Predicting Every MLB Team's 2024 Opening Day Lineup, Version 2.0
The MLB free-agent market is still loaded with impact talent searching for a new contract, and the remaining weeks before the start of spring training are sure to be a flurry of activity across baseball.
For now, it's time for an updated version of our Opening Day lineup predictions. The first version was published on Nov. 29, and since that time a number of major deals have been made, including the Shohei Ohtani signing and the Juan Soto trade.
Ahead, we've assigned all of the top remaining free agents to logical landing spots and projected a few notable trades on the way to predicting each MLB team's Opening Day lineup for the 2024 season.
Last season's lineup data from Baseball Reference, the projected rosters from FanGraphs and a healthy amount of speculation on where remaining free agents will sign went into compiling each team's batting order.
This will be updated throughout the offseason, so stay tuned for further updates.
Note: Names in bold indicate a projected acquisition.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
RF Corbin Carroll
2B Ketel Marte
3B Eugenio Suárez
1B Christian Walker
LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
DH Brandon Belt
C Gabriel Moreno
CF Alek Thomas
SS Geraldo Perdomo
SP Zac Gallen
Notes
-The D-backs plugged a hole in their starting lineup by bringing back veteran outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on a three-year, $42 million deal. That pushes Jake McCarthy and Dominic Fletcher back into fourth outfielder roles.
-Last version, Brandon Belt was penciled into the DH spot for the D-backs, and it's a fit that still makes sense to round out the roster. The 35-year-old posted a 136 OPS+ with 19 home runs and 43 RBI in 404 plate appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays last season.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
2B Ozzie Albies
3B Austin Riley
1B Matt Olson
DH Marcell Ozuna
C Sean Murphy
CF Michael Harris II
LF Jarred Kelenic
SS Orlando Arcia
SP Max Fried
Notes
-The Braves plugged the only obvious hole in the starting lineup when they acquired young outfielder Jarred Kelenic from the Seattle Mariners at the beginning of December. The 24-year-old is controllable through 2028 and is coming off a 2.0-WAR season.
-With Vaughn Grissom traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Chris Sale, the Braves could look to add a right-handed-hitting outfielder to serve as a platoon partner in left field.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
3B Gunnar Henderson
C Adley Rutschman
RF Anthony Santander
DH Ryan Mountcastle
1B Ryan O'Hearn
LF Austin Hays
CF Cedric Mullins
SS Jackson Holliday (R)
2B Jordan Westburg
SP Kyle Bradish
Notes
-The Orioles could go with some combination of Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Ramón Urías and Jorge Mateo to handle second base, shortstop and third base to open the year. That said, expect top prospect Jackson Holliday to be given every opportunity to win an Opening Day roster spot.
-Will Kyle Bradish be the Orioles' starter on Opening Day? He was the team's best pitcher in 2023, but a healthy John Means could also be in the mix to take the ball, and there is also still the possibility they add a veteran arm like Marcus Stroman or Jordan Montgomery to anchor the young staff.
Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Jarren Duran
3B Rafael Devers
1B Triston Casas
LF Jorge Soler
SS Trevor Story
DH Masataka Yoshida
RF Tyler O'Neill
2B Vaughn Grissom
C Connor Wong
SP Lucas Giolito
Notes
-With Alex Verdugo traded to the New York Yankees and top prospect Ceddanne Rafaela still unproven at the MLB level, the Red Sox could look to add another outfield bat, especially if they prefer to use Masataka Yoshida as the primary designated hitter. Slugger Jorge Soler was an All-Star in 2023, and he would give the middle of the lineup a major boost.
-An insurance policy for newly acquired Vaughn Grissom at second base makes sense for the Red Sox, and a versatile veteran like Donovan Solano, Adam Frazier or Nick Ahmed would be a nice pickup to fill out the bench.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Nico Hoerner
SS Dansby Swanson
LF Ian Happ
RF Seiya Suzuki
3B Matt Chapman
DH Christopher Morel
1B Patrick Wisdom
C Yan Gomes
CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
SP Justin Steele
Notes
-The Cubs have yet to make an addition to the 40-man roster this offseason, and there are plenty of potential holes to fill, including both corner infield spots and center field.
-Defensive whiz Matt Chapman would solidify the hot corner and provide a 30-homer threat in the middle of the lineup, but the Cubs could still use further reinforcements offensively. Could they also make a play to sign slugger Rhys Hoskins to man first base?
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF Andrew Benintendi
3B Yoán Moncada
CF Luis Robert Jr.
