Predicting Each MLB Team's Starting Lineup for the 2014 Season
It's never too early to look ahead, especially in Major League Baseball.
Rosters and lineups are constantly changing, and it's actually rare these days to see the same lineup year after year. It was a common occurrence in the days before free agency took hold in the mid-1970s.
The landscape of the game has changed, and lineups have changed along with it.
While teams are concentrating on the present, general managers already have goals in place for next season. Expiring contracts, performance and the development of young prospects are all major factors in deciding the future of each team's lineup.
With that in mind, here is an early look at what each MLB team's starting lineup could like in the 2014 season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Miguel Montero |
| 1B | Paul Goldschmidt |
| 2B | Aaron Hill |
| 3B | Martin Prado |
| SS | Didi Gregorius |
| LF | Adam Eaton |
| CF | A.J. Pollock |
| RF | Cody Ross |
By next year, shortstop Didi Gregorius should be ready to go as the team's everyday shortstop. An elbow injury this past offseason slowed his development, but for the D-Backs, it gives them sufficient time to have Gregorius progress with his offense as well.
Jason Kubel is likely gone—if not before the end of the season. Eaton and Pollock are both natural center fielders so the outfield offense will be vastly improved.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Evan Gattis |
| 1B | Freddie Freeman |
| 2B | Tommy La Stella |
| 3B | Juan Francisco |
| SS | Andrelton Simmons |
| LF | Justin Upton |
| CF | B.J. Upton |
| RF | Jason Heyward |
Catcher Brian McCann is likely gone, along with his $12 million contract. Depending on how well he performs this season after his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery, the Braves could make a qualifying offer for draft-pick compensation.
Gattis is just a great feel-good story who also happens to be hitting the stuffing out of the ball. If he can somehow maintain his solid early-season production throughout the year, he's the favorite behind the plate next year.
I see a trade deadline involving Dan Uggla. He continues to struggle at the plate, and the Braves may facilitate his departure by throwing some money in the pot. Uggla is owed $39 million for the next three seasons.
In his place comes La Stella—the exact polar opposite of Uggla. La Stella rarely strikes out and gets on base frequently. He's hit well since being drafted out of college, and while he's currently on the seven-day disabled list, if he can continue raking at Double-A Mississippi upon his return, he could be a definite sleeper for the Braves' lineup next season.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Matt Wieters |
| 1B | Chris Davis |
| 2B | Jonathan Schoop |
| 3B | Juan Francisco |
| SS | Manny Machado |
| LF | Xavier Avery |
| CF | Adam Jones |
| RF | Nick Markakis |
| DH | Carlos Beltran |
With another injury for Brian Roberts, who's in the last year of his contract, his days with the Orioles are likely over. Enter Jonathan Schoop, currently toiling at Triple-A Norfolk and knocking on the door of his major league debut.
So too for Xavier Avery, who might impress the O's more than fellow prospect L.J. Hoes. The O's are well-served in the outfield for the future regardless.
The O's signed J.J. Hardy through the 2014 season, but they could move him in order to put Machado back at his more natural position. Machado has proven to be successful at third, however, so Hardy could stick around for another season.
Francisco could be made available by the Braves if Chris Davis continues raking. Both are under team control for several seasons, so a deal for either makes sense for the cost-conscious Dan Duquette.
Beltran could very well end his career as a DH, and the O's just might be the team that accommodates him.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Ryan Lavarnway |
| 1B | Mike Napoli |
| 2B | Dustin Pedroia |
| 3B | Will Middlebrooks |
| SS | Jose Iglesias |
| LF | Shane Victorino |
| CF | Jackie Bradley Jr. |
| RF | Bryce Brentz |
| DH | David Ortiz |
Victorino is definitely versatile enough to play left field, giving Brentz a chance to make his major league debut. Stephen Drew will be out after one year, with Iglesias taking over at least for next season. Xander Bogaerts will seriously push Iglesias for the starting role at some point.
I don't see any scenario in which Jacoby Ellsbury re-signs with the Red Sox, giving Bradley the chance to shine in his more natural position.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a free agent next season as well. That could well pave the way for Lavarnway to finally break through.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Wellington Castillo |
| 1B | Anthony Rizzo |
| 2B | Darwin Barney |
| 3B | Javier Baez |
| SS | Starlin Castro |
| LF | Matt Szczur |
| CF | Brett Jackson |
| RF | David DeJesus |
The outfield configuration poses the biggest challenge for the Chicago Cubs in 2014. The Cubs could well bring DeJesus back for one more season in order to give prospect Jorge Soler a bit more time to fully develop.
