Predicting Every MLB Team's 2026 Opening Day Lineup, Version 1.0
The MLB offseason is officially underway, and with contract option decisions and the non-tender deadline in the rearview, teams will now turn their full attention to free agency and the trade market.
In anticipation of a busy winter, we've assigned all of the top upcoming free agents to logical landing spots and projected a few trades on the way to predicting each team's Opening Day lineup for the 2026 season.
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 signing or trade pickup.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Geraldo Perdomo
2B Ketel Marte
RF Corbin Carroll
DH Miguel Andujar
1B Pavin Smith
C Gabriel Moreno
LF Jake McCarthy
3B Jordan Lawlar
CF Alek Thomas
Quick Thoughts: The D-backs have a lot of offensive thump to replace after trading away Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez at the deadline and losing Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to a torn ACL.
With rebuilding the starting rotation an even more pressing need, they might opt to hope for in-house candidates such as Pavin Smith and Jordan Lawlar to pick up some of that slack, though a low-cost run producer like Miguel Andújar could help fill in the gaps.
Athletics
2 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Luis Rengifo
SS Jacob Wilson
1B Nick Kurtz
DH Brent Rooker
C Shea Langeliers
LF Tyler Soderstrom
RF Lawrence Butler
2B Zack Gelof
CF Denzel Clarke
Quick Thoughts: Few teams in baseball boast a better young offensive core than Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler, while Brent Rooker is the veteran of the group and now a proven run producer with three straight 30-homer seasons.
A year after signing Gio Urshela and Luis Urías to bargain deals, they will again be in the market for a low-cost infielder with some versatility, and Luis Rengifo fits the bill. Otherwise, Max Muncy, Darell Hernaiz and Brett Harris are the top in-house options at third base.
Atlanta Braves
3 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Jurickson Profar
1B Matt Olson
RF Ronald Acuna Jr.
3B Austin Riley
DH Drake Baldwin
2B Ozzie Albies
C Sean Murphy
SS Mauricio Dubón
CF Michael Harris II
Quick Thoughts: After Austin Riley (102 games), Ronald Acuña Jr. (95 games), Sean Murphy (94 games) and Jurickson Profar (80 games) all missed significant time to injury and suspension in the case of Profar, the Braves have as much room for in-house improvement as any lineup in baseball.
They acquired versatile veteran Mauricio Dubón from the Astros as a potential starting option at shortstop, but could still explore alternatives, including a reunion with Ha-Seong Kim.
Baltimore Orioles
4 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Jackson Holliday
C Adley Rutschman
SS Gunnar Henderson
LF Taylor Ward
3B Jordan Westburg
CF Colton Cowser
RF Tyler O'Neill
DH Samuel Basallo
1B Coby Mayo
Quick Thoughts: The Orioles might have already made their big offensive splash when they acquired slugger Taylor Ward from the Angels in exchange for oft-injured starter Grayson Rodriguez.
Dylan Beavers, Heston Kjerstad and Jeremiah Jackson will also enter spring training with an opportunity to play their way into a significant role, while Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle will compete for the first base job after Mountcastle was somewhat surprisingly tendered a contract.
Boston Red Sox
5 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Roman Anthony
CF Jarren Duran
SS Trevor Story
1B Pete Alonso
DH Masataka Yoshida
RF Wilyer Abreu
C Carlos Narváez
3B Marcelo Mayer
2B Ceddanne Rafaela
Quick Thoughts: If Pete Alonso does not once again find his way back to the Mets, the Red Sox appear to be his most likely landing spot, which would in turn make Triston Casas one of the more intriguing buy-low candidates on the trade market.
They also still have a logjam in the outfield, which could mean Gold Glove winner Ceddanne Rafaela sees more action at second base and less in the grass, though there are a lot of moving parts to what figures to be a busy offseason in Boston.
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
Quick Thoughts: All signs point to the Cubs letting Kyle Tucker walk in free agency, which should open the door for top prospect Owen Caissie to take over as the starting right fielder. If he does not look ready this spring, they could also shift Seiya Suzuki back to an everyday role in the outfield and use Moises Ballesteros as the primary designated hitter and backup catcher.
