MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stand 1 Month from Spring Training
We are coming down the home stretch of the MLB offseason here in the middle of January, as pitchers and catchers are set to report roughly a month from now, but there is still a lot to be determined.
Once Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka chooses a team, it will likely trigger a domino effect of sorts for the rest of the pitching market, as Matt Garza, Ubaldo Jimenez, Ervin Santana and Bronson Arroyo all remain unsigned at this point.
On the position player side of things, a trio of qualifying offer recipients in Nelson Cruz, Stephen Drew and Kendrys Morales have yet to sign as well, and all three could certainly help bolster someone's lineup.
All that said, here is an updated look at where all 30 MLB teams stand one month from the start of spring training.
*Projected lineups and rotations courtesy of MLBDepthCharts.com and reflect how the roster is currently expected to look on Opening Day. Offseason acquisitions are bolded.
30. Houston Astros
1 of 30
Team Outlook
The Astros have had a busy offseason, and while they are likely still headed for a last-place finish in the AL West, they are no doubt an improved team.
Their bullpen is substantially improved, and they brought aboard veteran Scott Feldman to front a promising young rotation. On the offensive side of things, Dexter Fowler joins Jason Castro and Jose Altuve as veteran pieces to build around, while top prospects Jonathan Singleton and George Springer should make an impact at some point as well.
Projected Lineup
CF Dexter Fowler
2B Jose Altuve
C Jason Castro
DH Chris Carter
1B Brett Wallace
LF Robbie Grossman
3B Matt Dominguez
RF L.J. Hoes
SS Jonathan Villar
Projected Rotation
SP Scott Feldman
SP Jarred Cosart
SP Brett Oberholtzer
SP Brad Peacock
SP Paul Clemens
SU Matt Albers
SU Chad Qualls
CL Jesse Crain
29. Chicago Cubs
2 of 30
Team Outlook
It's been a quiet offseason for the Cubs, as the front office continues to be patient in its efforts to rebuild from the ground up. A few pieces have been added to the bullpen, and the Cubs acquired outfielder Justin Ruggiano from the Marlins, but for the most part, they've stood pat this winter.
As a result, 2014 will likely be another long season on the North Side, but there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel. The minor league system has quickly become one of the best in baseball; combined with a significant amount of payroll room, that has put the team in a very good position moving forward.
Projected Lineup
SS Starlin Castro
3B Luis Valbuena
1B Anthony Rizzo
RF Nate Schierholtz
LF Junior Lake
CF Ryan Sweeney
C Welington Castillo
2B Darwin Barney
Projected Rotation
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Travis Wood
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Chris Rusin
SU James Russell
SU Pedro Strop
CL Jose Veras
28. Miami Marlins
3 of 30
Team Outlook
After tearing apart their roster last offseason, the Marlins are now working to make their way back to contention, and they have a good young core in place with which to do it.
Signing veterans Rafael Furcal, Garrett Jones, Casey McGehee and Jarrod Saltalamacchia to fill out their lineup should make them a better team in 2014. The strength of the team, though, is their impressive young starting rotation, led by breakout star Jose Fernandez.
They've still got a ways to go, but they should be able to tack a decent number of wins onto last year's total of 62.
Projected Lineup
2B Rafael Furcal
LF Christian Yelich
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Garrett Jones
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
CF Marcell Ozuna
3B Casey McGehee
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
Projected Rotation
SP Jose Fernandez
SP Jacob Turner
SP Nathan Eovaldi
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Tom Koehler
SU A.J. Ramos
SU Mike Dunn
CL Steve Cishek
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27. Minnesota Twins
4 of 30
Team Outlook
It came as no surprise that the Twins' biggest focus this offseason has been the starting rotation, as that group posted an MLB-worst 5.26 ERA last season. Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes received the two richest free-agent deals in team history, and the team also re-signed Mike Pelfrey. As a result, the Twins should at least have a bit more stability in the rotation this year.