It could be sink or swim for Jackson, who failed miserably in his debut in 2012. His 2013 season will be a major turning point for the youngster.
Baez is an absolute stud at the plate and definitely has the ability to hit for both power and average. With Castro signed long-term, Baez makes the move to third.
This could finally be the year that the Cubs unload Soriano and his hefty contract, but they'll still have to pick up the lion's share of what's owed to him in order to make the deal work.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Tyler Flowers |
| 1B | Paul Konerko |
| 2B | Jeff Keppinger |
| 3B | Conor Gillaspie |
| SS | Alexei Ramirez |
| LF | Dayan Viciedo |
| CF | Alejandro De Aza |
| RF | Alex Rios |
| DH | Adam Dunn |
The Chicago White Sox could look very much the same in 2014 as they do right now.
With an early injury to Gordon Beckham, Gillaspie has stepped in and played brilliantly at third, with Keppinger moving to second. Gillaspie's play could have Beckham moving out of Chicago at the end of the season.
With Beckham out for at least another five weeks while he recovers from wrist surgery, it's a great chance for Gillaspie to prove his case for the future.
The White Sox are a loyal bunch—Konerko comes back for one more season.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Devin Mesoraco |
| 1B | Joey Votto |
| 2B | Brandon Phillips |
| 3B | Todd Frazier |
| SS | Zack Cozart |
| LF | Ryan Ludwick |
| CF | Billy Hamilton |
| RF | Jay Bruce |
The Reds will let Shin-Soo Choo walk at the end of the season with Hamilton hopefully ready for prime-time action.
The infield is pretty much set in stone, so the only other question at this point is whether Mesoraco can break through offensively in 2013. At 24 years of age, he's certainly not going to be considered a wash, but he'll need to show Reds management he's up for the task.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Carlos Santana |
| 1B | Nick Swisher |
| 2B | Jason Kipnis |
| 3B | Lonnie Chisenhall |
| SS | Francisco Lindor |
| LF | Michael Brantley |
| CF | Michael Bourn |
| RF | Drew Stubbs |
| DH | Travis Hafner |
The way that Indians top prospect Francisco Lindor keeps hitting and fielding, it's not a stretch at all to think he could be ready for the majors next season. Asdrubal Cabrera will be used as bait to snag some pitching during the offseason, if not sooner.
Mark Reynolds will likely end up being too pricey for the Indians, who will have financial restraints with the long-term deals of both Bourn and Swisher to contend with in the next few years.
Could Hafner come back home for one more season after proving his worth in the Bronx in 2013? It might be worth it for the Tribe.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Wilin Rosario |
| 1B | Michael Cuddyer |
| 2B | Josh Rutledge |
| 3B | Nolan Arenado |
| SS | Troy Tulowitzki |
| LF | Carlos Gonzalez |
| CF | Dexter Fowler |
| RF | Eric Young Jr. |
With Todd Helton likely playing his last season, Cuddyer will shift to first base full-time, giving Young a chance to get his speed and bat into the lineup every day.
Chris Nelson is more than likely just a placeholder while prospect Arenado continues developing in the minors. This is still an excellent offense for the Rockies that continues blending in youth and developing solid position players.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Alex Avila |
| 1B | Prince Fielder |
| 2B | Omar Infante |
| 3B | Miguel Cabrera |
| SS | Stephen Drew/Nick Ahmed |
| LF | Nick Castellanos |
| CF | Austin Jackson |
| RF | Torii Hunter |
| DH | Victor Martinez |
As prospect Castellanos learns the intricacies of the outfield this season, he should be well-positioned to take over in left field in 2014.
Considering the instability at second base over the past few seasons, the Tigers could be paying Infante to stick around for one or two more years.
They won't offer the same for Jhonny Peralta, who is a free agent at the end of the season. They'll sign Drew to take over in the short term until the Tigers can come up with a more stable long-term plan.
Either that or the Tigers make a play for Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Nick Ahmed. With Didi Gregorius set to take over, Ahmed's path to the majors there is blocked.
