Predicting Every MLB Team's 2026 Opening Day Lineup
The MLB postseason is fast approaching, and for non-contenders across baseball, focus has already shifted to the 2026 season.
It's never too early to take a peek ahead to what promises to be another busy offseason. And to help set the stage for what's to come this winter, we're rolling out our way-too-early predictions for each team's 2026 Opening Day lineup.
In order to arrive at that point, we've assigned all of the top upcoming free agents to logical landing spots, with a mix of re-signings and new homes for the top players set to test the free-agency waters.
Lineup data from Baseball Reference, roster data from FanGraphs and a healthy amount of speculation on where free agents will sign went into compiling each team's batting order.
This will be updated throughout the offseason, so this is just the starting point.
Note: Names in bold indicate a projected free-agent signing.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Geraldo Perdomo
2B Ketel Marte
RF Corbin Carroll
1B Paul Goldschmidt
DH Pavin Smith
C Gabriel Moreno
LF Jake McCarthy
3B Jordan Lawlar
CF Alek Thomas
Explain the Pick: 1B Paul Goldschmidt
With Tyler Locklear hitting .175 with 43 strikeouts in 116 plate appearances since he was acquired from the Mariners in the Eugenio Suárez trade, it looks like the D-backs will need to go outside the organization to find their 2026 first baseman. Who better to serve as a stopgap than a franchise icon coming down the home stretch of a potential Hall of Fame career?
Athletics
2 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Lawrence Butler
SS Jacob Wilson
1B Nick Kurtz
DH Brent Rooker
C Shea Langeliers
LF Tyler Soderstrom
3B Luis Rengifo
2B Zack Gelof
CF Denzel Clarke
Explain the Pick: CF Denzel Clarke
With Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom seemingly locked into two spots in the outfield, there could be a spring training battle between Denzel Clarke and JJ Bleday for the third starting job in the grass. Clarke hit just .230 with a 77 OPS+ in 159 plate appearances before he was sidelined with a hip injury, but he is an elite-level defender in center field.
Atlanta Braves
3 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Ronald Acuna Jr.
2B Ozzie Albies
3B Austin Riley
1B Matt Olson
C Sean Murphy
LF Jurickson Profar
DH Drake Baldwin
SS Ha-Seong Kim
CF Michael Harris II
Explain the Pick: DH Drake Baldwin
The most likely outcome for the Braves this offseason is that they simply let Marcell Ozuna walk and roll with a catcher/designated hitter rotation of Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin, though adding a low-cost veteran bench bat with some pop who can also start once or twice a week at DH would still make sense in that scenario.
Baltimore Orioles
4 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Jackson Holliday
C Adley Rutschman
SS Gunnar Henderson
RF Tyler O'Neill
3B Jordan Westburg
CF Colton Cowser
LF Dylan Beavers
DH Samuel Basallo
1B Coby Mayo
Explain the Pick: 1B Coby Mayo
After posting an .885 OPS in 852 plate appearances at Triple-A over the last three seasons, Coby Mayo has nothing left to prove in the minors. Expect Ryan Mountcastle, who is making $6.8 million this year and has one year of arbitration remaining, to be non-tendered this winter, opening the door for Mayo to stake his claim to the everyday first base job. Heston Kjerstad could also be in the mix.
Boston Red Sox
5 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Jarren Duran
LF Roman Anthony
SS Trevor Story
DH Kyle Schwarber
RF Wilyer Abreu
1B Triston Casas
3B Marcelo Mayer
2B Ceddanne Rafaela
C Carlos Narváez
Explain the Pick: DH Kyle Schwarber
The Red Sox still owe Masataka Yoshida $37.2 million over the final two years of his contract, but his DH-only profile and lack of production during an injury-plagued 2025 campaign could lead to a buy-low trade or his outright release. Re-allocating Alex Bregman's money when he inevitably opts out to sign Kyle Schwarber would bolster the offense while keeping a path open for the young infielders.