The big story on the offensive side of things is Joe Mauer making the move from catcher to first base, as the team looks to protect its biggest investment. The lineup, as a whole, is still relatively weak, but the impending debuts of top prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano could quickly turn things around.
Projected Lineup
CF Alex Presley
2B Brian Dozier
1B Joe Mauer
LF Josh Willingham
RF Oswaldo Arcia
3B Trevor Plouffe
DH Jason Kubel
C Kurt Suzuki
SS Pedro Florimon
Projected Rotation
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Kevin Correia
SP Phil Hughes
SP Mike Pelfrey
SP Vance Worley
SU Michael Tonkin
SU Jared Burton
CL Glen Perkins
26. Milwaukee Brewers
5 of 30
Team Outlook
The 2013 season was a tough one for the Milwaukee Brewers, as what was the NL's highest-scoring offense in 2012 stumbled due to injuries and the suspension of superstar Ryan Braun. On the pitching side of things, the rotation was subpar from top to bottom, and the bullpen was again in flux for much of the season.
If Aramis Ramirez can stay healthy and Ryan Braun can return to his usually dominant form, the offense should be dangerous once again, as those two will join breakout stars Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez.
The pitching staff remains a question, but another step forward by Wily Peralta and Tyler Thornburg could actually make it a strength. They may be a step behind the top three in the NL Central, but they should be able to improve upon a rough 2013.
Projected Lineup
SS Jean Segura
2B Scooter Gennett
RF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
C Jonathan Lucroy
CF Carlos Gomez
1B Juan Francisco
LF Khris Davis
Projected Rotation
SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Kyle Lohse
SP Marco Estrada
SP Wily Peralta
SP Tyler Thornburg
SU Rob Wooten
SU Brandon Kintzler
CL Jim Henderson
25. Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Team Outlook
The White Sox seem to have finally committed to the idea of rebuilding, starting with their trades of Jake Peavy and Alex Rios during the season and continuing with a handful of moves this winter.
Avisail Garcia, Jose Abreu, Matt Davidson and Adam Eaton give them a solid offensive core to build around, and they will again have one of the best in the business atop their rotation in Chris Sale. The farm system is still relatively thin, and there are question marks at catcher and in the rotation, but it has been a very successful offseason for the White Sox.
Projected Lineup
CF Adam Eaton
LF Alejandro De Aza
1B Jose Abreu
DH Adam Dunn
RF Avisail Garcia
SS Alexei Ramirez
2B Gordon Beckham
3B Matt Davidson
C Tyler Flowers
Projected Rotation
SP Chris Sale
SP Jose Quintana
SP John Danks
SP Erik Johnson
SP Felipe Paulino
SU Scott Downs
SU Matt Lindstrom
CL Nathan Jones
24. San Diego Padres
7 of 30
Team Outlook
The Padres lack a legitimate superstar talent—or even a face of the franchise, for that matter—but they have quietly assembled a talented roster and could be in a position to surprise some people in 2014 as a result.
The offense lacks any major holes from top to bottom, and it will just be a matter of everyone staying healthy and guys like Yonder Alonso and Jedd Gyorko continuing their development. On the pitching side, Andrew Cashner emerged as one of the better pitchers in the NL during the second half of 2014, but the team is banking heavily on bounce-back seasons from Ian Kennedy and Josh Johnson.
Projected Lineup
SS Everth Cabrera
CF Will Venable
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
1B Yonder Alonso
2B Jedd Gyorko
RF Seth Smith
C Nick Hundley
Projected Rotation
SP Ian Kennedy
SP Andrew Cashner
SP Josh Johnson
SP Tyson Ross
SP Cory Luebke
SU Dale Thayer
SU Joaquin Benoit
CL Huston Street
23. Philadelphia Phillies
8 of 30
Team Outlook
The Phillies have opted against rebuilding this offseason, instead re-signing veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz and also adding Marlon Byrd and Roberto Hernandez on the free-agent market to shore up right field and the back of the rotation, respectively.
