Predicting Every MLB Team's 2023 Opening Day Lineup, Version 3.0
As another long, cold winter starts to thaw, we're just a couple of weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in sunny Arizona and Florida.
With the bulk of the offseason's free-agency and trade moves in the rearview, it's the perfect time for another version of our Opening Day lineup predictions.
Our first Opening Day lineup projections were posted Dec. 9, and version 2.0 followed Jan. 5, so it's on to version 3.0.
Ahead we've provided our best guess at who will take the field for each team when the 2023 season opens.
Last season's lineup data from Baseball Reference, projected rosters from FanGraphs and a healthy amount of speculation about where remaining free agents will sign went into compiling each team's list.
Note: Names in bold indicate projected acquisitions. (R) indicates players with rookie status entering the 2023 season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Corbin Carroll (R)
2B Ketel Marte
RF Jake McCarthy
1B Christian Walker
DH Evan Longoria
3B Josh Rojas
LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
C Carson Kelly
SS Nick Ahmed
SP Zac Gallen
Notes
- The D-backs added catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Kyle Lewis in offseason trades, and while neither player is penciled in to our projected lineup, both will get regular playing time.
- Former top prospect Alek Thomas could play his way into a significant role with a strong spring training. The 22-year-old hit .231/.275/.344 with a 76 OPS+ in 411 plate appearances in his MLB debut last season.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
2B Ozzie Albies
CF Michael Harris II
3B Austin Riley
1B Matt Olson
C Sean Murphy
DH Marcell Ozuna
SS Vaughn Grissom
LF Eddie Rosario
SP Max Fried
Notes
- Given their salaries, Atlanta will likely try to squeeze what it can out of Marcell Ozuna ($18 million) and Eddie Rosario ($9 million). When he's not catching, Travis d'Arnaud will be an option to start at designated hitter, though that could mean the club carries a third catcher.
- Atlanta signed Adeiny Hechavarria to a minor league deal earlier this week, and he'll join utility man Orlando Arcia and prospect Braden Shewmake as depth pieces behind young shortstop Vaughn Grissom.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Cedric Mullins
C Adley Rutschman
3B Gunnar Henderson (R)
RF Anthony Santander
1B Ryan Mountcastle
2B Ramón Urías
LF Austin Hays
DH Adam Frazier
SS Jorge Mateo
SP Kyle Gibson
Notes
- The Orioles have three starting spots available for Gunnar Henderson, Adam Frazier, Ramón Urías and Jorge Mateo, so expect plenty of shuffling across the infield throughout the season. Frazier could also see time at the corner outfield spots.
- Outfielder Kyle Stowers and infielder Joey Ortiz are also part of the picture for the upcoming season after putting up stellar numbers in the upper levels of the minors in 2022. Stowers is a candidate to break camp with a spot on the roster as a fourth outfielder and DH option.
Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF Masataka Yoshida (R)
SS Enrique Hernández
3B Rafael Devers
DH Justin Turner
RF Alex Verdugo
CF Adam Duvall
1B Triston Casas (R)
2B Adalberto Mondesi
C Jorge Alfaro
SP Chris Sale
Notes
- With Trevor Story sidelined to start the year following elbow surgery in January, the Red Sox have questions at the middle infield spots. Manager Alex Cora told reporters that Enrique Hernández will fill in at shortstop and free-agent signing Adam Duvall will take Hernández's spot in center field.
- Incumbent Reese McGuire and non-roster invitee Jorge Alfaro are the leading candidates for the starting catcher job, while the versatile Connor Wong is also on the 40-man roster. The only viable option on the free-agent market is former rival Gary Sanchez.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Nico Hoerner
SS Dansby Swanson
LF Ian Happ
DH Trey Mancini
1B Eric Hosmer
RF Seiya Suzuki
CF Cody Bellinger
3B Christopher Morel
C Tucker Barnhart
SP Marcus Stroman
Notes
- The decision to add veterans Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer in free agency effectively blocked 2022 club home run leader Patrick Wisdom and rising top prospect Matt Mervis, raising questions about how they fit into the Cubs' plans. That said, Hosmer will make the league minimum and could be cut loose if he fails to produce.
- Free-agent signing Tucker Barnhart (32 years old) and incumbent Yan Gomes (35) should split playing time behind the plate, which will help keep both veterans fresh.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
SS Tim Anderson
LF Andrew Benintendi
CF Luis Robert Jr.