After finishing in the top 10 in runs scored (793, fifth), home runs (223, sixth) and team OPS (.750, seventh), running in back with essentially the same group aside from Tucker is not the worst strategy, especially with a lot of work to do rebuilding the bullpen.
Chicago White Sox
7 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Chase Meidroth
C Kyle Teel
DH Miguel Vargas
SS Colson Montgomery
CF Luis Robert Jr.
LF Andrew Benintendi
1B Lenyn Sosa
3B Curtis Mead
RF Brooks Baldwin
Quick Thoughts: The White Sox have a lot of up-and-coming talent, and this could be the year when they fully embrace the youth movement and opt against bringing in veteran stopgaps to fill out the roster.
Young catchers Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero are generating some trade buzz, and it's not out of the question to think one of them could be flipped in a market that is sorely lacking in catching talent beyond J.T. Realmuto.
Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF TJ Friedl
RF Noelvi Marte
SS Elly De La Cruz
1B Spencer Steer
DH Sal Stewart
LF Gavin Lux
C Tyler Stephenson
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
2B Matt McLain
Quick Thoughts: The deadline addition of Ke'Bryan Hayes, late-season emergence of Noelvi Marte following a shift to right field and strong debut from Sal Stewart could mean an improved Reds offense next year even without any major additions this winter.
The X-factor here might be Matt McLain, who hit .290/.357/.507 with 16 home runs in 403 plate appearances as a rookie in 2023, but lost the entire 2024 season to shoulder surgery before returning with a punchless .220/.300/.343 line this year.
Cleveland Guardians
9 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Steven Kwan
RF George Valera
3B José Ramírez
1B Kyle Manzardo
CF Chase DeLauter
2B Travis Bazzana
DH C.J. Kayfus
C Bo Naylor
SS Gabriel Arias
Quick Thoughts: The Guardians used the light-hitting tandem of Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias at the middle infield spots for most of 2025, but they will be pushed by 2024 No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana next spring after he reached Triple-A in his first full professional season.
Meanwhile, after making his big league debut in the playoffs, Chase DeLauter should get every opportunity to win a job in the outfield, provided he can stay healthy after dealing with myriad injuries since he was drafted in 2022.
Colorado Rockies
10 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Jordan Beck
DH Mickey Moniak
C Hunter Goodman
1B Nathaniel Lowe
CF Brenton Doyle
SS Ezequiel Tovar
3B Kyle Karros
RF Zac Veen
2B Adael Amador
Quick Thoughts: After cutting ties with Michael Toglia, the Rockies look like a logical landing spot for a long list of the veteran first basemen on the market, which includes Rhys Hoskins, Nathaniel Lowe, Ty France and Josh Bell.
Outside of a potential addition there to help Hunter Goodman shoulder the run-production load, expect the 2026 season to be used to give guys such as Kyle Karros, Adael Amador, Warming Bernabel, Ryan Ritter, Yanquiel Fernández and others an extended look.
Detroit Tigers
11 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Colt Keith
2B Gleyber Torres
DH Kerry Carpenter
LF Riley Greene
1B Spencer Torkelson
RF Wenceel Pérez
C Dillon Dingler
SS Javier Báez
CF Parker Meadows
Quick Thoughts: The Tigers' biggest free-agency splurge could end up being a decision that was out of their hands, as Gleyber Torres accepted his qualifying offer and opted to return on a one-year, $22.025 million deal.
Utility man Zach McKinstry will also still see regular action at multiple positions, while guys such as Jace Jung, Matt Vierling and Trey Sweeney could also play their way into a role. Top prospect Kevin McGonigle is also a candidate to debut in 2026 after capturing 2025 Arizona Fall League MVP honors.
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
Quick Thoughts: There were only eight games last season where Carlos Correa and Isaac Paredes were both in the lineup, and Yordan Alvarez was sidelined for all of them, so the Astros need to figure out how all the pieces fit together between second base, third base, left field and designated hitter.