The one-two punch of Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels atop the rotation is still as good as any in baseball, and if their offense can stay healthy, the Phillies should be able to score some runs. However, it looks like a third-place finish in the NL East is their best-case scenario, and they'd be wise to begin rebuilding soon.
Projected Lineup
CF Ben Revere
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Marlon Byrd
LF Domonic Brown
C Carlos Ruiz
3B Cody Asche
Projected Rotation
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Roberto Hernandez
SU Brad Lincoln
SU Antonio Bastardo
CL Jonathan Papelbon
22. New York Mets
9 of 30
Team Outlook
With a ton of money coming off the books, the Mets were expected to be busy this offseason, and they have indeed made a pair of major additions with the signings of Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colon to multi-year deals.
There are still significant holes at shortstop and in the bullpen, and this looks like a team that is still at least a year away from taking a major step forward with Matt Harvey sidelined and a handful of top prospects still on the cusp. Things are looking up for the Mets, though, and their pitching could soon be among the best in the game.
Projected Lineup
RF Chris Young
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
LF Curtis Granderson
1B Ike Davis
CF Juan Lagares
C Travis d'Arnaud
SS Ruben Tejada
Projected Rotation
SP Bartolo Colon
SP Jon Niese
SP Dillon Gee
SP Zack Wheeler
SP Jenrry Mejia
SU Scott Rice
SU Gonzalez Germen
CL Bobby Parnell
21. Colorado Rockies
10 of 30
Team Outlook
The Rockies got off to a hot start last season but eventually came back to earth and wound up with a second consecutive last-place finish in the NL West. The roster will be without the retired Todd Helton for the first time since 1997, but as a whole, they look to have improved this offseason.
Colorado signed Justin Morneau to replace Helton, and he should at least be able to match his production from last year. The offense should be a plus as long as Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki can stay healthy—and that has been a big "if" of late. The question, as always, is the pitching staff, but if Brett Anderson can make 30 starts and the bullpen can hold up, the Rockies could surprise some people.
Projected Lineup
LF Corey Dickerson
3B Nolan Arenado
CF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Justin Morneau
C Wilin Rosario
2B Josh Rutledge
Projected Rotation
SP Jorge De La Rosa
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Brett Anderson
SP Tyler Chatwood
SP Franklin Morales
SU Matt Belisle
SU Rex Brothers
CL LaTroy Hawkins
20. Seattle Mariners
11 of 30
Team Outlook
The Mariners have made the biggest splash of the offseason so far, signing the market's top bat in Robinson Cano to a massive 10-year, $240 million deal. They then signed Corey Hart and traded for Logan Morrison at the winter meetings. As a result, the offense should certainly be improved.
Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma are back atop the rotation, and they will be joined by arguably the top rookie pitcher entering the year in Taijuan Walker. They may not be ready to contend with the Rangers and A's for the AL West title, but they are loaded with young talent and should be able to make a run at their first winning season since 2009.
Projected Lineup
CF Dustin Ackley
3B Kyle Seager
2B Robinson Cano
DH Corey Hart
1B Justin Smoak
LF Logan Morrison
RF Michael Saunders
C Mike Zunino
SS Brad Miller
Projected Rotation
SP Felix Hernandez
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
SP Taijuan Walker
SP Erasmo Ramirez
SP James Paxton
SU Yoervis Medina
SU Tom Wilhelmsen
CL Danny Farquhar
19. Baltimore Orioles
12 of 30
Team Outlook
After a surprise run to the postseason in 2012, the Orioles stayed in the hunt for a playoff spot for much of the 2013 season as well, and they likely won't take anyone by surprise in 2014. That said, they look to have their work cut out for them at this point if they hope to be playing in October.
