Projecting Every MLB Team's Starting Lineup 2 Weeks from Spring Training
Pitching may win championships, but having a high-powered offense to back that pitching goes an awful long way as well.
With scoring down around the league and a new wave of terrific young pitching arriving in the big leagues, offense is at a premium these days, and that's never been more evident than during a busy offseason where the position-player market quickly evaporated.
The start of spring training is now just around the corner, and while a handful of free agents are still looking for new homes, for the most part we have a good idea of what all 30 MLB rosters are going to look like for the upcoming season.
So with that in mind, what follows is a projection for how every MLB team's starting lineup will look when the season opens in April.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
2015 Projected Lineup
| CF A.J. Pollock | CF A.J. Pollock |
| RF David Peralta | RF David Peralta |
| 1B Paul Goldschmidt | 1B Paul Goldschmidt |
| LF Mark Trumbo | LF Mark Trumbo |
| 3B Yasmany Tomas | 3B Yasmany Tomas |
| 2B Aaron Hill | 2B Aaron Hill |
| SS Chris Owings | SS Chris Owings |
| C Tuffy Gosewisch | C Tuffy Gosewisch |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
With the return of Paul Goldschmidt, a healthy season from Mark Trumbo and a big rookie campaign from Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas, the Arizona Diamondbacks could boast one of the most productive middle-of-the-order trios in baseball in 2015.
A.J. Pollock will also be key, as he was on his way to a breakout season last year before missing 79 games with a fractured hand. He has the tools to emerge as a star on both sides of the ball, and he's posted a 7.2 WAR over the past two seasons.
Chris Owings looks like a piece of the long-term puzzle now that Didi Gregorius has been traded, while Aaron Hill could wind up being a trade chip if he can build some decent value heading into the deadline.
Catcher is the team's one big weakness, as last year's backup, Tuffy Gosewisch (.553 OPS in 129 AB), is set to take over for the departed Miguel Montero. The other option is Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez, but he has yet to play above the Single-A level.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
2015 Projected Lineup
| RF Nick Markakis | RF Nick Markakis |
| 2B Alberto Callaspo | 2B Alberto Callaspo |
| 1B Freddie Freeman | 1B Freddie Freeman |
| 3B Chris Johnson | 3B Chris Johnson |
| LF Jonny Gomes | LF Jonny Gomes |
| SS Andrelton Simmons | SS Andrelton Simmons |
| CF B.J. Upton | CF B.J. Upton |
| C Christian Bethancourt | C Christian Bethancourt |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
Trading away Justin Upton, Jason Heyward and Evan Gattis is no doubt going to set the Atlanta Braves back offensively, and it's not like they were a good offensive team to begin with, ranking 29th in the league last year with 3.54 runs per game.
Freddie Freeman is still one of the game's best young players, but the team could have a hard time protecting him with Chris Johnson or Jonny Gomes penciled into the cleanup spot in the lineup on most nights.
Newcomers Nick Markakis and Alberto Callaspo should provide professional at-bats at the top of the lineup if nothing else, and Callaspo brings some solid versatility.
Looking to the future, rookie catcher Christian Bethancourt will open the season as the team's starting catcher, while speedy top prospect Jose Peraza figures to take over the second-base job at some point in 2015.
Baltimore Orioles
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2015 Projected Lineup
| LF Alejandro De Aza | LF Alejandro De Aza |
| 3B Manny Machado | 3B Manny Machado |
| CF Adam Jones | CF Adam Jones |
| DH Chris Davis | DH Chris Davis |
| 1B Steve Pearce | 1B Steve Pearce |
| C Matt Wieters | SS J.J. Hardy |
| SS J.J. Hardy | C Matt Wieters |
| RF Travis Snider | RF Delmon Young |
| 2B Jonathan Schoop | 2B Jonathan Schoop |
Lineup Overview
Failing to re-sign both Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis is going to hurt the Baltimore Orioles offensively, but the return of Manny Machado and Matt Wieters should at least help offset some of that lost production.
That being said, it appears the team is banking heavily on a bounce-back season from 2013 stud Chris Davis and a repeat performance from surprise contributor Steve Pearce to have any chance of being one of the league's top offenses again.
Alejandro De Aza hit .293 with an .877 OPS in 20 games after being acquired last season, and the team will be counting on him to replace Markakis in the leadoff spot.
A step forward from sophomore second baseman Jonathan Schoop and J.J. Hardy returning to his previous level of power production could also provide a boost to the offense.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
2015 Projected Lineup
| RF Mookie Betts | RF Mookie Betts |
| 2B Dustin Pedroia | 2B Dustin Pedroia |
| DH David Ortiz | DH David Ortiz |
| LF Hanley Ramirez | LF Hanley Ramirez |
| 3B Pablo Sandoval | 3B Pablo Sandoval |
| 1B Mike Napoli | 1B Mike Napoli |
| SS Xander Bogaerts | SS Xander Bogaerts |
| CF Rusney Castillo | CF Rusney Castillo |
| C Christian Vazquez | C Christian Vazquez |
Lineup Overview
The Boston Red Sox rode the most potent offense in baseball (5.27 runs per game) to a World Series title in 2013, and after a busy offseason they could again be among the most dangerous teams in the league.