DH Eloy Jiménez
1B Andrew Vaughn
RF Oscar Colás
SS Paul DeJong
2B Nicky Lopez
C Martín Maldonado
SP Dylan Cease
Notes
-The White Sox have made some low-cost additions to shore up the roster, adding Martín Maldonado to split time with up-and-comer Korey Lee behind the plate, signing Paul DeJong to a one-year deal and acquiring defensive standout Nicky Lopez from the Atlanta Braves to man second base.
-Oscar Colás won a spot on the Opening Day roster last season while entering the year as the team's top prospect, but he hit just .216/.257/.314 for a 55 OPS+ with 14 extra-base hits in 263 plate appearances and spent much of the year back at Triple-A. Can he take a step forward in 2024?
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF TJ Friedl
2B Matt McLain
LF Spencer Steer
1B Jeimer Candelario
SS Elly De La Cruz
DH Christian Encarnacion-Strand
RF Jake Fraley
3B Noelvi Marte (R)
C Tyler Stephenson
SP Shane Bieber
Notes
-The Reds still look like a prime candidate to swing a deal for trade candidates Dylan Cease (CWS) or Shane Bieber (CLE), and flipping 2021 NL Rookie of the Year Jonathan India to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Bieber could be a win-win deal for both sides.
-Assuming India is traded before Opening Day, there will be a clear path to playing time for Noelvi Marte on the infield, while Christian Encarnacion-Strand can serve as the primary designated hitter. That would leave some combination of Spencer Steer, Jake Fraley and Will Benson to handle the corner outfield spots.
Cleveland Guardians
8 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF Steven Kwan
SS Andrés Giménez
3B José Ramírez
DH Josh Naylor
2B Jonathan India
RF Ramón Laureano
C Bo Naylor
1B Kyle Manzardo (R)
CF Myles Straw
SP Tanner Bibee
Notes
-The Guardians could go with some combination of Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman and Brayan Rocchio at shortstop, but another option would be to slide standout defensive second baseman Andrés Giménez back to his natural shortstop position to clear the way for an addition at second base.
-Kyle Manzardo hit .272/.340/.565 with seven doubles, six home runs and 19 RBI in 22 games, and that could be a steppingstone to winning an Opening Day roster spot. The 23-year-old is not currently on the 40-man roster, but he could play his way into the picture.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
DH Charlie Blackmon
SS Ezequiel Tovar
LF Nolan Jones
1B Kris Bryant
3B Ryan McMahon
RF Garrett Cooper
C Elias Diaz
2B Brendan Rodgers
CF Brenton Doyle
SP Kyle Freeland
Notes
-The Rockies have often been a prime landing spot for offensive-minded players looking to boost their value on a short-term deal, and 2022 All-Star Garrett Cooper could be a good fit to add some depth at first base and the corner outfield spots. The 33-year-old had a 17-homer, 61-RBI season in 2023 with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres.
-Would a full-time move to first base help keep Kris Bryant healthy? The 31-year-old is two years into his seven-year, $182 million contract, and so far he has played just 122 games while tallying minus-0.6 WAR.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
3B Zach McKinstry
CF Riley Greene
1B Spencer Torkelson
DH Kerry Carpenter
RF Mark Canha
LF Eddie Rosario
SS Javier Báez
2B Kolten Wong
C Jake Rogers
SP Tarik Skubal
Notes
-The Tigers still look like an obvious fit for one of the veteran second basemen still looking for a new home in free agency, whether it's Whit Merrifield, Kolten Wong, Adam Frazier or Donovan Solano.
-After finishing 24th in the majors with 165 home runs in 2023, the Tigers would be wise to look for some low-cost power production. Outfielder Eddie Rosario posted a 100 OPS+ with 24 doubles, 21 home runs and 74 RBI in 142 games with the Atlanta Braves, and he could be a nice under-the-radar pickup on a one-year deal.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Jose Altuve
3B Alex Bregman
DH Yordan Alvarez
1B José Abreu
RF Kyle Tucker
C Yainer Diaz
LF Chas McCormick
SS Jeremy Peña
CF Jake Meyers
SP Justin Verlander
Notes
-The Astros have indicated that they plan on using Jake Meyers as their primary center fielder in 2024. The 27-year-old has posted elite defensive metrics (12 DRS, 6.2 UZR/150) in center field during his career, but he has logged a middling 87 OPS+ in 664 plate appearances.
-Left-hander Framber Valdez took the ball on Opening Day in 2022 and 2023, so it will be interesting to see if he gets the nod again now that Justin Verlander has returned to the Houston rotation.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF MJ Melendez
SS Bobby Witt Jr.