Houston Astros
11 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Jason Castro |
| 1B | Jonathan Singleton |
| 2B | Jose Altuve |
| 3B | Matt Dominguez |
| SS | Marwin Gonzalez |
| LF | Chris Carter |
| CF | George Springer |
| RF | Domingo Santana |
| DH | Carlos Pena |
The Astros have a plan in place that dictates little activity on the free-agent market. They're almost completely committed to developing their prospects and building from within.
Singleton and Springer represent two of their prized hitting prospects who should both be ready to contribute by next season. Santana could be joining them depending on his progress in Double-A ball this season. If not, J.D. Martinez and Justin Maxwell could still be around to offer alternatives.
It's still far from a finished product as the Astros patiently wait for the development of Carlos Correa, Delino Deshields and others.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Salvador Perez |
| 1B | Eric Hosmer |
| 2B | Christian Colon |
| 3B | Mike Moustakas |
| SS | Alcides Escobar |
| LF | Alex Gordon |
| CF | Lorenzo Cain |
| RF | Shin-Soo Choo |
| DH | Billy Butler |
The Kansas City Royals have done an outstanding job of developing position players, and they could have another stellar addition with Colon in 2014. Drafted in 2010, Colon is honing his skills at Triple-A Omaha while Chris Getz holds down his position this season.
Choo will be a free agent at the end of the season and could be a short-term option in right field until other Royals prospects are ready.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Chris Iannetta |
| 1B | Albert Pujols |
| 2B | Howie Kendrick |
| 3B | Alberto Callaspo |
| SS | Erick Aybar |
| LF | Mike Trout |
| CF | Peter Bourjos |
| RF | Josh Hamilton |
| DH | Mark Trumbo |
The Los Angeles Angels have every position player either under contract or under team control for the 2014 season.
Unless general manager Jerry Dipoto decides to blow up the roster because of another massively disappointing start, this is the lineup that will return next season.
If Dipoto does decide to blow things up in order to acquire some pitching, Mark Trumbo or Peter Bourjos could be in play as trade chips.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Tim Federowicz |
| 1B | Adrian Gonzalez |
| 2B | Mark Ellis |
| 3B | Hanley Ramirez |
| SS | Dee Gordon |
| LF | Carl Crawford |
| CF | Matt Kemp |
| RF | Yasiel Puig |
The Dodgers are going to have to make some room for Yasiel Puig in their outfield at some point, and Andre Ethier could be the sacrificial lamb. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti will have to pull off somewhat of a magic act, though, considering Ethier's lucrative long-term deal.
Ramirez moves back to the corner spot with Gordon finally ready to take over at the major league level. The big question is at second base. The Dodgers hold a team option on Ellis, and it's only at $500K more than what Ellis is making this year. They could decide to exercise that option while figuring out a longer-term solution.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Rob Brantly |
| 1B | Logan Morrison |
| 2B | Donovan Solano |
| 3B | Zack Cox |
| SS | Jurickson Profar |
| LF | Marcell Ozuna |
| CF | Christian Yelich |
| RF | Mike Olt |
I'm totally going out on a limb with this roster.
Giancarlo Stanton will be dealt to Texas at some point, with Olt and Profar coming back in return, along with pitching depth.
Yelich and Ozuna are working to get to the majors as quickly as possible, understanding the chance they have with a roster starving for run production.
Cox is toiling at Double-A Jacksonville and will also get an opportunity to take over next year, with Placido Polanco moving to parts unknown.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Jonathan Lucroy |
| 1B | Hunter Morris |
| 2B | Rickie Weeks |
| 3B | Aramis Ramirez |
| SS | Jean Segura |
| LF | Ryan Braun |
| CF | Carlos Gomez |
| RF | Norichika Aoki |
The Brewers could very well be saying goodbye to Corey Hart, as he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. Morris could be their long-term answer at first, however.
Morris clubbed 28 home runs with 113 RBI in Double-A ball last year. If he can continue raking at the Triple-A level this year, the Brewers will have their answer.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Joe Mauer |
| 1B | Chris Parmelee |
| 2B | Eduardo Escobar |
| 3B | Trevor Plouffe |
| SS | Pedro Florimon |
| LF | Josh Willingham |
| CF | Aaron Hicks |
| RF | Oswaldo Arcia |
| DH | Ryan Doumit |
The Twins will undergo some change in 2014. Justin Morneau will be a free agent, and the Twins won't invite him back. Hicks may be struggling to start the 2013 season, but he'll be out there raring to go next season.