It remains to be seen how the signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval will work out long term, but they undoubtedly improve the lineup in 2015, as those two will join David Ortiz and Mike Napoli to provide a dangerous middle of the order.
Dustin Pedroia has lost a lot of his pop, but he's still one of the most productive second basemen in the league and the heart and soul of this offense.
Much will be riding on how young outfielders Mookie Betts and Rusney Castillo handle everyday roles, as well as the continued development of potential star Xander Bogaerts.
Chicago Cubs
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Dexter Fowler | CF Dexter Fowler |
| LF Chris Coghlan | LF Chris Denorfia |
| 1B Anthony Rizzo | 1B Anthony Rizzo |
| SS Starlin Castro | SS Starlin Castro |
| C Miguel Montero | RF Jorge Soler |
| RF Jorge Soler | C Miguel Montero |
| 2B Javier Baez | 2B Javier Baez |
| 3B Tommy La Stella | 3B Mike Olt |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
The time has arrived for the Chicago Cubs to turn the vast potential of their farm system into production at the big league level.
Jorge Soler and Javier Baez will open the season with everyday jobs, with Kris Bryant likely to be called up within the first month of the season to join them. Those three, alongside incumbent All-Stars Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro and top prospect Addison Russell, make up what is undoubtedly the best young offensive core in baseball.
Add in a veteran table-setter in Dexter Fowler and an offensive upgrade behind the plate in Miguel Montero, and this Cubs lineup has the makings of something special moving forward.
There will no doubt be some growing pains, as the young guys adjust to life in the big leagues, and this team could challenge for the single-season strikeout record. At the same time, it could also wind up leading the league in home runs.
Chicago White Sox
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Adam Eaton | CF Adam Eaton |
| LF Melky Cabrera | LF Melky Cabrera |
| 1B Jose Abreu | 1B Jose Abreu |
| DH Adam LaRoche | DH Adam LaRoche |
| SS Alexei Ramirez | SS Alexei Ramirez |
| RF Avisail Garcia | RF Avisail Garcia |
| 3B Conor Gillaspie | 3B Conor Gillaspie |
| C Tyler Flowers | C Tyler Flowers |
| 2B Carlos Sanchez | 2B Carlos Sanchez |
Lineup Overview
A surprisingly good offensive team last season, the Chicago White Sox have improved significantly this winter with the additions of Melky Cabrera in left field and Adam LaRoche as a left-handed power bat to protect Jose Abreu in the middle of the order.
Healthy seasons from Adam Eaton (35 games missed from hamstring/oblique and other injuries) and Avisail Garcia (113, torn labrum) would also provide the offense with a significant boost, as both players are expected to be core pieces of the future in anchoring the outfield alongside Cabrera.
The second-base job is up for grabs, with prospects Carlos Sanchez and Micah Johnson battling with returning veteran Gordon Beckham for the gig, and the back of the lineup looks somewhat weak.
However, there is enough depth offensively that a weak bottom of the order is not a huge concern. The White Sox should have no problem scoring runs unless injury strikes.
Cincinnati Reds
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Billy Hamilton | CF Billy Hamilton |
| 3B Todd Frazier | 3B Todd Frazier |
| 1B Joey Votto | 1B Joey Votto |
| C Devin Mesoraco | C Devin Mesoraco |
| RF Jay Bruce | RF Jay Bruce |
| LF Marlon Byrd | LF Marlon Byrd |
| 2B Brandon Phillips | 2B Brandon Phillips |
| SS Zack Cozart | SS Zack Cozart |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
Despite a strong rookie season from Billy Hamilton and breakout performances from Todd Frazier and Devin Mesoraco, the Cincinnati Reds offense was a major disappointment last season.
Joey Votto (99 games missed from quad injury) and Brandon Phillips (36, thumb/foot) both missed significant time, and Jay Bruce (.217 BA, .654 OPS) struggled through by far the worst offensive season of his career.
For the most part the team will be counting on that trio to turn things around in 2015, as the only significant addition has been Marlon Byrd in left field.
That being said, Byrd should represent a decent upgrade at the position after Ryan Ludwick, Chris Heisey and others combined to hit .233/.288/.339 with 10 home runs and 57 RBI last year.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Michael Bourn | CF Michael Bourn |
| SS Jose Ramirez | SS Jose Ramirez |
| LF Michael Brantley | LF Michael Brantley |
| 1B Carlos Santana | 1B Carlos Santana |
| RF Brandon Moss | RF Brandon Moss |
| C Yan Gomes | C Yan Gomes |
| 2B Jason Kipnis | 2B Jason Kipnis |
| DH Nick Swisher | DH Nick Swisher |
| 3B Lonnie Chisenhall | 3B Lonnie Chisenhall |
Lineup Overview
Breakout seasons from Michael Brantley and Yan Gomes were the story in Cleveland last year, but the team will need others to step up around them to return to the playoffs in 2015.