DH Eloy Jiménez
1B Andrew Vaughn
3B Yoán Moncada
RF Oscar Colas (R)
C Yasmani Grandal
2B José Iglesias
SP Dylan Cease
Notes
- "Oscar Colas is going to be given every opportunity to see if he can become our right fielder on a daily basis," White Sox manager Pedro Grifol told 670 The Score. The 24-year-old hit .314/.371/.524 with 23 home runs in 117 games across three minor league levels last year, closing the season at Triple-A.
- Who is going to play second base? Free agents José Iglesias, Elvis Andrus and Rougned Odor are the top external options. Otherwise, it will be a spring competition among Leury Garcia, Romy Gonzalez and non-roster invitee Hanser Alberto.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF TJ Friedl
2B Jonathan India
1B Joey Votto
C Tyler Stephenson
DH Wil Myers
RF Jake Fraley
3B Spencer Steer (R)
SS Kevin Newman
CF Nick Senzel
SP Nick Lodolo
Notes
- According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Joey Votto is "not planning on taking a role as a designated hitter" as he returns from left shoulder and biceps surgery. Newcomer Wil Myers and catcher Tyler Stephenson are also capable of handling the position.
- Stuart Fairchild, Nick Solak, Michael Siani and recent minor league signing Chad Pinder are in the mix in a wide-open outfield competition, while former top prospect Jose Barrero will get a long look at shortstop in spring training.
Cleveland Guardians
8 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF Steven Kwan
SS Amed Rosario
3B José Ramírez
DH Josh Bell
2B Andrés Giménez
1B Josh Naylor
RF Oscar Gonzalez
C Mike Zunino
CF Myles Straw
SP Shane Bieber
Notes
- The Guardians have one of the most set lineups in baseball heading into spring training. Even the bench looks more or less settled with Gabriel Arias and Tyler Freeman filling utility roles and Will Brennan or Will Benson serving as the fourth outfielder.
- The biggest roster question is whether Bo Naylor will break camp on the roster or if he'll return to Triple-A where he can serve as the everyday catcher and continue to refine his defensive game. Bryan Lavastida is the only other backstop on the 40-man roster.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Yonathan Daza
LF Kris Bryant
3B Ryan McMahon
1B C.J. Cron
DH Charlie Blackmon
2B Brendan Rodgers
RF Randal Grichuk
C Elias Díaz
SS Ezequiel Tovar (R)
SP Kyle Freeland
Notes
- Unless they make a late move to re-sign José Iglesias or fellow free agent Elvis Andrus, it looks like the Rockies will roll with 21-year-old rookie Ezequiel Tovar at shortstop. He hit .319/.387/.540 in 318 plate appearances in the upper levels of the minors last year, and he's widely regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the minors.
- Former top prospect Nolan Jones was acquired in a trade with Cleveland in November, and he'll have a chance to carve out a role in the outfield. The 24-year-old has a .394 on-base percentage and 16.2 percent walk rate in six minor league seasons.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Riley Greene
1B Spencer Torkelson
RF Austin Meadows
SS Javier Báez
C Eric Haase
DH Miguel Cabrera
2B Jonathan Schoop
3B Nick Maton
LF Akil Baddoo
SP Eduardo Rodriguez
Notes
- Third base remains a major question mark for the Tigers after Jeimer Candelario was non-tendered at the start of the offseason. Nick Maton, Tyler Nevin, non-roster invitee Andy Ibáñez and outfielder Matt Vierling could get looks at the hot corner in spring training.
- Future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera will likely be in the Opening Day lineup, but don't be surprised if Kerry Carpenter gets the bulk of the designated hitter playing time. The 25-year-old had a 1.025 OPS with 30 home runs in 98 games in the upper minors last year.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Jose Altuve
SS Jeremy Peña
LF Yordan Alvarez
1B José Abreu
3B Alex Bregman
RF Kyle Tucker
DH Michael Brantley
CF Chas McCormick
C Martín Maldonado
SP Framber Valdez
Notes
- Shortstop Jeremy Peña won American League Championship Series and World Series MVP honors out of the No. 2 spot in the batting order, but he moved up in the lineup only after Michael Brantley underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Who will bat second in 2023?
- Defensive standout Martín Maldonado will once again start the year as the team's primary catcher, but up-and-comers Korey Lee and Yainer Diaz will have opportunities to take on bigger roles with no experienced backup on the 40-man roster.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
DH MJ Melendez
SS Bobby Witt Jr.
C Salvador Perez
1B Vinnie Pasquantino
RF Edward Olivares
LF Kyle Isbel
3B Hunter Dozier
CF Drew Waters (R)
2B Nicky Lopez
SP Zack Greinke
Notes
- The Royals shook up their starting lineup when they traded center fielder Michael A. Taylor to the Twins and infielder Adalberto Mondesi to the Red Sox in January. They also re-signed Zack Greinke, who will almost certainly get the Opening Day nod on the mound over rising star Brady Singer.