C Salvador Perez
1B Vinnie Pasquantino
RF Hunter Renfroe
DH Nelson Velázquez
2B Michael Massey
CF Kyle Isbel
3B Maikel Garcia
SP Cole Ragans
Notes
-The Royals signed slugger Hunter Renfroe to a two-year, $13 million deal, and he has averaged 34 home runs and 87 RBI per 162 games over the course of his eight seasons in the big leagues.
-Some combination of Michael Massey, Nick Loftin and Garrett Hampson will be vying for playing time at second base, and sorting out that timeshare will be one of the more notable position battles for the Royals this spring.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
1B Nolan Schanuel
2B Luis Rengifo
CF Mike Trout
DH Brandon Drury
LF Taylor Ward
3B Anthony Rendon
RF Mickey Moniak
C Logan O'Hoppe
SS Zach Neto
SP Reid Detmers
Notes
-The Angels could still look to add another corner outfield bat, but Mickey Moniak showed enough last season to justify a regular spot. The 2016 No. 1 overall pick posted a 113 OPS+ with 21 doubles, 14 home runs and 45 RBI in 85 games in his first full season in the Angels organization.
-It's tough to nail down who will take the ball on Opening Day if no outside additions are made the rest of the way. Reid Detmers, Griffin Canning, Patrick Sandoval and Tyler Anderson will all be candidates for the first start of the year.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Mookie Betts
DH Shohei Ohtani
1B Freddie Freeman
C Will Smith
3B Max Muncy
CF James Outman
RF Jason Heyward
SS Gavin Lux
LF Manuel Margot
SP Walker Buehler
Notes
-With Mookie Betts making the full-time move to second base and a healthy Gavin Lux returning at shortstop, the Dodgers middle infield appears to be set after plenty of speculation that they would be in the market for a new shortstop.
-The Dodgers re-signed Jason Heyward to a one-year deal and acquired Manuel Margot in the Tyler Glasnow trade, so that duo will join Chris Taylor as the leading candidates to man the corner outfield spots.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Luis Arraez
SS Tim Anderson
1B Josh Bell
DH Rhys Hoskins
3B Jake Burger
CF Jazz Chisholm Jr.
LF Bryan De La Cruz
RF Randal Grichuk
C Nick Fortes
SP Jesús Luzardo
Notes
-The Marlins added some much-needed punch to the middle of their lineup at the trade deadline when they acquired Jake Burger and Josh Bell, but there is more work to be done improving what was a below-average offense in 2023.
-Rhys Hoskins and Tim Anderson are prime candidates for one-year deals to help rebuild their value, while Randal Grichuk quietly posted a 103 OPS+ with 31 doubles, 16 home runs and 44 RBI in 118 games in 2023.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
DH Christian Yelich
1B Carlos Santana
C William Contreras
SS Willy Adames
RF Sal Frelick
LF Garrett Mitchell
CF Jackson Chourio
3B Andruw Monasterio
2B Brice Turang
SP Corbin Burnes
Notes
-Veteran slugger Carlos Santana posted a 109 OPS+ with 11 home runs and 33 RBI in 52 games after he was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the trade deadline last year, and bringing him back for another year would make sense after incumbent first baseman Rowdy Tellez was non-tendered.
-Trading Tyrone Taylor to the New York Mets helped unclog the outfield logjam, and using veteran Christian Yelich at designated hitter would further pave the way for rising star Jackson Chourio to break camp with a starting job. The 19-year-old signed an eight-year, $82 million extension in early December.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
DH Edouard Julien
2B Jorge Polanco
3B Royce Lewis
CF Byron Buxton
SS Carlos Correa
RF Max Kepler
LF Matt Wallner
1B Alex Kirilloff
C Ryan Jeffers
SP Pablo López
Notes
-The Twins have yet to make a notable addition in free agency, and trade candidates Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler are still part of the projected roster, so for now it's the status quo for the starting lineup aside from the departures of Michael A. Taylor and Donovan Solano in free agency.
-Royce Lewis could man center field if the team wants to once again use Byron Buxton as the designated hitter, which would then push versatile infielder Edouard Julien and Jose Miranda into competition for playing time at third base.
New York Mets
18 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Brandon Nimmo
RF Starling Marte
SS Francisco Lindor
1B Pete Alonso
DH J.D. Martinez
2B Jeff McNeil
C Francisco Álvarez
LF Tyrone Taylor
3B Brett Baty
SP Kodai Senga
Notes
-The Mets were recently linked to J.D. Martinez, and he would represent a significant upgrade over last year's designated hitter situation. A group led by Daniel Vogelbach (78 starts) and Mark Vientos (34 starts) hit a combined .217/.309/.391 with 27 home runs and 83 RBI.