Chicago Cubs
6 of 30
Projected Lineup
1B Michael Busch
LF Ian Happ
DH Seiya Suzuki
CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
C Carson Kelly
2B Nico Hoerner
SS Dansby Swanson
RF Owen Caissie
3B Matt Shaw
Explain the Pick: RF Owen Caissie
The Cubs are going to make an honest effort to re-sign Kyle Tucker this winter, but they might not want to commit to him for $40 million annually over a long-term deal when they have highly-regarded young outfielders Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara knocking on the door for a regular role. That money could then be spent on a frontline arm for the starting rotation.
Chicago White Sox
7 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Mike Tauchman
DH Miguel Vargas
SS Colson Montgomery
CF Luis Robert Jr.
1B Lenyn Sosa
LF Andrew Benintendi
C Kyle Teel
3B Curtis Mead
2B Chase Meidroth
Explain the Pick: CF Luis Robert Jr.
Despite his lackluster 2025 production and long track record of injuries, the White Sox are still expected to exercise a $20 million club option on Luis Robert Jr. for 2026 in hopes of a return to form. That could also help protect the organization from scrutiny from Major League Baseball over a lack of spending.
Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF TJ Friedl
RF Noelvi Marte
SS Elly De La Cruz
1B Ryan O'Hearn
LF Spencer Steer
DH Gavin Lux
C Tyler Stephenson
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
2B Matt McLain
Explain the Pick: 1B Ryan O'Hearn
The Reds have had an extremely difficult time fielding a competent outfield the last few years, but with Noelvi Marte making a full-time shift to right field and Spencer Steer further removed from shoulder problems, first base now looks like the target spot to add a run producer. They could also make a push to re-sign Austin Hays, who has provided terrific production on a one-year, $4 million deal and is likely to decline his end of a $12 million mutual option.
Cleveland Guardians
9 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Steven Kwan
2B Travis Bazzana
3B José Ramírez
DH Kyle Manzardo
RF Nolan Jones
CF Cedric Mullins
1B C.J. Kayfus
C Bo Naylor
SS Gabriel Arias
Explain the Pick: 2B Travis Bazzana
The Guardians need to find a way to add offense, and history tells us it is not going to come by way of a splashy free-agent signing. They are currently utilizing a glove-first middle infield of Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias, but they could give former No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana a long look next spring after he made his Triple-A debut in mid-August.
Colorado Rockies
10 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Tyler Freeman
RF Mickey Moniak
C Hunter Goodman
1B Ty France
LF Jordan Beck
CF Brenton Doyle
SS Ezequiel Tovar
3B Kyle Karros
2B Adael Amador
Explain the Pick: 2B Adael Amador
A consensus Top 100 prospect just a few years ago, Adael Amador is still only 22 years old, but he has hit just .176/.242/.250 in 164 plate appearances in the big leagues. The Rockies have other in-house options at second base, most notably Ryan Ritter, but they will give Amador every opportunity to win the job.
Detroit Tigers
11 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Colt Keith
DH Kerry Carpenter
LF Riley Greene
3B Eugenio Suárez
1B Spencer Torkelson
RF Wenceel Pérez
C Dillon Dingler
SS Javier Báez
CF Parker Meadows
Explain the Pick: 2B Colt Keith
The Tigers have found great value in the one-year, $15 million deal they gave Gleyber Torres during the offseason, but with an abundance of infield talent, they will likely let someone else give him the long-term deal he will be seeking this winter. Colt Keith was the team's primary second baseman in 2024, while Javier Báez, Andy Ibáñez and Zach McKinstry can also man the position.