Cam Smith, Jake Meyers, Jesús Sánchez, Zach Cole, Taylor Trammell and Jacob Melton will all compete for playing time in the outfield this spring, with Sánchez and Trammell both out of minor league options.
Kansas City Royals
13 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Maikel García
SS Bobby Witt Jr.
1B Vinnie Pasquantino
C Salvador Perez
DH Marcell Ozuna
RF Jac Caglianone
LF Mike Yastrzemski
2B Jonathan India
CF Kyle Isbel
Quick Thoughts: The Royals need to add some pop to a lineup that ranked near the bottom of the league in runs scored (651, 26th) and home runs (159, 26th). Mike Yastrzemski was terrific after joining the team at the trade deadline, while Marcell Ozuna could provide some significant punch with a short-term commitment.
Catcher Carter Jensen will also have a role on this team after hitting .300/.391/.550 with six doubles, three home runs and 13 RBI in 69 plate appearances as a September call-up. He could be utilized similarly to how the Braves used Drake Baldwin in 2025.
Los Angeles Angels
14 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Zach Neto
1B Nolan Schanuel
DH Mike Trout
CF Jo Adell
RF Jorge Soler
C Logan O'Hoppe
LF Ryan O'Hearn
3B Alec Bohm
2B Christian Moore
Quick Thoughts: The Angels kicked off what could be a busy offseason of retooling by trading Taylor Ward to the Orioles in exchange for Grayson Rodriguez, and they could be active in targeting second-tier free agent options.
There are clear holes to fill in the outfield and at third base, and they could be a perfect landing spot for Alec Bohm to try to jump-start his career if the Phillies decide to move him. Shortstop Zach Neto could also be a candidate for an early extension this winter as he is due a healthy raise to a projected $4.1 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility.
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
3B Max Muncy
2B Tommy Edman
CF Andy Pages
Quick Thoughts: The Dodgers have long been viewed as the favorites to sign Kyle Tucker this offseason given their deep pockets and clear need for an outfield bat, though the Yankees, Mets and Giants could all give them a serious run for their money. If he does land elsewhere, they could pivot to a familiar face in Cody Bellinger, or aim a bit lower with someone like Harrison Bader.
They could also use Tommy Edman as a full-time outfielder and target a second baseman, or give Hyeseong Kim an expanded role after he logged just 170 plate appearances as a rookie and hit .280/.314/.385 with 10 extra-base hits and 13 steals.
Miami Marlins
16 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Xavier Edwards
CF Jakob Marsee
RF Adolis García
LF Kyle Stowers
DH Agustín Ramírez
1B Ty France
SS Otto Lopez
C Liam Hicks
3B Connor Norby
Quick Thoughts: For the first time in years, it feels like the Marlins have some legitimate offensive pieces to build around with Kyle Stowers, Agustin Ramírez and second-half standout Jakob Marsee all making an impact in 2025.
A veteran first baseman and a power-hitting outfield bat figure to be on their shopping list, and both Ty France and recently non-tendered Adolis García are capable of outperforming a modest one-year deal while also potentially playing their way to being trade chips.
Milwaukee Brewers
17 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Jackson Chourio
2B Brice Turang
C William Contreras
DH Christian Yelich
1B Andrew Vaughn
RF Sal Frelick
3B Caleb Durbin
LF Isaac Collins
SS Joey Ortiz
Quick Thoughts: The Brewers could kick the tires on an offensive upgrade for the left side of the infield, but Caleb Durbin had a quietly productive rookie season and Joey Ortiz is a rock-solid defender at shortstop, so those spots are not a glaring need.
Can a healthy Garrett Mitchell play his way back into the picture? The 27-year-old was the Opening Day center fielder in 2025, but a left shoulder injury ended his season in late April, and Isaac Collins put together a strong rookie campaign in his absence.