-A quality fourth outfielder could be the final piece of the puzzle, and last year's addition of Tommy Pham on a one-year deal to fill that role paid dividends. Don't rule out a potential reunion with Pham still looking for his next contract after finishing out the 2023 season in Arizona.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
3B DJ LeMahieu
CF Aaron Judge
RF Juan Soto
1B Anthony Rizzo
DH Giancarlo Stanton
2B Gleyber Torres
LF Alex Verdugo
SS Anthony Volpe
C Jose Trevino
SP Gerrit Cole
Notes
-With Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo acquired to bolster the outfield, and DJ LeMahieu set to serve as the everyday third baseman, it looks like the Yankees starting lineup is set for the 2024 season.
-Ace Gerrit Cole had a 2.25 ERA in 112 innings with Jose Trevino behind the plate in 2023, so expect him to get the nod at catcher on Opening Day. Rookie Austin Wells will be given every opportunity to play his way into a prominent role, but he first needs to prove himself defensively at the MLB level.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
1B Ryan Noda
2B Zack Gelof
DH Brent Rooker
RF Seth Brown
C Shea Langeliers
3B Abraham Toro
LF Travis Jankowski
CF Esteury Ruiz
SS Darell Hernaiz (R)
SP JP Sears
Notes
-There is no reason to expect the Athletics to make a splash of any sort in free agency given the organization's perpetual penny pinching, but they could look to add one or two small-scale pieces similar to last winter's signings of Aledmys Díaz and Jace Peterson.
-Outfielder Travis Jankowski is a quality fourth outfielder on a contending team, but he might get an opportunity at everyday playing time on a team like Oakland. The 32-year-old was a 1.4-WAR player in 107 games with the Texas Rangers and can play all three outfield spots.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
DH Kyle Schwarber
SS Trea Turner
1B Bryce Harper
RF Nick Castellanos
C J.T. Realmuto
3B Alec Bohm
2B Bryson Stott
LF Brandon Marsh
CF Johan Rojas
SP Zack Wheeler
Notes
-With Bryce Harper shifting to first base, the Phillies lineup looks set for the upcoming season, and it should be one of baseball's best offenses. The young duo of Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas have brought defensive stability to the outfield, while Kyle Schwarber can now serve as the team's primary designated hitter.
-The bench might also be set with Garrett Stubbs, Edmundo Sosa, Jake Cave and Cristian Pache the leading candidates to fill the four backup spots.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
SS Oneil Cruz
LF Bryan Reynolds
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
DH Andrew McCutchen
CF Jack Suwinski
RF Adam Duvall
1B Rowdy Tellez
C Henry Davis
2B Ji Hwan Bae
SP Mitch Keller
Notes
-The Pirates have done a great job mining the free-agency leftovers in recent years, and they have already made a pair of small moves to bring back Andrew McCutchen and add slugger Rowdy Tellez.
-With Henry Davis expected to return to catching after debuting as an outfielder, the Pirates could look to add another veteran bat in right field. Slugger Adam Duvall posted a 119 OPS+ with 24 doubles, 21 home runs and 58 RBI in 92 games last year playing on a one-year, $7 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
3B Ha-Seong Kim
RF Fernando Tatis Jr.
DH Manny Machado
SS Xander Bogaerts
1B Jake Cronenworth
C Luis Campusano
CF Michael A. Taylor
2B Amed Rosario
LF Jakob Marsee (R)
SP Yu Darvish
Notes
-The Padres have succeeded in cutting costs by trading away Juan Soto and Trent Grisham while also letting Blake Snell, Josh Hader, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo and others walk in free agency. Now the focus will be on filling out the roster with reasonably priced stopgap veterans.
-The outfield will clearly need to be addressed with two vacancies alongside Fernando Tatis Jr. in right field. Defensive standout Michael A. Taylor would fill the void in center field, while Arizona Fall League MVP Jakob Marsee could get a look with a strong spring.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
CF Jung Hoo Lee (R)
2B Thairo Estrada
1B LaMonte Wade Jr.
3B Wilmer Flores
LF Michael Conforto
DH Mitch Haniger
RF Mike Yastrzemski
SS Marco Luciano (R)
C Patrick Bailey
SP Logan Webb
Notes
-The only real splash the Giants have made this offseason is signing KBO standout Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million deal, and he will give the team a true everyday center fielder for the first time in years.
