clear strength, the bullpen has been addressed and there's more homegrown help on the way as Walker Buehler and Alex Verdugo could both make an impact in 2018.
It would be an upset if they don't make it six straight NL West titles in 2018.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF Chris Taylor | LHP Clayton Kershaw |
| SS Corey Seager | LHP Rich Hill |
| 3B Justin Turner | RHP Kenta Maeda |
| 1B Cody Bellinger | LHP Alex Wood |
| RF Yasiel Puig | LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu |
| LF Joc Pederson | |
| C Austin Barnes | RHP Ross Stripling |
| 2B Logan Forsythe | LHP Adam Liberatore |
| RHP Tom Koehler | |
| C Yasmani Grandal | LHP Tony Cingrani |
| IF/OF Kike Hernandez | RHP Josh Fields |
| OF Matt Kemp | LHP Scott Alexander |
| OF Trayce Thompson | RHP Pedro Baez |
| RHP Kenley Jansen |
DL: SP Julio Urias
2. Chicago Cubs
29 of 30
Spring Outlook
And just like that, the Chicago Cubs are once again the NL favorites.
After weeks of hand-wringing, the front office finally gave Yu Darvish that sixth year, as he joins an already talented starting rotation on a six-year, $126 million deal that could be worth $150 million with incentives.
Richard Justice of MLB.com wrote of the signing:
"The Cubs have positioned themselves to win a third straight division championship, regardless of how the Brewers and Cardinals respond. The Cubs' window of opportunity will not remain open forever. But as long as it is open, owner Tom Ricketts and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein intend to give their guys every chance to win another World Series championship. In the end, that's what this day signified."
Figuring out the closer's role and deciding who bats leadoff headline the spring to-do list, and this team is not without flaw, but it's hard to view them as anything but World Series contenders.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| LF Kyle Schwarber | LHP Jon Lester |
| 3B Kris Bryant | RHP Yu Darvish |
| 1B Anthony Rizzo | RHP Kyle Hendricks |
| C Willson Contreras | LHP Jose Quintana |
| SS Addison Russell | RHP Tyler Chatwood |
| RF Jason Heyward | |
| CF Albert Almora Jr. | LHP Mike Montgomery |
| 2B Javier Baez | RHP Justin Grimm |
| LHP Brian Duensing | |
| C Chris Gimenez | LHP Justin Wilson |
| IF Tommy La Stella | RHP Steve Cishek |
| IF/OF Ian Happ | RHP Pedro Strop |
| IF/OF Ben Zobrist | RHP Carl Edwards Jr. |
| RHP Brandon Morrow |
DL: SP Drew Smyly
1. Houston Astros
30 of 30
Spring Outlook
The Yu Darvish signing was enough to bump the Cubs up to the No. 2 spot and it certainly closes the gap, but the Houston Astros are still the team to beat in 2018.
Not only are they the defending champs, but they'll have a full season of Justin Verlander and offseason pickup Gerrit Cole in what could be the best starting rotation in baseball.
The offense remains an absolute juggernaut and the bullpen will benefit greatly from having ousted starters Brad Peacock and Collin McHugh as regular contributors.
Closer Ken Giles will need to pitch up to his potential, but there's enough depth behind him that the team will be fine even if he falters in the ninth.
Long story short, it's hard to poke holes in what looks like the deepest and most talented roster in all of baseball.
Repeating as World Series champion is incredibly difficult, but the Astros have the goods.
Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Feb. 11)
| CF George Springer | RHP Justin Verlander |
| 3B Alex Bregman | LHP Dallas Keuchel |
| 2B Jose Altuve | RHP Gerrit Cole |
| SS Carlos Correa | RHP Charlie Morton |
| LF Marwin Gonzalez | RHP Lance McCullers Jr. |
| 1B Yuli Gurriel | |
| RF Josh Reddick | RHP Brad Peacock |
| DH Evan Gattis | RHP Collin McHugh |
| C Brian McCann | LHP Tony Sipp |
| RHP Hector Rondon | |
| C Max Stassi | RHP Will Harris |
| IF Tyler White | RHP Joe Smith |
| OF Jake Marisnick | RHP Chris Devenski |
| RHP Ken Giles |
DL: RP Jandel Gustave
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, unless otherwise noted.