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
Quick Thoughts: The Twins have made a habit of addressing first base by signing a veteran to a one-year deal in recent years, landing Joey Gallo in 2023, Carlos Santana in 2024 and Ty France last offseason. Could Rhys Hoskins be their next target to fill the position?
Kody Clemens, Edouard Julien and Austin Martin could also earn starting roles with a strong showing during spring training, while the possibility also remains for further wheeling and dealing after the club's trade deadline fire sale.
New York Mets
19 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Francisco Lindor
2B Marcus Semien
RF Juan Soto
3B Munetaka Murakami
1B Mark Vientos
DH Brett Baty
LF Jeff McNeil
C Francisco Álvarez
CF Tyrone Taylor
Quick Thoughts: The Mets have the financial firepower to be players for anyone on the market, and look like one of the early favorites to land Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. There are questions about his ability to handle elite velocity, but he also has a long enough track record as a high-level run producer to believe he can make an immediate impact.
If they do sign Murakami to play third base, they could try Brett Baty in left field now that Marcus Semien is locked in as the everyday second baseman, but for now he's penciled into the DH role.
New York Yankees
20 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Trent Grisham
RF Aaron Judge
LF Cody Bellinger
DH Giancarlo Stanton
1B Ben Rice
2B Jazz Chisholm Jr.
3B Ryan McMahon
C Austin Wells
SS Ha-Seong Kim
Quick Thoughts: With Anthony Volpe expected to miss the start of the season while he recovers from shoulder surgery, the Yankees could explore an outside addition like Ha-Seong Kim, or they could go with speedy José Caballero as the everyday guy until he returns.
A reunion with Cody Bellinger or a serious run at signing Kyle Tucker will be the top priority on the offensive side of things, otherwise they could be forced to rely on Jasson Domínguez, Spencer Jones or a less impactful outside addition in the outfield.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Kyle Schwarber
SS Trea Turner
1B Bryce Harper
3B Alex Bregman
LF Brandon Marsh
RF Austin Hays
2B Bryson Stott
C J.T. Realmuto
CF Justin Crawford
Quick Thoughts: With Nick Castellanos expected to be released and Harrison Bader gone in free agency, a new-look Phillies lineup awaits in 2026. That said, their top priority is still re-signing Kyle Schwarber, and they also need to either bring back J.T. Realmuto or find another outside addition with no clear replacement behind the plate.
Third baseman Alec Bohm was a non-tender candidate, and while he was ultimately tendered a contract, he could still be a trade chip after some rumblings he could be moved last winter. Moving him would open the door for a run at Alex Bregman, whose ability to make a major impact in 2026 fits the team's closing window of contention.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Cedric Mullins
1B Spencer Horwitz
RF Bryan Reynolds
DH Andrew McCutchen
2B Davis Schneider
SS Nick Gonzales
CF Oneil Cruz
C Joey Bart
3B Jared Triolo
Quick Thoughts: In our Opening Day starting rotation predictions article last week, we projected Mitch Keller being traded to the Blue Jays, and a package of multiple prospects and a MLB-ready bat like Davis Schneider could get the deal done.
Buying low on an outfielder also seems like a logical way to potentially add some pop to the lineup, with Cedric Mullins, Max Kepler and Lane Thomas among the logical potential targets.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Fernando Tatis Jr.
CF Jackson Merrill
3B Manny Machado
DH Gavin Sheets
1B Kazuma Okamoto
LF Ramón Laureano
SS Xander Bogaerts
2B Jake Cronenworth
C Freddy Fermin
Quick Thoughts: Much of the attention on the international market has gone to Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai, but corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto also has impact potential. The 29-year-old had six straight 30-homer seasons for the Yomiuri Giants, and is a career .274/.355/.501 hitter with 277 long balls in 11 seasons.