The offense should again be a plus, even with newly-acquired David Lough and Jemile Weeks ranking as below-average options at their respective positions. However, the team has done nothing to address a starting rotation that was a major issue last year. If top prospects Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy can make an impact, the Orioles could be dangerous—but that remains a big "if."
Projected Lineup
RF Nick Markakis
3B Manny Machado
1B Chris Davis
CF Adam Jones
C Matt Wieters
SS J.J. Hardy
DH Nolan Reimold
LF David Lough
2B Jemile Weeks
Projected Rotation
SP Chris Tillman
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Bud Norris
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Kevin Gausman
SU Ryan Webb
SU Darren O'Day
CL Tommy Hunter
18. Cleveland Indians
13 of 30
Team Outlook
Thanks to some offseason additions to the lineup and a surprise performance by their starting rotation, the Indians were undoubtedly the biggest surprise team of the 2013 playoffs, earning the No. 1 wild-card spot in the AL.
Their offense returns intact, and it should benefit from the addition of David Murphy and a full season of Yan Gomes at catcher. However, the rotation lost a pair of key arms in Ubaldo Jimenez (still a free agent but unlikely to re-sign) and Scott Kazmir. The bullpen still looks like a weakness as well, though the addition of John Axford was a nice move.
They'll be competitive, but a return to the playoffs looks like a long shot at this point.
Projected Lineup
CF Michael Bourn
1B Nick Swisher
2B Jason Kipnis
DH Carlos Santana
LF Michael Brantley
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
RF David Murphy
C Yan Gomes
3B Lonnie Chisenhall
Projected Rotation
SP Justin Masterson
SP Corey Kluber
SP Zach McAllister
SP Danny Salazar
SP Carlos Carrasco
SU Vinnie Pestano
SU Cody Allen
CL John Axford
17. Toronto Blue Jays
14 of 30
Team Outlook
For as disappointing as the Blue Jays were in 2013, they still have all the pieces to contend for a playoff spot this coming year if they can just avoid injury and their pitching staff can perform up to its potential. The Jays are still in the market for a frontline starter, but for the most part, they will employ the same roster as last year.
Healthy seasons from Brandon Morrow, J.A. Happ and Kyle Drabek would go a long way in turning things around, as those three managed just 149.1 combined innings last year. Signing Dioner Navarro to be an everyday catcher was a risky move, but regardless, he'll have a hard time being worse than J.P. Arencibia was last year.
Expectations will be tempered this time around, but the talent is still there in Toronto.
Projected Lineup
SS Jose Reyes
RF Jose Bautista
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Adam Lind
CF Colby Rasmus
LF Melky Cabrera
3B Brett Lawrie
C Dioner Navarro
2B Ryan Goins
Projected Rotation
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Brandon Morrow
SP J.A. Happ
SP Kyle Drabek
SU Steve Delabar
SU Sergio Santos
CL Casey Janssen
16. Los Angeles Angels
15 of 30
Team Outlook
Disappointing seasons from the high-priced duo of Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, along with a disastrous back end of the rotation, left the Angels a distant third in the AL West once again last year. They've made some nice moves this offseason, though, as they try to chase down the A's and Rangers.
The Angeles dealt slugger Mark Trumbo at the winter meetings in a three-team trade that brought Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs to the team. Another starter could yet be signed to allow Skaggs to open the year in the minors, but if not, the rotation still looks to be improved. Kole Calhoun could be in for a big first full season, and if Pujols and Hamilton can produce alongside all-world talent Mike Trout, the offense could be one of the best around.
Projected Lineup
SS Erick Aybar
CF Mike Trout
1B Albert Pujols
LF Josh Hamilton
3B David Freese
DH Raul Ibanez
2B Howie Kendrick
RF Kole Calhoun
C Chris Iannetta
Projected Rotation
SP Jered Weaver
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Garrett Richards
SP Hector Santiago
SP Tyler Skaggs
SU Sean Burnett
SU Joe Smith
CL Ernesto Frieri
15. Tampa Bay Rays
16 of 30
Team Outlook
The Rays continue to find ways to win despite one of the lowest payrolls in the game, as they have reached the postseason four times in the past six seasons. Their biggest question at this point regards if and when they will trade staff ace David Price and just how much that will affect the team.