A bounce-back season from Jason Kipnis (.240 BA, .640 OPS) would be a nice place to start, while the team has yet to get much of anything out of Michael Bourn or Nick Swisher since signing them both to lucrative multiyear deals.
Slugger Brandon Moss was acquired from the Oakland A's, and while he's a somewhat redundant piece with Swisher in the mix, he should provide some added pop in the middle of the lineup.
The Jekyll and Hyde performance of Lonnie Chisenhall last year (.915 OPS in the first half, .591 OPS in the second half) leaves third base as a question mark, while top prospect Francisco Lindor should take over at shortstop in the very near future.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Charlie Blackmon | RF Charlie Blackmon |
| RF Carlos Gonzalez | LF Carlos Gonzalez |
| SS Troy Tulowitzki | SS Troy Tulowitzki |
| 1B Justin Morneau | 1B Justin Morneau |
| 3B Nolan Arenado | 3B Nolan Arenado |
| LF Corey Dickerson | CF Drew Stubbs |
| C Wilin Rosario | C Wilin Rosario |
| 2B DJ LeMahieu | 2B DJ LeMahieu |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
Since their inception as a franchise in 1993, the Colorado Rockies have never had an issue scoring runs, and last year was no different as they led the NL with a .276 team average and 4.66 runs per game.
Essentially everyone is back from last year's group of position players, outside of Michael Cuddyer, who was limited to just 49 games, so there's no reason to think they won't again be among the most potent lineups in baseball.
Healthy seasons from Troy Tulowitzki (64 games missed due to hip injury), Carlos Gonzalez (87, finger/knee/ankle) and Nolan Arenado (50, finger/pneumonia) would obviously be huge, while repeat performances from Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson would also go a long way.
The pitching situation has not improved much from the group that posted an MLB-worst 4.86 ERA last year, so it again looks like it will be up to the offense to simply out-slug its opponents on a nightly basis.
Detroit Tigers
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2015 Projected Lineup
| 2B Ian Kinsler | 2B Ian Kinsler |
| CF Anthony Gose | CF Rajai Davis |
| 1B Miguel Cabrera | 1B Miguel Cabrera |
| DH Victor Martinez | DH Victor Martinez |
| LF Yoenis Cespedes | LF Yoenis Cespedes |
| RF J.D. Martinez | RF J.D. Martinez |
| 3B Nick Castellanos | 3B Nick Castellanos |
| C Alex Avila | C Alex Avila |
| SS Jose Iglesias | SS Jose Iglesias |
Lineup Overview
The starting rotation looks to have taken a hit this offseason for the Detroit Tigers, but their offense figures to be as good if not better thanks to the addition of Yoenis Cespedes.
J.D. Martinez looks like a prime regression candidate after his out-of-nowhere performance last season, and a .389 BABIP and 19.5 HR/FB rate (via FanGraphs) certainly support that idea. That could make the addition of Cespedes as the third slugger in the middle of the order even more important.
A healthy Miguel Cabrera should improve on what was a down season by his standards, while Victor Martinez remains one of the best pure hitters in baseball entering his age-36 season.
The return of Jose Iglesias at shortstop probably means more to the team defensively than anything, but he should bring some stability to the position offensively as well. Anthony Gose and Nick Castellanos are both potential breakout candidates.
Houston Astros
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2015 Projected Lineup
| 2B Jose Altuve | 2B Jose Altuve |
| 3B Luis Valbuena | SS Jed Lowrie |
| RF George Springer | RF George Springer |
| DH Chris Carter | DH Chris Carter |
| LF Evan Gattis | LF Evan Gattis |
| CF Colby Rasmus | CF Colby Rasmus |
| SS Jed Lowrie | 3B Matt Dominguez |
| 1B Jon Singleton | 1B Jon Singleton |
| C Jason Castro | C Jason Castro |
Lineup Overview
The Houston Astros found themselves in a position to do some offseason spending for the first time in years, adding Evan Gattis, Colby Rasmus, Jed Lowrie and Luis Valbuena to the mix, while subtracting Dexter Fowler via trade.
The continued development of George Springer, who posted an .804 OPS with 20 home runs in 78 games last season before being shelved with a quad strain, will be a huge key for the long-term outlook of the offense.
Jose Altuve is undoubtedly one of the best hitters in the game, but expecting him to bang out 225 hits and a .341 average again is a bit unrealistic.
That being said, an improved left side of the infield and the addition of Gattis has the team looking better as a whole, even if Altuve and Chris Carter fail to match their 2014 production.
Kansas City Royals
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2015 Projected Lineup
| SS Alcides Escobar | SS Alcides Escobar |
| LF Alex Gordon | LF Alex Gordon |
| CF Lorenzo Cain | CF Lorenzo Cain |
| 1B Eric Hosmer | 1B Eric Hosmer |
| C Salvador Perez | C Salvador Perez |
| DH Kendrys Morales | DH Kendrys Morales |
| RF Alex Rios | RF Alex Rios |
| 3B Mike Moustakas | 3B Mike Moustakas |
| 2B Omar Infante | 2B Omar Infante |
Lineup Overview
It will be interesting to see how the Kansas City Royals set up their lineup to open the year.