Arcia seems primed to take over in right field, with Parmelee moving to first. Escobar also seems destined for an everyday job as well.
This is a team still in transition as it waits for prospects Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, Alex Meyer and Trevor May to help out in 2014 and beyond.
New York Mets
18 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Travis d'Arnaud |
| 1B | Ike Davis |
| 2B | Daniel Murphy |
| 3B | David Wright |
| SS | Ruben Tejada |
| LF | Lucas Duda |
| CF | Jacoby Ellsbury |
| RF | Jordany Valdespin |
The New York Mets will have money freed up for next season, and Ellsbury could be the one they go after.
The infield is set, and d'Arnaud will take over catching duties with Buck leaving via free agency.
New York Yankees
19 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Francisco Cervelli |
| 1B | Mark Teixeira |
| 2B | Robinson Cano |
| 3B | Kevin Youkilis |
| SS | Derek Jeter |
| LF | Vernon Wells |
| CF | Brett Gardner |
| RF | Nelson Cruz |
| DH | Alex Rodriguez |
The big acquisition for the Yankees next season will be Cruz. With the Rangers dealing for Giancarlo Stanton, Cruz is expendable.
Granderson won't be back, paving the way for Gardner. Youkilis could be sticking around, especially if Rodriguez's hip doesn't allow him to take the field on a regular basis. With few other choices in free agency at third base, it may be their best option.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Derek Norris |
| 1B | Brandon Moss |
| 2B | Jed Lowrie |
| 3B | Josh Donaldson |
| SS | Hiroyuki Nakajima |
| LF | Michael Choice |
| CF | Yoenis Cespedes |
| RF | Josh Reddick |
| DH | Seth Smith |
Coco Crisp will hit free agency, opening up a spot for the ultra-talented Michael Choice. The A's hold an option for Chris Young next season but at $11 million will almost certainly decline.
Lowrie has one more year of arbitration eligibility, and the bat might be too enticing for the A's to pass on.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Tommy Joseph |
| 1B | Ryan Howard |
| 2B | Chase Utley |
| 3B | Freddy Galvis |
| SS | Jimmy Rollins |
| LF | Domonic Brown |
| CF | Ben Revere |
| RF | Delmon Young |
Utley comes back for one more season in 2014 before calling it quits—he may have no desire to play for any other team.
Joseph takes over for Ruiz behind the plate, giving the Phillies a bit more youth. Galvis could move over to the hot corner to take over for Michael Young. At a salary of $16 million, of which the Phillies are only paying $6 million, Young simply won't fit into Philadelphia's payroll next season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Russell Martin |
| 1B | Garrett Jones |
| 2B | Neil Walker |
| 3B | Pedro Alvarez |
| SS | Mike Aviles |
| LF | Starling Marte |
| CF | Andrew McCutchen |
| RF | Travis Snider |
The Pirates will go after Aviles to answer their obvious problem at shortstop. Clint Barmes is hitting just .125 and is a complete liability offensively at this point.
The Pirates are unfortunately stuck with the Martin contract and can only hope for a quick turnaround to an abysmal start.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Yasmani Grandal |
| 1B | Yonder Alonso |
| 2B | Jedd Gyorko |
| 3B | Chase Headley |
| SS | Everth Cabrera |
| LF | Carlos Quentin |
| CF | Cameron Maybin |
| RF | Will Venable |
Call me an optimist, but I am one who believes that the Padres will find a way to hang on to Headley. The Padres have at least shown a willingness to keep players on board with extensions given out last year to Huston Street and Quentin.
This is an offense capable of producing with a healthy Headley and Quentin leading the way. The team will also presumably have Grandal available for the full season, as well as a more mature Alonso.