Prospect Jake Odorizzi is ready to step into the rotation should the Rays move Price before the season starts, but losing the big left-hander would undoubtedly hurt their playoff chances.
The bullpen may be the weakest point as things stand now, though, with the team ready to lean on Heath Bell as the closer. Then again, people also doubted Kyle Farnsworth, Rafael Soriano and Fernando Rodney in that role, and things worked out all right in those situations.
Projected Lineup
LF David DeJesus
2B Ben Zobrist
3B Evan Longoria
RF Wil Myers
DH Matt Joyce
1B James Loney
CF Desmond Jennings
SS Yunel Escobar
C Ryan Hanigan
Projected Rotation
SP David Price
SP Alex Cobb
SP Matt Moore
SP Chris Archer
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SU Jake McGee
SU Joel Peralta
CL Heath Bell
14. San Francisco Giants
17 of 30
Team Outlook
The Giants looked to be in a great position to defend their 2012 World Series title heading into last year, as they returned essentially the same roster. Instead, their starting rotation fell well short of expectations, and the team's below-average offensive attack was unable to pick up the slack.
San Francisco signed Tim Hudson to replace Barry Zito in the rotation, and Michael Morse should provide some added pop as the new left fielder. Aside from those two pickups, though, the team will count on more or less the same group as last year. A return to form for Matt Cain and a healthy Angel Pagan could go a long way in getting the team back on track.
Projected Lineup
CF Angel Pagan
2B Marco Scutaro
1B Brandon Belt
C Buster Posey
RF Hunter Pence
3B Pablo Sandoval
LF Michael Morse
SS Brandon Crawford
Projected Rotation
SP Matt Cain
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Tim Lincecum
SP Tim Hudson
SP Ryan Vogelsong
SU Jeremy Affeldt
SU Santiago Casilla
CL Sergio Romo
13. Kansas City Royals
18 of 30
Team Outlook
There were three clear needs for the Royals when the offseason began: upgrade at second base, upgrade in right field and replace Ervin Santana in the starting rotation. They accomplished all three before Christmas, and they now look to be in a good position to make a run at their first playoff appearance since 1985.
Norichika Aoki and Omar Infante not only represent significant upgrades at their respective positions, but they should help the lineup as a whole by hitting first and second. Jason Vargas may not be the same impact arm that Santana was last year, but he's an innings eater and is more than capable of a sub-4.00 ERA.
If the rotation can hold up until top prospects Kyle Zimmer and Yordano Ventura are ready, and if the offense can avoid the slow start that plagued it last year, the Royals could be legitimate playoff contenders.
Projected Lineup
RF Norichika Aoki
2B Omar Infante
1B Eric Hosmer
DH Billy Butler
LF Alex Gordon
C Salvador Perez
3B Mike Moustakas
CF Lorenzo Cain
SS Alcides Escobar
Projected Rotation
SP James Shields
SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Jason Vargas
SP Wade Davis
SP Danny Duffy
SU Kelvin Herrera
SU Luke Hochevar
CL Greg Holland
12. Arizona Diamondbacks
19 of 30
Team Outlook
The Diamondbacks filled a pair of major needs this offseason, as they landed a big bat to protect Paul Goldschmidt in Mark Trumbo and improved their bullpen by trading for White Sox closer Addison Reed.
Their starting rotation remains a question mark, though, as the team lacks a true staff ace and instead possesses a collection of middle-of-the-rotation arms. Patrick Corbin was a stud in the first half last year but fell off significantly in the second half.
Catching the Los Angeles Dodgers looks like a long shot at this point, but if things break right, the Diamondbacks could contend for a wild-card spot.