The late-season decision to move Alcides Escobar to the leadoff spot and Lorenzo Cain to the No. 3 hole provided an obvious spark for the offense last year, but the Royals may want more pop in the middle of the lineup. They also need to replace Nori Aoki in the No. 2 spot, and on-base machine Alex Gordon could be a good fit there.
Adding right-handed hitting Alex Rios and switch-hitter Kendrys Morales gives what was a heavily left-handed lineup a bit more balance, and both guys look like decent candidates to bounce back after a trying season.
At some point Mike Moustakas is either going to have to prove he's capable of putting up numbers on an everyday basis or the team is going to need to go in another direction at third base. Ideally a strong postseason performance from him and Eric Hosmer will be a jumping-off point.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
2015 Projected Lineup
| RF Kole Calhoun | RF Kole Calhoun |
| SS Erick Aybar | SS Erick Aybar |
| CF Mike Trout | CF Mike Trout |
| 1B Albert Pujols | 1B Albert Pujols |
| LF Josh Hamilton | LF Josh Hamilton |
| 3B David Freese | 3B David Freese |
| DH Matt Joyce | DH C.J. Cron |
| C Chris Iannetta | C Chris Iannetta |
| 2B Josh Rutledge | 2B Josh Rutledge |
Lineup Overview
Flipping upcoming free agent Howie Kendrick for one of the best left-handed pitching prospects in the game in Andrew Heaney was a great move by the Los Angeles Angels, but they are going to fell the loss of Kendrick in the short term.
Josh Rutledge is the front-runner to take over the second-base job, and he has some sneaky upside after falling out of favor in Colorado.
After putting up career-best power and run production numbers last year out of the No. 2 spot, Mike Trout is probably moving to No. 3 in the lineup, and it makes sense for the overall makeup of the offense.
Adding Matt Joyce via trade gives the team a left-handed DH option, but more importantly it gives it an insurance policy for Josh Hamilton if he winds up missing significant time again. That being said, a healthy and productive season from Hamilton would be huge.
Erick Aybar, Chris Iannetta and Kole Calhoun fly under the radar for the most part, but all three guys had a terrific season last year, and they were a big reason why the Angels offense was so productive.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
2015 Projected Lineup
| SS Jimmy Rollins | SS Jimmy Rollins |
| LF Carl Crawford | 2B Howie Kendrick |
| RF Yasiel Puig | RF Yasiel Puig |
| 1B Adrian Gonzalez | 1B Adrian Gonzalez |
| 2B Howie Kendrick | LF Scott Van Slyke |
| C Yasmani Grandal | C Yasmani Grandal |
| 3B Juan Uribe | 3B Juan Uribe |
| CF Joc Pederson | CF Joc Pederson |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
The Los Angeles Dodgers lineup has a significantly different look heading into the 2015 season, but it still has a chance to be among the best in the National League.
Gone are Hanley Ramirez, Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon and in their place are Jimmy Rollins, Howie Kendrick and Yasmani Grandal.
It's not inconceivable to think the Kendrick/Rollins double play combination could outperform Gordon and Ramirez during the upcoming season if both guys stay healthy. The Kemp loss hurts, but it also opens up the outfield logjam and everyday at-bats for uber-prospect Joc Pederson.
Yasiel Puig will be the key to the offense, as he will be counted on to be a run producer in the No. 3 spot. He's capable of being a star, but he's also been wildly inconsistent at the plate since he burst onto the scene, and the team can't afford a prolonged slump from him this year.
Miami Marlins
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2015 Projected Lineup
| 2B Dee Gordon | 2B Dee Gordon |
| LF Christian Yelich | LF Christian Yelich |
| RF Giancarlo Stanton | RF Giancarlo Stanton |
| 1B Michael Morse | 1B Michael Morse |
| CF Marcell Ozuna | CF Marcell Ozuna |
| 3B Martin Prado | 3B Martin Prado |
| C Jarrod Saltalamacchia | C Jarrod Saltalamacchia |
| SS Adeiny Hechavarria | SS Adeiny Hechavarria |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
The Miami Marlins opened the offseason by signing Giancarlo Stanton to a record $325 million extension, and they have been busy in the months that followed building the roster around him into a legitimate contender.
Replacing Garrett Jones, Derek Dietrich and Casey McGehee along the infield with Michael Morse, Dee Gordon and Martin Prado looks like a solid upgrade across the board, though the team will miss the leadership that McGehee brought.
Adeiny Hechavarria returns at shortstop after raising his OPS nearly 100 points last year, and he no longer looks like a glove-only guy.
A strong case can be made for Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna and Stanton being the best starting outfield in baseball. Those three combined for 69 home runs, 244 RBI, 255 runs scored and 15.4 WAR last season. All three guys were 4.0-plus WAR players.