-Expect J.D. Davis and Wilmer Flores to both see time at third base, while David Villar and Casey Schmitt are also options at the position. That group could also see action at designated hitter when Mitch Haniger is playing in the outfield.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
SS J.P. Crawford
CF Julio Rodríguez
RF Teoscar Hernández
DH Mitch Garver
C Cal Raleigh
1B Ty France
LF Whit Merrifield
3B Luis Urías
2B Josh Rojas
SP Luis Castillo
Notes
-The Mariners signed Mitch Garver to a two-year, $24 million deal to serve as the primary designated hitter and backup catcher, but there is still work to be done shoring up the starting lineup, specifically at the corner outfield spots.
-Bringing back slugger Teoscar Hernández seems more and more likely with each passing week as the outfield market continues to dwindle, while versatile veteran Whit Merrifield could give the team a corner outfield option while also providing depth at second base.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
LF Brendan Donovan
1B Paul Goldschmidt
CF Lars Nootbaar
3B Nolan Arenado
C Willson Contreras
DH Nolan Gorman
RF Jordan Walker
2B Tommy Edman
SS Masyn Winn (R)
SP Sonny Gray
Notes
-Masyn Winn hit .172/.230/.238 for a 29 OPS+ in 137 plate appearances in his first MLB action last year, but he is a standout defender who hit .288/.359/.474 with 18 home runs and 61 RBI in 105 games at Triple-A. Can he win the starting shortstop job this spring?
-The Cardinals could also use Tommy Edman in center field, with Lars Nootbaar shifting to a corner outfield spot, Nolan Gorman manning second base and Jordan Walker slotting in as the designated hitter after struggling defensively as a rookie.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
1B Yandy Díaz
2B Brandon Lowe
LF Randy Arozarena
DH Luke Raley
3B Isaac Paredes
RF Josh Lowe
CF José Siri
C Gary Sánchez
SS Junior Caminero (R)
SP Zach Eflin
Notes
-With Wander Franco arrested in the Dominican Republic amid the ongoing investigation into his alleged inappropriate relationships with minors, it's fair to assume at this point he will not be suiting up for the Tampa Bay Rays for the foreseeable future. For now, top prospect Junior Caminero is penciled into the starting shortstop job.
-Defensive-minded René Pinto is currently the only catcher on the 40-man roster for the Rays, so adding bat-first Gary Sánchez would provide some depth at the position without breaking the bank.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
2B Marcus Semien
SS Corey Seager
LF Evan Carter
RF Adolis García
DH Justin Turner
3B Josh Jung
1B Nathaniel Lowe
C Jonah Heim
CF Leody Taveras
SP Nathan Eovaldi
Notes
-With Mitch Garver officially off the market after signing a two-year deal with the Seattle Mariners, the Rangers have a potential void to fill at designated hitter. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding their TV deal could preclude them from making a major signing, but Justin Turner could be had on a reasonable one-year deal.
-If they don't make an outside addition to fill the DH spot, the leading candidates to fill that spot include Ezequiel Duran, Sam Huff and prospects Dustin Harris and Justin Foscue, and Huff offers a similar profile to Garver.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
RF George Springer
SS Bo Bichette
1B Cody Bellinger
DH Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
LF Daulton Varsho
C Alejandro Kirk
3B Gio Urshela
CF Kevin Kiermaier
2B Davis Schneider
SP Kevin Gausman
Notes
-The Blue Jays might be the biggest candidates to keep Cody Bellinger from re-signing with the Chicago Cubs, and he would address the need for a left-handed bat in a right-handed-heavy lineup. He could split his time between first base and center field, and serve as a long-term option in center with Kevin Kiermaier back on a one-year deal.
-Utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa could be an option at second base or third base if no other outside additions are made, but the team has also shown interest in Gio Urshela as a potential option at the hot corner. Santiago Espinal and Cavan Biggio will also be in the mix for playing time at those positions.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Projected Starting Lineup
SS CJ Abrams
RF Lane Thomas
1B Joey Meneses
DH Joc Pederson
C Keibert Ruiz
2B Luis Garcia
LF Stone Garrett
3B Nick Senzel
CF Victor Robles
SP Josiah Gray
Notes
-The Nationals did well buying low on Jeimer Candelario last offseason, and they will be prime candidates for another under-the-radar addition or two this winter to fill out the starting lineup. They have already made one upside move by signing Nick Senzel to be the everyday third baseman.
-Outfielder Stone Garrett quietly posted a 120 OPS+ with 17 doubles, nine home runs and 40 RBI in 271 plate appearances in 2023, and he is a potential breakout candidate if he can stay healthy for a full season.