- Despite those moves, there are still roster decisions to make. Infielder Michael Massey and first baseman-left fielder Nick Pratto have the potential to be long-term pieces and will get long looks in spring training.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF Taylor Ward
CF Mike Trout
DH Shohei Ohtani
3B Anthony Rendon
2B Brandon Drury
1B Jared Walsh
RF Hunter Renfroe
SS Gio Urshela
C Logan O'Hoppe (R)
SP Shohei Ohtani
Notes
- The Angels have a ton of infield depth with Luis Rengifo and David Fletcher vying for playing time alongside the four players listed above. That's a great problem to have, especially considering Anthony Rendon's injury issues over the past couple of seasons.
- Expect an even split in playing time behind the plate between rookie Logan O'Hoppe and veteran Max Stassi to start the year, though O'Hoppe will be given every opportunity to seize a larger role as the catcher of the future.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
RF Mookie Betts
DH J.D. Martinez
1B Freddie Freeman
C Will Smith
3B Max Muncy
CF Trayce Thompson
SS Gavin Lux
LF Chris Taylor
2B Miguel Vargas (R)
SP Julio Urías
Notes
- Rookies Miguel Vargas, Michael Busch and James Outman have realistic chances of winning roster spots in spring training with the starting jobs at second base and in left field up for grabs. Chris Taylor will provide depth at both positions, but he could be relegated to a utility role if more than one of those up-and-comers seizes the opportunity.
- Trayce Thompson was a great bargain-bin find last year, but his .374 BABIP and 36.5 percent strikeout rate raise significant regression red flags. If he struggles early, the Dodgers might have to entertain the idea of shifting Mookie Betts to center field, though Outman is also capable of handling the position.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Luis Arraez
3B Jean Segura
CF Jazz Chisholm Jr.
1B Garrett Cooper
DH Jorge Soler
RF Avisaíl García
C Gary Sanchez
SS Joey Wendle
LF Bryan De La Cruz
SP Sandy Alcantara
Notes
- The Marlins shook things up by acquiring Luis Arraez in a trade with the Twins and then announcing that Jazz Chisholm Jr. will shift from second base to center field. That could shore up a questionable defensive outfield if his elite athleticism translates to the grass.
- An offense-first catcher such as Gary Sanchez seems like the perfect platoon partner behind the plate for the light-hitting Jacob Stallings, and he would also add another power bat to a lineup in need of middle-of-the-order thump.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF Christian Yelich
SS Willy Adames
1B Rowdy Tellez
C William Contreras
DH Jesse Winker
2B Luis Urías
CF Garrett Mitchell (R)
3B Brian Anderson
RF Tyrone Taylor
SP Corbin Burnes
Notes
- The addition of Brian Anderson gives the Brewers another option on the infield, which should allow Luis Urías to shift to second base. That will give prospect Brice Turang more time to develop in the minors rather than being counted on as the starting second baseman.
- Versatile infielders Abraham Toro and Owen Miller could be factors at second and third base, though they will need to play their way onto the roster since both have minor league options remaining.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Byron Buxton
2B Jorge Polanco
SS Carlos Correa
RF Max Kepler
3B Jose Miranda
1B Alex Kirilloff
DH Nick Gordon
LF Joey Gallo
C Christian Vázquez
SP Sonny Gray
Notes
- After an offseason of twists and turns, Carlos Correa found his way back to the Twins on a six-year deal. That pushed trade pickup Kyle Farmer to a utility role, while the trade of Luis Arraez likely means former top prospect Alex Kirilloff will settle in at first base.
- The move to acquire Gold Glove Award center fielder Michael A. Taylor from the Royals gave the Twins a terrific insurance policy if Byron Buxton can't stay healthy once again. Taylor was a 3.2-WAR player in 2022 despite a 90 OPS+.
New York Mets
18 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Brandon Nimmo
RF Starling Marte
SS Francisco Lindor
1B Pete Alonso
2B Jeff McNeil
DH Daniel Vogelbach
LF Mark Canha
3B Eduardo Escobar
C Omar Narváez
SP Justin Verlander
Notes
- Despite the buzz surrounding their bright futures, there's a good chance Francisco Álvarez and Brett Baty will start the 2023 season at Triple-A Syracuse. Álvarez has work to do on his defensive game, while Baty is recovering from a thumb injury that ended his 2022 campaign.