Milwaukee Brewers
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Carlos Gomez | CF Carlos Gomez |
| 2B Scooter Gennett | 2B Scooter Gennett |
| C Jonathan Lucroy | 1B Jonathan Lucroy |
| RF Ryan Braun | RF Ryan Braun |
| 3B Aramis Ramirez | 3B Aramis Ramirez |
| 1B Adam Lind | LF Khris Davis |
| LF Khris Davis | C Martin Maldonado |
| SS Jean Segura | SS Jean Segura |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
What was once the Ryan Braun show for the Milwaukee Brewers now looks to be an offensive attack led by Carlos Gomez, Jonathan Lucroy and Scooter Gennett.
That's not to say Braun is not still a key piece of the puzzle, though, and after battling a thumb injury for much of the 2014 season he could be poised for a nice bounce-back performance if healthy.
Let's go back to Lucroy for a minute. How good does the five-year, $11 million extension he signed prior to the 2012 season, which includes a $5.25 million option for 2017, look for the Brewers now?
Adam Lind was the big offseason acquisition, and he should provide a significant offensive upgrade at first base over last year's platoon of Mark Reynolds and Lyle Overbay.
He can't hit a lick against left-handed pitching, though, and Lucroy will probably see the bulk of the starts at first base against southpaws. That will give backup catcher Martin Maldonado a chance at more at-bats and keep Lucroy from breaking down from his catcher duties.
Minnesota Twins
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2015 Projected Lineup
| SS Danny Santana | SS Danny Santana |
| 2B Brian Dozier | 2B Brian Dozier |
| 1B Joe Mauer | 1B Joe Mauer |
| DH Kennys Vargas | DH Kennys Vargas |
| RF Torii Hunter | RF Torii Hunter |
| 3B Trevor Plouffe | 3B Trevor Plouffe |
| LF Oswaldo Arcia | LF Oswaldo Arcia |
| C Kurt Suzuki | C Kurt Suzuki |
| CF Aaron Hicks | CF Aaron Hicks |
Lineup Overview
They slowed down a bit in the second half, but the Minnesota Twins still finished fifth in the AL in runs scored at 4.41 runs per game, ranking as one of the bigger surprises of the 2014 season.
Career years from Brian Dozier and Trevor Plouffe, as well as the emergence of young guys like Danny Santana and Kennys Vargas and the surprise All-Star performance of Kurt Suzuki, all contributed to the team's offensive outburst.
Bringing back veteran Torii Hunter, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Minnesota, will provide some great leadership for the team's young core. He's also still pretty productive for a 39-year-old, posting a .765 OPS with 33 doubles, 17 home runs and 83 RBI last season.
Everyone is still waiting on the arrival of top prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano, but after both guys dealt with injuries last season, a September call-up might be all we see of either player in 2015.
New York Mets
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Juan Lagares | CF Juan Lagares |
| 2B Daniel Murphy | 2B Daniel Murphy |
| 3B David Wright | 3B David Wright |
| 1B Lucas Duda | 1B Lucas Duda |
| RF Michael Cuddyer | RF Michael Cuddyer |
| LF Curtis Granderson | LF Curtis Granderson |
| C Travis d'Arnaud | C Travis d'Arnaud |
| SS Wilmer Flores | SS Wilmer Flores |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
A right-handed-hitting corner outfielder with some pop was atop the New York Mets wish list entering the offseason, and they wasted little time filling that need, signing Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal.
Cuddyer has hit .331/.385/.543 over the past two seasons, but he also played just 49 games last season while battling shoulder and hamstring injuries. If he's healthy he could be a huge addition, but if he can't stay on the field the offense could be an issue again.
David Wright managed to stay relatively healthy last season, but he had just eight home runs and a .698 OPS over 535 at-bats, and the team will also be counting on him to return to his previous level of production.
Shortstop has been the most talked-about position this offseason, but the team has stuck by its decision to give Wilmer Flores a shot at the everyday job. He has the offensive upside, but the question has always been whether he has the glove to be an everyday shortstop. We'll find out in 2015.
New York Yankees
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2015 Projected Lineup
| LF Brett Gardner | LF Brett Gardner |
| RF Carlos Beltran | RF Carlos Beltran |
| CF Jacoby Ellsbury | CF Jacoby Ellsbury |
| 1B Mark Teixeira | 1B Mark Teixeira |
| C Brian McCann | C Brian McCann |
| 3B Chase Headley | 3B Chase Headley |
| DH Garrett Jones | DH Alex Rodriguez |
| 2B Stephen Drew | 2B Stephen Drew |
| SS Didi Gregorius | SS Didi Gregorius |
Lineup Overview
The average age of the New York Yankees projected Opening Day lineup is 32 years old, and that's with the addition of 24-year-old shortstop Didi Gregorius.
There is no shortage of star power, but after disappointing debuts from Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran last year, one can't help but wonder just how much upside their lineup has even if everyone somehow manages to stay healthy.