Venable and Chris Denorfia have proven to be a solid tandem in right field, and unless the Padres break the bank to go after a free agent, there's no reason to assume that the duo can't continue to be successful in 2014.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Buster Posey |
| 1B | Brandon Belt |
| 2B | Marco Scutaro |
| 3B | Pablo Sandoval |
| SS | Brandon Crawford |
| LF | Gary Brown |
| CF | Angel Pagan |
| RF | Hunter Pence |
The biggest change for the Giants in 2014 will be the arrival of highly touted prospect Gary Brown. While a natural center fielder, Brown received reps in left field during the Arizona Fall League. With Angel Pagan signed through the 2016 season, it will be the only way Brown cracks the lineup.
Pence returns only because other options on the free-agent market are older and not as productive.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Mike Zunino |
| 1B | Corey Hart |
| 2B | Dustin Ackley |
| 3B | Kyle Seager |
| SS | Nick Franklin |
| LF | Michael Morse |
| CF | Franklin Gutierrez |
| RF | Michael Saunders |
| DH | Jesus Montero |
Catching prospect Zunino should be ready to go with full-time duties behind the plate for the 2014 season.
With Seattle ready to give up on Justin Smoak, Hart looks like a very attractive option at first. Morse can also shift to first, giving the Mariners several lineup options.
Morales moves on via free agency, leaving Jesus Montero to take over full-time DH duties.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Yadier Molina |
| 1B | Matt Adams |
| 2B | Matt Carpenter |
| 3B | David Freese |
| SS | Pete Kozma |
| LF | Matt Holliday |
| CF | Jon Jay |
| RF | Allen Craig |
The departure of Carlos Beltran via free agency makes it easy for the St. Louis Cardinals to have the potent bats of both Adams and Craig in the lineup every day.
Kozma will continue making the most of his opportunity and will go into spring training entrenched as the Cardinals shortstop.
The question is what to do with Jon Jay. It's possible the Cardinals could consider some moves if they're more enamored with the skills of prospect Oscar Taveras. Both Taveras and Kolten Wong are blocked at the major league level, so general manager John Mozeliak will have a few decisions to make.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Jarrod Saltalamacchia |
| 1B | Adam Lind |
| 2B | Ben Zobrist |
| 3B | Evan Longoria |
| SS | Hak-Ju Lee |
| LF | Matt Joyce |
| CF | Desmond Jennings |
| RF | Wil Myers |
| DH | Kendrys Morales |
The Rays will have the benefit of having top hitting prospect Wil Myers to help out the offense in 2014. Considering their tough offensive start this year, Myers could be an option, but the Rays keep insisting they're in no hurry to rush him.
Morales is brought in to help shore up the offense and Adam Lind will be the next candidate in what has become a carousel at first base.
The Rays also bring in Saltalamacchia to help solve their hitting woes behind the plate.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | A.J. Pierzynski |
| 1B | Mitch Moreland |
| 2B | Ian Kinsler |
| 3B | Adrian Beltre |
| SS | Elvis Andrus |
| LF | David Murphy |
| CF | Leonys Martin |
| RF | Giancarlo Stanton |
| DH | Lance Berkman |
The biggest and most obvious change for the Rangers is Stanton in left, courtesy of a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins that saw prospects Mike Olt and Jurickson Profar heading to South Beach.
Murphy re-signs to keep left field occupied, and Berkman's option will vest, keeping him in Texas for one more year.
Pierzynksi could stay around for one more year as well while prospect Jorge Alfaro continues his development.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | J.P. Arencibia |
| 1B | Edwin Encarnacion |
| 2B | Emilio Bonifacio |
| 3B | Brett Lawrie |
| SS | Jose Reyes |
| LF | Melky Cabrera |
| CF | Colby Rasmus |
| RF | Jose Bautista |
| DH | Mark Reynolds |
The Toronto Blue Jays will essentially have one change from one year to the next. Reynolds comes in following the departure of Adam Lind.
Rasmus could be gone if he can't continue being an enigma at the plate. Bonifacio could move to center, with Maicer Izturis taking over at second.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30| Position | Player |
| C | Wilson Ramos |
| 1B | Adam LaRoche |
| 2B | Danny Espinosa |
| 3B | Ryan Zimmerman |
| SS | Ian Desmond |
| LF | Bryce Harper |
| CF | Denard Span |
| RF | Jayson Werth |
The Washington Nationals have a lineup set in terms of not needing to deal with re-signing anyone. All are under contract or team control.
This is without question a strong unit that should easily be able to continue along well in 2014.
Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.
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