- It might seem like Jeff McNeil is the obvious choice for the No. 2 spot in the batting order, but he did not start there once during the 2022 season, instead getting the bulk of his action in the Nos. 5 or 6 spot. Meanwhile, Starling Marte hit second in 107 of the 116 games he started.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
3B DJ LeMahieu
RF Aaron Judge
1B Anthony Rizzo
DH Giancarlo Stanton
2B Gleyber Torres
LF Oswaldo Cabrera
CF Harrison Bader
SS Oswald Peraza (R)
C Jose Trevino
SP Gerrit Cole
Notes
- Veterans Josh Donaldson, Aaron Hicks and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are not part of our projected Opening Day lineup, but all three will play frequently as long as they are healthy. Someone has to be the odd man out on the infield, and Donaldson struggled mightily in 2022.
- The Yankees could still look to add a veteran outfielder to the mix in left field, with Jurickson Profar, David Peralta, Kole Calhoun and Robbie Grossman among the top options still available in free agency.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Esteury Ruiz (R)
RF Ramón Laureano
LF Seth Brown
1B Jesús Aguilar
3B Jace Peterson
DH Tony Kemp
2B Aledmys Díaz
C Shea Langeliers
SS Nick Allen
SP Paul Blackburn
Notes
- The Athletics ranked last in the majors in batting average (.216) and OPS (.627) last season and finished 29th in runs (568). Their response was to trade their best hitter, catcher Sean Murphy, and go bargain hunting with the additions of Jesús Aguilar, Aledmys Díaz and Jace Peterson. How much worse will they be in 2023?
- Infielder Kevin Smith and outfielders Cristian Pache, Conner Capel and Brent Rooker headline a long list of players who could steal roster spots and perhaps even starting jobs with strong showings in spring training.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
SS Trea Turner
LF Kyle Schwarber
1B Rhys Hoskins
C J.T. Realmuto
3B Alec Bohm
DH Darick Hall
RF Nick Castellanos
CF Brandon Marsh
2B Bryson Stott
SP Aaron Nola
Notes
- There were multiple comments on version 2.0 about there not being enough balance in the Philadelphia lineup with Kyle Schwarber hitting leadoff and Bryce Harper sidelined to start the year. So, there was some shuffling to the batting order to address that, with Schwarber shifting down to the two-hole and Darick Hall slotting between Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos.
- Second baseman Bryson Stott actually had better numbers against lefties (110 PA, .263 BA, .751 OPS) than righties (356 PA, .226 BA, .623 OPS), so don't expect to see him in a platoon role with right-handed hitting Josh Harrison and Edmundo Sosa.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
DH Carlos Santana
CF Bryan Reynolds
LF Andrew McCutchen
1B Ji-Man Choi
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
SS Oneil Cruz
RF Jack Suwinski
2B Rodolfo Castro
C Austin Hedges
SP Rich Hill
Notes
- The Pirates used burly slugger Dan Vogelbach in the leadoff spot on Opening Day last season, so don't be surprised if veteran Carlos Santana gets the nod this year with his career .359 on-base percentage and 15.2 percent walk rate.
- Jack Suwinski and Rodolfo Castro both have some intriguing offensive upside, but they will need to earn their starting roles this spring. Ji Hwan Bae is also an option at second base, while Connor Joe, Cal Mitchell, Travis Swaggerty, Tucupita Marcano and Ryan Vilade will all get a long look in the outfield.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Ha-Seong Kim
RF Juan Soto
3B Manny Machado
SS Xander Bogaerts
1B Jake Cronenworth
DH Nelson Cruz
LF Matt Carpenter
C Austin Nola
CF Trent Grisham
SP Yu Darvish
Notes
- Once Fernando Tatis Jr. returns to the active roster after serving the final 20 games of his PED suspension, expect to see him at one of the corner outfield spots, pushing veterans Nelson Cruz and Matt Carpenter into a straight platoon in the DH role.
- Journeyman Brandon Dixon is a player to watch this spring. The 31-year-old hit .371/.447/.866 with 13 home runs and 32 RBI in 25 games at Triple-A last season, and he could throw a wrench into the team's designated hitter plans if he continues to rake in 2023.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Thairo Estrada
CF Mike Yastrzemski
RF Mitch Haniger
DH Joc Pederson
1B J.D. Davis
LF Michael Conforto
3B Wilmer Flores
SS Brandon Crawford
C Joey Bart
SP Logan Webb
Notes
- With J.D. Davis and Wilmer Flores capable of handling both corner infield spots, don't be surprised if prospect Casey Schmitt gets a long look as the potential everyday third baseman this spring. The 23-year-old hit .293/.365/.489 with 25 doubles, 21 home runs and 78 RBI in 126 games over three minor league levels in 2022, closing out the year at Triple-A.