Then there is the return of Alex Rodriguez, something that will be a major distraction no matter how much the Yankees try to avoid it. It remains to be seen whether the 39-year-old is capable of providing anything positive and what exactly his role will be in 2015 and beyond.
At some point the team will probably give Rob Refsnyder a look at second base, so there will at least be a young middle infield to get excited about on the offensive side of things.
Oakland Athletics
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Coco Crisp | CF Coco Crisp |
| 2B Ben Zobrist | 2B Ben Zobrist |
| RF Josh Reddick | RF Josh Reddick |
| DH Billy Butler | DH Billy Butler |
| 1B Ike Davis | 3B Brett Lawrie |
| 3B Brett Lawrie | 1B Mark Canha |
| C Stephen Vogt | C Josh Phegley |
| SS Marcus Semien | SS Marcus Semien |
| LF Sam Fuld | LF Craig Gentry |
Lineup Overview
Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane has a handful of successful roster overhauls under his belt, but none was quite as drastic as what the team has undergone this winter.
Gone are All-Stars Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss and Derek Norris, as well as John Jaso and Jed Lowrie, leaving the team with an unrecognizable lineup over the one that ranked as the game's best for much of last season before a late collapse.
Ben Zobrist is a great pickup, but the team is heavily invested in the likes of Brett Lawrie, Ike Davis and Billy Butler performing up to their potential after subpar showings in 2014.
Rule 5 pick Mark Canha will be one to watch this spring after he hit .303/.384/.505 with 28 doubles and 20 home runs for the Miami Marlins Triple-A affiliate last season. He could fill the role vacated by Moss with a strong showing in camp.
Philadelphia Phillies
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Ben Revere | CF Ben Revere |
| C Carlos Ruiz | C Carlos Ruiz |
| 2B Chase Utley | 2B Chase Utley |
| 1B Ryan Howard | 1B Ryan Howard |
| LF Domonic Brown | LF Domonic Brown |
| RF Grady Sizemore | RF Darin Ruf |
| 3B Cody Asche | 3B Cody Asche |
| SS Freddy Galvis | SS Freddy Galvis |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
This is not a good Philadelphia Phillies lineup by any stretch of the imagination, and outside of leadoff hitter Ben Revere and second baseman Chase Utley, they could see below-average production at every other position.
Revere doesn't get on base as much as you'd like out of your leadoff hitter, and he has less power than Juan Pierre, but he did lead the NL with 184 hits last season to go along with a .306 average and 49 stolen bases.
Utley has $15 million vesting options for 2016-18 that kick in with 500 plate appearances the previous year, and the Phillies would love nothing more than for another healthy and productive season from him after a terrific 2014.
Looking to the future, prospect Maikel Franco figures to get an extended look at some point in 2015, whether it's at his natural position of third base or across the diamond at first.
Pittsburgh Pirates
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2015 Projected Lineup
| 3B Josh Harrison | 3B Josh Harrison |
| RF Gregory Polanco | RF Gregory Polanco |
| CF Andrew McCutchen | CF Andrew McCutchen |
| 2B Neil Walker | 2B Neil Walker |
| 1B Pedro Alvarez | 1B Corey Hart |
| LF Starling Marte | LF Starling Marte |
| SS Jordy Mercer | SS Jordy Mercer |
| C Francisco Cervelli | C Francisco Cervelli |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates were one of just three teams to post an on-base percentage of .330 or better last season. That helped them improve from 3.91 runs per game in 2013 to 4.21 this past year, as the offense emerged as a legitimate weapon.
Losing catcher Russell Martin, who hit .290/.402/.430 last season, is a blow. However, Francisco Cervelli has some intriguing offensive upside after hitting .301/.370/.432 with 14 extra-base hits in 146 at-bats as the New York Yankees backup last year.
Andrew McCutchen remains one of the best all-around players in the game, and Neil Walker has emerged as one of the most productive second basemen around. The big question is how far Josh Harrison will regress after his out-of-nowhere run at the NL batting title.
The first-base platoon of Pedro Alvarez and Corey Hart has a good chance at being more productive than last year's duo of Ike Davis and Gaby Sanchez. Young outfielder Gregory Polanco is also a breakout candidate after a somewhat disappointing debut.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
2015 Projected Lineup
| 3B Yangervis Solarte | 3B Yangervis Solarte |
| CF Wil Myers | CF Wil Myers |
| LF Justin Upton | LF Justin Upton |
| RF Matt Kemp | RF Matt Kemp |
| 1B Yonder Alonso | C Derek Norris |
| C Derek Norris | 1B Tommy Medica |
| 2B Jedd Gyorko | 2B Jedd Gyorko |
| SS Alexi Amarista | SS Clint Barmes |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
No team needed a full-scale offensive overhaul more than the San Diego Padres, and that's exactly what they got in the first offseason with new GM A.J. Preller at the helm.
Their .226 team average, .634 team OPS and 3.30 runs per game all ranked dead last by a sizable margin, and that undermined a pitching staff that ranked fourth in the league with a 3.27 ERA.