Houston Astros
12 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Jeremy Peña
LF Yordan Alvarez
2B Jose Altuve
3B Carlos Correa
DH Isaac Paredes
1B Christian Walker
C Yainer Díaz
RF Cam Smith
CF Jake Meyers
Explain the Pick: DH Isaac Paredes
The move to reacquire Carlos Correa and plug him in at third base raises the question of where Isaac Paredes fits into the team's 2026 plans. The slugger has been sidelined since July 19 with a hamstring injury, but he is under club control through 2027. Plugging him in at designated hitter and utilizing Yordan Alvarez more in left field is one potential option, while they could also explore using him at second base with Jose Altuve back in left field.
Kansas City Royals
13 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Maikel García
SS Bobby Witt Jr.
1B Vinnie Pasquantino
C Salvador Perez
2B Jonathan India
RF Mike Yastrzemski
LF Austin Hays
DH Jac Caglianone
CF Kyle Isbel
Explain the Pick: LF Austin Hays
Outfield production has been a glaring hole for the Royals the past few years, and they can't bank on guys like MJ Melendez, Drew Waters and Nick Loftin suddenly taking a step forward. Re-signing Mike Yastrzemski would be a nice first step, as he has been excellent since coming over from the Giants at the deadline, while a multi-year deal for Austin Hays would be a nice mid-level move to shore up the other corner.
Los Angeles Angels
14 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Zach Neto
1B Nolan Schanuel
DH Mike Trout
LF Taylor Ward
CF Jo Adell
RF Jorge Soler
C Logan O'Hoppe
3B Isiah Kiner-Falefa
2B Christian Moore
Explain the Pick: 3B Isiah Kiner-Falefa
At this point, we're just going to assume Anthony Rendon will be unavailable and be pleasantly surprised if he is able to take the field. The Angels could make a modest investment in IKF, and he would give them a potential starting option at third base and insurance at second base as Christian Moore continues to develop, essentially filling the role Luis Rengifo has had the past few years.
Los Angeles Dodgers
15 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Shohei Ohtani
SS Mookie Betts
1B Freddie Freeman
C Will Smith
RF Kyle Tucker
LF Teoscar Hernandez
CF Andy Pages
3B Tommy Edman
2B Hyeseong Kim
Explain the Pick: 3B Tommy Edman
If the Dodgers are going to make a serious run at Kyle Tucker as expected, it will likely be accompanied by either shopping Andy Pages or shifting Tommy Edman to an infield spot. Edman could slot in at second base, but Hyeseong Kim has shown enough to warrant an expanded role. Declining a $10 million club option on Max Muncy would clear the hot corner, where Edman has logged 671 innings in his career.
Miami Marlins
16 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Xavier Edwards
CF Jakob Marsee
RF Kyle Stowers
DH Agustín Ramírez
LF Max Kepler
SS Otto Lopez
1B Liam Hicks
3B Connor Norby
C Danny Jansen
Explain the Pick: C Danny Jansen
The Marlins have an exciting young backstop in Agustín Ramírez, but he has been the worst defensive catcher in baseball (-13 DRS, 7.2% caught stealing, 15 passed balls) and appears to be headed for a future as a full-time designated hitter. A modest investment in veteran Danny Jansen would provide a more reliable foundation for the young pitching staff, while Liam Hicks can still provide a start or two each week behind the dish.
Milwaukee Brewers
17 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Brice Turang
CF Jackson Chourio
DH Christian Yelich
C William Contreras
RF Sal Frelick
1B Andrew Vaughn
LF Isaac Collins
3B Caleb Durbin
SS Joey Ortiz
Explain the Pick: 1B Andrew Vaughn
The Brewers are a notoriously frugal organization, and Andrew Vaughn could see his salary climb to the $8 million range in his final year of arbitration after he earned $5.9 million this year. After a red-hot start to his time in Milwaukee, he is hitting .257/.313/.362 with two home runs in his last 28 games, so the potential remains for him to be non-tendered this winter if he doesn't finish strong.