- The Nos. 3-7 spots in the batting order could be shuffled around in any order based on who is swinging the hot bat, and Brandon Crawford could also enter that conversation if he plays closer to his 2021 level.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Julio Rodríguez
2B Kolten Wong
1B Ty France
RF Teoscar Hernández
3B Eugenio Suárez
C Cal Raleigh
DH AJ Pollock
LF Jarred Kelenic
SS J.P. Crawford
SP Luis Castillo
Notes
- The Mariners revealed who would be the team's primary designated hitter when AJ Pollock was signed to a one-year, $7 million deal. The 35-year-old crushes left-handed pitching, posting a .935 OPS with 11 home runs in 133 plate appearances against southpaws in 2022.
- First baseman Evan White, outfielder Taylor Trammell and non-roster invitee Colin Moran are among the players who could play their way onto the roster with a strong performance this spring.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
RF Lars Nootbaar
2B Brendan Donovan
1B Paul Goldschmidt
3B Nolan Arenado
C Willson Contreras
LF Tyler O'Neill
CF Dylan Carlson
DH Nolan Gorman
SS Tommy Edman
SP Adam Wainwright
Notes
- The Cardinals have excellent depth with Juan Yepez and Alec Burleson likely to see semi-regular action at designated hitter or at a corner outfield spot, while Paul DeJong is still around as an option on the infield.
- Tommy Edman (86 games), Dylan Carlson (29 games), Brendan Donovan (25 games) and Lars Nootbaar (20 games) all saw time in the leadoff spot in the lineup last year, and spring training will likely determine who is tasked with filling that role for the upcoming season.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
3B Yandy Díaz
SS Wander Franco
LF Randy Arozarena
2B Brandon Lowe
RF Manuel Margot
DH Harold Ramirez
1B Isaac Paredes
C Christian Bethancourt
CF Jose Siri
SP Shane McClanahan
Notes
- The Rays used 158 different starting lineups over the course of 162 games last season, so predicting how their batting order will look on Opening Day is a fool's errand. Yandy Díaz hit leadoff 82 times, and that's the most any player appeared in any one spot in the order all year.
- Outside of the players listed above, catcher Francisco Mejia, infielders Jonathan Aranda and Taylor Walls and outfielders Vidal Bruján and Josh Lowe are also candidates for a starting role. Top prospect Curtis Mead could also be a factor on the infield before the All-Star break.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Marcus Semien
SS Corey Seager
1B Nathaniel Lowe
RF Adolis García
DH Mitch Garver
LF Jurickson Profar
C Jonah Heim
3B Josh Jung
CF Leody Taveras
SP Jacob deGrom
Notes
- The Rangers still have a hole to plug in left field, and a reunion with Jurickson Profar still looks like their best option. The 29-year-old was the No. 1 prospect in baseball during his time in the Texas farm system, and while he never made much of an impact in his first go-around with the Rangers, he has since developed into a solid everyday outfielder.
- Mitch Garver is the team's best current option to serve as designated hitter, but using him regularly in that role would likely mean carrying a third catcher on the roster. Former top prospect Sam Huff and non-roster invitee Sandy León would be the leading candidates for that spot.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
RF George Springer
SS Bo Bichette
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
C Alejandro Kirk
3B Matt Chapman
LF Daulton Varsho
DH Brandon Belt
2B Whit Merrifield
CF Kevin Kiermaier
SP Alek Manoah
Notes
- The addition of Brandon Belt on a one-year, $9.3 million deal will allow the Blue Jays to platoon Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen behind the plate while still potentially getting both guys into the lineup at least a few times a week. Toronto also added another left-handed bat to the right-handed heavy roster.
- Whit Merrifield, Santiago Espinal and Cavan Biggio could all see time at second base, though Merrifield will likely get the first crack at the everyday job as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 campaign.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
RF Lane Thomas
SS CJ Abrams
DH Joey Meneses
1B Dominic Smith
LF Corey Dickerson
3B Jeimer Candelario
C Keibert Ruiz
2B Luis García
CF Victor Robles
SP Josiah Gray
Notes
- The Nationals have some intriguing players on the fringe of their roster, including former top prospects Carter Kieboom and Jeter Downs and non-roster invitees Michael Chavis, Matt Adams and Derek Hill. Any of them could play their way into a significant role with an impressive showing this spring.
- This team remains a potential landing spot for some of the top names still available in free agency, given their ability to offer up more playing time than most contending teams. Expect at least a few more buy-low moves between now and Opening Day.
Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference unless otherwise noted.