The new-look outfield of Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Matt Kemp will be the key to the offense, along with catcher Derek Norris, as those four guys are all capable of All-Star-caliber production, even in Petco Park.
Meanwhile, it's hard to imagine Jedd Gyorko being any worse than he was in 2014, when he hit .210/.280/.333. He posted a .745 OPS with 26 doubles and 23 home runs as a rookie and looked like a budding star, and a bounce-back season would be big.
San Francisco Giants
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Angel Pagan | CF Angel Pagan |
| 2B Joe Panik | 2B Joe Panik |
| C Buster Posey | C Buster Posey |
| 1B Brandon Belt | 1B Brandon Belt |
| RF Hunter Pence | RF Hunter Pence |
| 3B Casey McGehee | 3B Casey McGehee |
| SS Brandon Crawford | SS Brandon Crawford |
| LF Nori Aoki | LF Nori Aoki |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
Replacing Michael Morse and Pablo Sandoval with Nori Aoki and Casey McGehee looks like a downgrade for the San Francisco Giants offensively, but there are also plenty of reasons to think their offense as a whole could be better in 2015.
A full season of Joe Panik, who hit .305 in 269 at-bats and then shined in the postseason, should make for significantly improved production at second base.
A healthy season from Brandon Belt, who played just 61 games last year, would also go a long way in easing the loss of Sandoval in the middle of the lineup.
However, the key to the offense again looks to be Angel Pagan, as his impact on the team is undeniable. Over the past two years, the Giants have gone 96-71 (.575) with him in the lineup and just 68-89 (.433) without him.
Seattle Mariners
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Austin Jackson | CF Austin Jackson |
| RF Seth Smith | RF Justin Ruggiano |
| 2B Robinson Cano | 2B Robinson Cano |
| DH Nelson Cruz | DH Nelson Cruz |
| 3B Kyle Seager | 3B Kyle Seager |
| 1B Logan Morrison | 1B Logan Morrison |
| C Mike Zunino | C Mike Zunino |
| LF Dustin Ackley | LF Dustin Ackley |
| SS Brad Miller | SS Brad Miller |
Lineup Overview
After not signing Nelson Cruz last offseason, the Seattle Mariners were sure not to make the same mistake twice, inking the slugger to a four-year, $57 million deal after he led all of baseball with 40 home runs last season.
That gives the M's the right-handed power bat they have been searching for to protect Robinson Cano, but there was still a hole to fill in right field after the team flipped Michael Saunders to the Toronto Blue Jays for J.A. Happ.
They failed to sign top target Melky Cabrera, instead winding up with what could be a very effective platoon of Seth Smith (.815 OPS vs. RHP) and Justin Ruggiano (.846 OPS vs. LHP).
Others will need to step up around the middle of the lineup though, and a healthy season from Logan Morrison and another step forward from Mike Zunino could really make this lineup potent.
St. Louis Cardinals
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2015 Projected Lineup
| 3B Matt Carpenter | 3B Matt Carpenter |
| RF Jason Heyward | RF Jason Heyward |
| LF Matt Holliday | LF Matt Holliday |
| 1B Matt Adams | SS Jhonny Peralta |
| C Yadier Molina | C Yadier Molina |
| SS Jhonny Peralta | 1B Mark Reynolds |
| 2B Kolten Wong | 2B Kolten Wong |
| CF Jon Jay | CF Jon Jay |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals made a rare free-agency splash last offseason when they signed shortstop Jhonny Peralta to a four-year, $53 million deal, and they've added a significant piece to the offense again this offseason in right fielder Jason Heyward.
Heyward, 25, has yet to live up to the vast offensive potential he showed as a rookie, but that hasn't stopped him from being one of the game's most valuable players. His mix of on-base skills, base-stealing ability and elite defense made him a 7.0 WAR player last year, and he'll be a great fit alongside Matt Carpenter at the top of the order.
The offense is still lacking in power as a whole, after ranking last in the NL with just 105 home runs last season, but that doesn't mean it's not capable of piling up runs when it is at its best.
Signing Mark Reynolds to take some pressure off of Matt Adams against left-handed pitching was a terrific move, after Adams hit just .190 against southpaws last season. Also keep an eye on Kolten Wong, who looks to be as good a candidate for a breakout season as anyone.
Tampa Bay Rays
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Desmond Jennings | CF Desmond Jennings |
| DH John Jaso | SS Asdrubal Cabrera |
| 3B Evan Longoria | 3B Evan Longoria |
| 1B James Loney | 1B James Loney |
| LF Steven Souza | LF Steven Souza |
| RF Kevin Kiermaier | DH Brandon Guyer |
| SS Asdrubal Cabrera | RF Mikie Mahtook |
| C Rene Rivera | C Rene Rivera |
| 2B Nick Franklin | 2B Nick Franklin |
Lineup Overview
After hitting just 117 home runs as a team last year and ranking last in the AL at 3.78 runs per game, the Tampa Bay Rays somehow look to have taken a step backward offensively this offseason.