Projected Lineup
CF Gerardo Parra
2B Aaron Hill
1B Paul Goldschmidt
C Miguel Montero
LF Mark Trumbo
3B Martin Prado
RF Cody Ross
SS Didi Gregorius
Projected Rotation
SP Patrick Corbin
SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Wade Miley
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Randall Delgado
SU David Hernandez
SU J.J. Putz
CL Addison Reed
11. New York Yankees
20 of 30
Team Outlook
Until they address the back end of their rotation and the bullpen, the Yankees will remain outside the top 10 in these rankings, but that's not to say it hasn't been a busy offseason in New York. The signings of Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann, among others, should make the offense one of the best around.
However, CC Sabathia is not the pitcher he once was, and Hiroki Kuroda is another year older. Getting something from Michael Pineda would be a plus, and Ivan Nova looks like a solid No. 3 option, but the rotation as a whole is a major weakness. David Robertson should be able to hold his own replacing Mariano Rivera, but the team now needs to replace him in the eighth inning.
Projected Lineup
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
SS Derek Jeter
RF Carlos Beltran
1B Mark Teixeira
C Brian McCann
DH Alfonso Soriano
LF Brett Gardner
3B Kelly Johnson
2B Brian Roberts
Projected Rotation
SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Ivan Nova
SP David Phelps
SP Michael Pineda
SU Matt Thornton
SU Shawn Kelley
CL David Robertson
10. Cincinnati Reds
21 of 30
Team Outlook
The losses of Shin-Soo Choo and Bronson Arroyo can't be understated for the Reds, even with Billy Hamilton and Tony Cingrani ready to step into their spots as solid in-house options. Choo was a dynamic table setter atop the lineup, and Arroyo was a reliable innings eater, if nothing else.
Without any major additions, the team appears to have gotten worse this offseason with the loss of those two guys. Healthy seasons from Johnny Cueto and Ryan Ludwick could certainly help offset those losses, though, and the team has no clear-cut weakness. The NL Central will be tough once again, but the Reds should be right in the thick of things for a playoff spot.
Projected Lineup
CF Billy Hamilton
SS Zack Cozart
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
LF Ryan Ludwick
3B Todd Frazier
C Devin Mesoraco
Projected Rotation
SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
SP Tony Cingrani
SU Sean Marshall
SU J.J. Hoover
CL Aroldis Chapman
9. Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Team Outlook
The Pirates finally broke through and reached the postseason in 2013, snapping a playoff drought that went all the way back to 1992. They've turned the franchise around thanks to a good mix of homegrown talent and good free-agent signings, highlighted by the additions of Francisco Liriano and Russell Martin last offseason.
Whether or not A.J. Burnett retires remains a big question mark this offseason, and relying on Edinson Volquez to potentially replace him is risky. First base and right field are areas that could be upgraded as well, but the impeding arrival of top prospects Gregory Polanco and Jameson Taillon could go a long way in shoring up the roster.
Last year was no fluke; this is a team that should be able to contend for the foreseeable future.
Projected Lineup
LF Starling Marte
SS Jordy Mercer
CF Andrew McCutchen
3B Pedro Alvarez
2B Neil Walker
C Russell Martin
1B Gaby Sanchez
RF Jose Tabata
Projected Rotation
SP Francisco Liriano
SP Gerrit Cole
SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Charlie Morton
SP Edinson Volquez
SU Tony Watson
SU Mark Melancon
CL Jason Grilli
8. Oakland Athletics
23 of 30
Team Outlook
With back-to-back division titles to their credit, the A's are no longer the overlooked, under-appreciated team they were a few years ago. The front office continues to make the most of a bad situation from a payroll standpoint, and manager Bob Melvin does as good a job of utilizing his entire roster as any manager in the game.