Minnesota Twins
18 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Byron Buxton
DH Trevor Larnach
2B Luke Keaschall
RF Matt Wallner
1B Rhys Hoskins
3B Royce Lewis
SS Brooks Lee
C Ryan Jeffers
LF James Outman
Explain the Pick: 1B Rhys Hoskins
After a disappointing first season in Milwaukee, slugger Rhys Hoskins was on his way to a much better 2025 campaign before a thumb injury sidelined him in early July. He is expected to return soon, but age and recent injury history will likely take a bite out of his earning power this winter. The Twins could bargain hunt another one-year stopgap at first base after signing Carlos Santana prior to 2024 and Ty France last offseason.
New York Mets
19 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Francisco Lindor
RF Juan Soto
LF Brandon Nimmo
1B Pete Alonso
2B Jeff McNeil
DH Mark Vientos
3B Brett Baty
C Francisco Álvarez
CF Jett Williams
Explain the Pick: The Mets could tender a contract to Jose Siri after a lost 2025 season or continue to use Jeff McNeil in center field to create a path for some of their young infielders, but the best solution to their center field question might be top prospect Jett Williams. The 21-year-old has seen semi-regular action in center field in the minors, and he could be knocking on the door next spring after making his Triple-A debut in mid-August.
New York Yankees
20 of 30
Projected Lineup
1B Luis Arraez
RF Aaron Judge
CF Cody Bellinger
DH Giancarlo Stanton
2B Jazz Chisholm Jr.
C Austin Wells
3B Ryan McMahon
LF Jasson Dominguez
SS Anthony Volpe
Explain the Pick: Assuming Trent Grisham walks in free agency, the Yankees will be lacking an obvious candidate to hit leadoff. Adding a contact-oriented hitter like Luis Arraez to an offense that ranks sixth in the majors with 1,267 strikeouts would bring some balance. Ben Rice could then be used in a super-utility role, starting games at catcher, first base and designated hitter to keep guys fresh.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Bryson Stott
SS Trea Turner
1B Bryce Harper
3B Alex Bregman
RF Nick Castellanos
C JT Realmuto
LF Brandon Marsh
DH Alec Bohm
CF Harrison Bader
Explain the Pick: 3B Alex Bregman
The Phillies are at a crossroads, with JT Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and Max Kepler all headed for free agency. They might be hesitant to shell out $100 million-plus to bring back Schwarber, since letting him walk would allow more flexibility at DH for an aging roster, and that money could instead be shifted to a run at Alex Bregman. They have shopped Alec Bohm in the past, so it's clear they are willing to explore upgrades at the hot corner.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Jared Triolo
1B Spencer Horwitz
LF Bryan Reynolds
RF Adolis García
DH Andrew McCutchen
2B Nick Gonzales
CF Oneil Cruz
3B Yoán Moncada
C Joey Bart
Explain the Pick: SS Jared Triolo
The Pirates shifted Isiah-Kiner Falefa to third base and Jared Triolo to shortstop after Ke'Bryan Hayes was traded at the deadline, and unless former top prospect Liover Peguero suddenly takes a major step forward, Triolo looks like the front-runner to start at shortstop in 2026. The 27-year-old won the NL utility player Gold Glove in 2024.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Fernando Tatis Jr.