While they have upgraded at catcher, shortstop and designated hitter with the additions of Rene Rivera, Asdrubal Cabrera and John Jaso, they also traded away three of their most productive offensive players in Ben Zobrist, Wil Myers and Matt Joyce.
That leaves Evan Longoria with an awful lot of heavy lifting to do and very little protection in the lineup with which to do it. Opposing pitchers could be pitching around Longoria all season, unless someone steps up and proves that's a bad idea.
With that in mind, the onus will fall on Steven Souza, Nick Franklin, Brandon Guyer and Mikie Mahtook to step forward and pick up some of the offensive slack. A career year from 28-year-old Desmond Jennings wouldn't hurt either.
Texas Rangers
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2015 Projected Lineup
| RF Shin-Soo Choo | RF Shin-Soo Choo |
| SS Elvis Andrus | SS Elvis Andrus |
| 1B Prince Fielder | 1B Prince Fielder |
| 3B Adrian Beltre | 3B Adrian Beltre |
| DH Mitch Moreland | DH Kyle Blanks |
| CF Leonys Martin | CF Leonys Martin |
| LF Jake Smolinski | LF Jake Smolinski |
| C Robinson Chirinos | C Robinson Chirinos |
| 2B Rougned Odor | 2B Rougned Odor |
Lineup Overview
Healthy seasons from Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo would immediately make the Texas Rangers better, but this group is a long ways from the teams of four and five years ago that employed the most feared offense in baseball.
Adrian Beltre is still one of the best in the business, and ideally he'd continue to produce at an elite level through his vesting option in 2016. After that, prospect Joey Gallo is waiting in the wings to take over as the starting third baseman and centerpiece of the offense.
Center fielder Leonys Martin is one of the most underrated players in the game right now, as the 26-year-old has a 7.3 WAR over the past two seasons and still has some upside offensively based on his minor league production.
The bottom of the order is a clear weakness, with left field and catcher both looking like potential revolving doors. Kyle Blanks will be one to watch this spring as a non-roster invitee, as his tremendous power potential could finally be realized in hitter friendly Arlington.
Toronto Blue Jays
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2015 Projected Lineup
| SS Jose Reyes | SS Jose Reyes |
| RF Jose Bautista | RF Jose Bautista |
| 3B Josh Donaldson | 3B Josh Donaldson |
| 1B Edwin Encarnacion | 1B Edwin Encarnacion |
| C Russell Martin | C Russell Martin |
| DH Dioner Navarro | DH Dioner Navarro |
| LF Michael Saunders | LF Kevin Pillar |
| 2B Ryan Goins | 2B Ryan Goins |
| CF Dalton Pompey | CF Dalton Pompey |
Lineup Overview
Sensing an opening atop the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays began the offseason as aggressively as any team in baseball, signing Russell Martin and pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Josh Donaldson.
Those two, alongside Jose Reyes, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, give the Blue Jays an offense that has the potential to be one of the best in all of baseball if everyone can stay healthy. As it was, they ranked fifth in the league last year at 4.46 runs per game.
Second base is still a clear weakness, but that may soon change after prospect Devon Travis was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for outfielder Anthony Gose. He still needs some time in the minors, but he could take over the everyday job in the second half.
Breakout prospect Dalton Pompey, who began last season in High-A and hit .317/.392/.469 over three levels before earning a late-season call-up, has essentially been handed the everyday center field job with Colby Rasmus leaving in free agency and Gose being traded.
Washington Nationals
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2015 Projected Lineup
| CF Denard Span | CF Denard Span |
| 3B Anthony Rendon | 3B Anthony Rendon |
| RF Bryce Harper | RF Bryce Harper |
| 1B Ryan Zimmerman | 1B Ryan Zimmerman |
| SS Ian Desmond | SS Ian Desmond |
| C Wilson Ramos | C Wilson Ramos |
| 2B Yunel Escobar | 2B Yunel Escobar |
| LF Nate McLouth | LF Nate McLouth |
| Pitcher | Pitcher |
Lineup Overview
The only offensive hole for the Washington Nationals entering the offseason was at second base, and the team addressed that by trading setup man Tyler Clippard to the Oakland Athletics for Yunel Escobar.
Escobar also provides some insurance for shortstop Ian Desmond, who is entering the final year of his contract and has yet to come to terms on an extension with the Nats. Desmond has posted three consecutive 20/20 seasons and might be the best all-around shortstop in baseball outside of a healthy Troy Tulowitzki.
Ryan Zimmerman slides over to first base following the departure of Adam LaRoche, and the team will be counting on him to stay healthy and productive in the middle of the lineup. The same goes for Bryce Harper, who was limited to just 100 games last season.
Jayson Werth will likely open the season on the disabled list following shoulder surgery earlier this month, and top prospect Michael Taylor could get a look in left field with a strong spring training. If not, it will likely be veteran Nate McLouth who bridges the gap.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted. Injury information from Baseball Prospectus.
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