The lineup returns essentially the same players, with Craig Gentry acquired to replace Chris Young as the fourth outfielder. On the pitching side of things, Scott Kazmir replaces Bartolo Colon as the elder statesman of what is a talented young rotation, and Sonny Gray could be a breakout star after a terrific postseason.
Swapping Jim Johnson for Grant Balfour at the closer spot could be viewed as a downgrade, but with Sean Doolittle, Ryan Cook and Luke Gregerson as setup options, there is enough depth to offset any potential struggles.
Projected Lineup
CF Coco Crisp
3B Josh Donaldson
SS Jed Lowrie
LF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Brandon Moss
RF Josh Reddick
2B Alberto Callaspo
DH John Jaso
C Derek Norris
Projected Rotation
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Scott Kazmir
SP Sonny Gray
SP Daniel Straily
SP A.J. Griffin
SU Luke Gregerson
SU Ryan Cook
CL Jim Johnson
7. Atlanta Braves
24 of 30
Team Outlook
The Braves took full advantage of a slow start by the Washington Nationals last year, building their NL East lead to as many as 15.5 games in August on their way to a division title. It appears the Nationals will again be their biggest competition in the division, and things likely won't be nearly as easy this time around.
The Braves have assembled a terrific core of homegrown players, with the likes of Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Andrelton Simmons, Mike Minor, Kris Medlen, Julio Teheran and Craig Kimbrel all coming up through the system.
Dan Uggla and B.J. Upton are the two biggest question marks, as both are capable of making an impact offensively and are being paid big money, but both are also both coming off seasons in which they hit under .200.
Projected Lineup
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
C Evan Gattis
3B Chris Johnson
SS Andrelton Simmons
2B Dan Uggla
CF B.J. Upton
Projected Rotation
SP Mike Minor
SP Kris Medlen
SP Julio Teheran
SP Brandon Beachy
SP Alex Wood
SU Luis Avilan
SU David Carpenter
CL Craig Kimbrel
6. Texas Rangers
25 of 30
Team Outlook
Not too long ago, the Rangers had the most feared lineup in baseball, and with the offseason additions of Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder, they could regain that title in 2014 as they look to unseat the Oakland A's atop the AL West.
The team suffered a blow when No. 2 starter Derek Holland suffered a freak knee injury last week, and he is now expected to be out until midseason. That leaves the team with a rotation made up of injury-returnees Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis, the injury-prone Alexi Ogando and Martin Perez, and their depth could be tested.
Still, with a dynamic offense and deep bullpen, the Rangers look like one of the top teams in the AL as things stand right now.
Projected Lineup
LF Shin-Soo Choo
SS Elvis Andrus
1B Prince Fielder
3B Adrian Beltre
RF Alex Rios
DH Mitch Moreland
C Geovany Soto
2B Jurickson Profar
CF Leonys Martin
Projected Rotation
SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Alexi Ogando
SP Martin Perez
SP Colby Lewis
SU Tanner Scheppers
SU Joakim Soria
CL Neftali Feliz
5. Boston Red Sox
26 of 30
Team Outlook
The defending World Series champion Red Sox have had to deal with some roster turnover this offseason, and they will rely on unproven commodities Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley to fill everyday roles this coming season.
It's also questionable whether their veteran rotation will hold up, but they have some depth with Felix Doubront and a wealth of high-end prospects, so they should be fine. Their bullpen should be more stable from the get-go than it was last year, and as long as they avoid injury, the lineup could again be one of the best around.
The Red Sox are still the class of the AL East at this point and should have a chance to defend their AL pennant.
Projected Lineup
RF Shane Victorino
LF Daniel Nava
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
1B Mike Napoli
SS Xander Bogaerts
C A.J. Pierzynski
3B Will Middlebrooks
CF Jackie Bradley
Projected Rotation
SP Jon Lester
SP John Lackey
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Jake Peavy
SP Ryan Dempster
SU Junichi Tazawa
SU Edward Mujica
CL Koji Uehara
4. Washington Nationals
27 of 30
Team Outlook
A popular pick to win the NL pennant last year, the Nationals instead found themselves just one game over .500 at the All-Star break. A late-season push made things interesting, but in the end, they missed the playoffs.