CF Jackson Merrill
3B Manny Machado
DH Gavin Sheets
2B Gleyber Torres
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Ramón Laureano
1B Jake Cronenworth
C Freddy Fermin
Explain the Pick: 2B Gleyber Torres
The Padres plugged two holes for the stretch run and into 2026 when they acquired catcher Freddy Fermin (via KC) and outfielder Ramón Laureano (via BAL) at the deadline, but they will need to replace first baseman Ryan O'Hearn who is a free agent. The versatility of Jake Cronenworth means they can also target a second baseman, and Gleyber Torres would slot nicely into the middle of their lineup.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Heliot Ramos
DH Rafael Devers
SS Willy Adames
3B Matt Chapman
1B Bryce Eldridge
CF Jung Hoo Lee
2B Casey Schmitt
RF Drew Gilbert
C Patrick Bailey
Explain the Pick: 1B Bryce Eldridge
With an .809 OPS and 17 home runs in 60 games at the Triple-A level this season, Bryce Eldridge is making a strong case to be part of the Opening Day picture next year. If he breaks camp with a roster spot, he will be one of the NL Rookie of the Year favorites.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Victor Robles
C Cal Raleigh
CF Julio Rodríguez
LF Randy Arozarena
1B Josh Naylor
DH Jorge Polanco
SS J.P. Crawford
2B Cole Young
3B Ben Williamson
Explain the Pick: 1B Josh Naylor
By all accounts, Josh Naylor has thoroughly enjoyed playing for the Mariners since he was acquired at the trade deadline, and re-signing him this winter would prevent first base from again becoming a question mark offensively. The fact that he is only 28 years old also makes him a more appealing target for a long-term deal than most free agents at his position.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Lars Nootbaar
SS Masyn Winn
LF Brendan Donovan
3B Nolan Arenado
1B Willson Contreras
DH Iván Herrera
RF Alec Burleson
2B Nolan Gorman
C Pedro Pagés
Explain the Pick: 2B Nolan Gorman
The Cardinals were one of the toughest teams to nail down, with a lot of redundant pieces on their roster, which could lead to some offseason shuffling on the trade market. Nolan Gorman has shown enough upside during the second half to get another look as an everyday player, but ideally that would come at designated hitter or an infield corner. Thomas Saggese is also a candidate for the second base job, along with versatile veteran Brendan Donovan, but expect the front office to unclog some of these logjams this winter.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Yandy Díaz
2B Brandon Lowe
3B Junior Caminero
1B Jonathan Aranda
RF Josh Lowe
CF Jake Mangum
SS Carson Williams
C Hunter Feduccia
LF Chandler Simpson
Explain the Pick: 2B Brandon Lowe
For most teams, exercising an $11.5 million club option on a second baseman who is coming off an All-Star season where he has a 119 OPS+ with 28 home runs would be a no-brainer. For the cost-conscious Rays, it's far from a lock they will make that financial commitment to Brandon Lowe, and even if they do exercise the option they could still shop him on the trade market. For now, he's penciled in as the starting second baseman next year.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Trent Grisham
2B Marcus Semien
SS Corey Seager
LF Wyatt Langford
1B Jake Burger
DH Joc Pederson
3B Josh Jung
C Jonah Heim
RF Evan Carter
Explain the Pick: DH Joc Pederson
There is no chance Joc Pederson is going to decline his $18.5 million player option for next season, which limits where the Rangers can upgrade offensively. They could opt for a DH platoon with Pederson and Jake Burger, which would allow them to pursue an upgrade at first base, but we have them letting Adolis García walk in favor of signing Trent Grisham.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH George Springer
3B Addison Barger
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
SS Bo Bichette
RF Anthony Santander
CF Daulton Varsho
C Alejandro Kirk
LF Nathan Lukes
2B Andrés Giménez
Explain the Pick: SS Bo Bichette
Given his poor defensive metrics, there's a chance the Blue Jays might be the only team willing to offer up a massive contract to Bo Bichette this winter without the stipulation of him moving to a less demanding position. If staying at shortstop is a priority, they might have the upper hand to bring him back, and the club's success this year coupled with the Vlad Jr. extension also makes a reunion more likely.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS CJ Abrams
2B Luis García Jr.
LF James Wood
DH Marcell Ozuna
1B Carlos Santana
RF Daylen Lile
3B Brady House
C Keibert Ruiz
CF Dylan Crews
Explain the Pick: DH Marcell Ozuna
The Nationals need someone to help protect rising star James Wood in the middle of the lineup, and slugger Marcell Ozuna could end up providing some nice value relative to his next contract after a middling 2025 campaign. The focal point for the club should be the pitching staff, but a veteran run producer would also go a long way.