Replacing Dan Haren with Doug Fister gives them arguably the best rotation in all of baseball, and if the offense can avoid another horrible start, the Nats should be able to push the Braves in the NL East. A healthy Bryce Harper is the key to everything, as he is the catalyst for the entire offense and the face of the franchise.
Projected Lineup
CF Denard Span
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Bryce Harper
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
C Wilson Ramos
2B Anthony Rendon
Projected Rotation
SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Doug Fister
SP Ross Detwiler
SU Drew Storen
SU Tyler Clippard
CL Rafael Soriano
3. Detroit Tigers
28 of 30
Team Outlook
Despite the fact that they traded a pair of key pieces in Doug Fister and Prince Fielder, the Tigers still look like the team to beat in the American League at this point in the offseason. Their rotation stacks up to any in baseball, even without Fister, as Drew Smyly should more than hold his own taking over the No. 5 starter spot.
Offensively, Ian Kinsler gives the team a legitimate leadoff hitter and allows it to move Austin Jackson down in the lineup. Losing Prince Fielder as protection for Miguel Cabrera hurts, but it's worth noting that Victor Martinez led all of baseball with a .361 average in the second half last year.
Throw in the fact that the Tigers added one of the best in the business in Joe Nathan to the back of the bullpen, and they should be able to defend their AL Central title.
Projected Lineup
2B Ian Kinsler
RF Torii Hunter
1B Miguel Cabrera
DH Victor Martinez
CF Austin Jackson
LF Andy Dirks
C Alex Avila
3B Nick Castellanos
SS Jose Iglesias
Projected Rotation
SP Justin Verlander
SP Max Scherzer
SP Anibal Sanchez
SP Rick Porcello
SP Drew Smyly
SU Joba Chamberlain
SU Bruce Rondon
CL Joe Nathan
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
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Team Outlook
It's been a significantly quieter offseason for the Dodgers this year compared to last, though that could all change if the team lands Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka.
They have made some moves, re-signing the likes of Juan Uribe, Brian Wilson and J.P. Howell while also adding Dan Haren and Chris Perez to the staff and taking a chance on Cuban defector Alex Guerrero as the starting second baseman. They appear to be willing to do whatever it takes to win it all, and they have to be among the favorites to do so entering the season.
Projected Lineup
LF Carl Crawford
RF Yasiel Puig
SS Hanley Ramirez
1B Adrian Gonzalez
CF Matt Kemp
3B Juan Uribe
C A.J. Ellis
2B Alex Guerrero
Projected Rotation
SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Zack Greinke
SP Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP Josh Beckett
SP Dan Haren
SU Chris Perez
SU Brian Wilson
CL Kenley Jansen
1. St. Louis Cardinals
30 of 30
Team Outlook
The Cardinals came up short in the World Series last year, but as things stand right now, they look like the best team in baseball from top to bottom, and they should have a very good chance to redeem themselves in 2014.
St. Louis signed Jhonny Peralta to upgrade the offensive black hole at shortstop, and with some defensive shuffling, the team essentially replaced David Freese and Carlos Beltran with Kolten Wong and Matt Adams. The pitching staff should benefit from a full season of Michael Wacha and the return of Jaime Garcia, and the Cardinals have a good problem on their hands with too many worthy starting candidates.
Projected Lineup
3B Matt Carpenter
CF Peter Bourjos
LF Matt Holliday
RF Allen Craig
1B Matt Adams
C Yadier Molina
SS Jhonny Peralta
2B Kolten Wong
Projected Rotation
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Shelby Miller
SP Michael Wacha
SP Jaime Garcia
SP Joe Kelly
SU Kevin Siegrist
SU Carlos Martinez
CL Trevor Rosenthal
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