Deadline pickups Freddy Fermin and Ramón Laureano will both be back to fill what were glaring holes at catcher and in left field for much of the 2025 season, leaving the front office to focus most of its energy on the starting rotation.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Heliot Ramos
DH Rafael Devers
SS Willy Adames
3B Matt Chapman
1B Bryce Eldridge
CF Harrison Bader
RF Jung Hoo Lee
2B Casey Schmitt
C Patrick Bailey
Explain the Pick: Since Jung Hoo Lee (-18 DRS, -5 OAA) and Heliot Ramos (-6 DRS, -9 OAA) are two of the worst defensive outfielders in baseball, so adding a defensive standout like Harrison Bader in center field could help offset some of their shortcomings.
Outside of adding an outfielder, the Giants are expected to be major players at the top of the starting pitching market, so the bulk of their spending will likely be dedicated to shoring things up behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Randy Arozarena
C Cal Raleigh
CF Julio Rodríguez
1B Josh Naylor
DH Dominic Canzone
2B Jorge Polanco
SS J.P. Crawford
3B Willi Castro
RF Victor Robles
Quick Thoughts: The Mariners have already re-signed one of their top free agents, bringing back Josh Naylor on a five-year, $92.5 million deal, and they are reportedly still interested in bringing back Jorge Polanco as well following a bounce-back season.
That would leave third base as the one glaring hole in the lineup, and while they could give glove-first Ben Williamson another shot at the job, backing him up with a utility option such as Willi Castro or Luis Rengifo would be a good way to hedge their bets.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Brendan Donovan
C Iván Herrera
LF Alec Burleson
1B Willson Contreras
DH Nolan Gorman
3B Nolan Arenado
RF Lars Nootbaar
SS Masyn Winn
CF Victor Scott II
Quick Thoughts: The Cardinals are expected to shop Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras, but given the former's decline and the latter's remaining money, there's a good chance both will still be around on Opening Day.
Fitting all the pieces together becomes easier if Iván Herrera can make a successful return to catching after he was limited to DH duties in 2025 while nursing knee and hamstring issues. This lineup could look a lot different if they decide to blow up the roster, but for now, it's hard to know exactly what direction this club is going.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Chandler Simpson
DH Yandy Díaz
2B Brandon Lowe
3B Junior Caminero
1B Jonathan Aranda
RF Josh Lowe
C Jonah Heim
CF Jake Mangum
SS Carson Williams
Quick Thoughts: The Rays are expected to be active on the catching market once again, a year after signing Danny Jansen and then flipping him to the Brewers at the trade deadline. They could make a run at J.T. Realmuto if the Phillies go in a different direction, while recently non-tendered Jonah Heim offers perhaps the most upside of any alternative options.
Will Brandon Lowe or Yandy Díaz be traded? Is Carson Williams the favorite for the Opening Day shortstop job? Will there be any notable additions outside of the catcher position for a team on a tight budget?
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Brandon Nimmo
RF Wyatt Langford
SS Corey Seager
1B Jake Burger
DH Joc Pederson
2B Josh Smith
3B Josh Jung
C Kyle Higashioka
CF Evan Carter
Quick Thoughts: With Jacob deGrom, Corey Seager, Nathan Eovaldi and newly acquired Brandon Nimmo on the books for a combined $117.75 million, the Rangers are in an interesting position where they are looking to shed payroll, but are also unlikely to pivot away from trying to contend.
Wyatt Langford gives them a long-term building block, and he could soon be joined by Sebastian Walcott after he reached Double-A in his age-19 season. A consensus top-10 prospect in the sport, he has played primarily shortstop, but has the size, arm strength and power potential to profile well in right field or at third base.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH George Springer
RF Addison Barger
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2B Bo Bichette
CF Daulton Varsho
C Alejandro Kirk
LF Anthony Santander
3B Ernie Clement
SS Andrés Giménez
Quick Thoughts: If the Blue Jays do end up re-signing Bo Bichette, they will need to figure out the best way to utilize Ernie Clement and Addison Barger who are both coming off breakout performances in 2025.
If Barger ends up in the outfield, that could leave Nathan Lukes as the odd-man out with a healthy Anthony Santander also occupying a corner spot. That said, having a 2-WAR player as your fourth outfielder is a good problem to have, and the inevitable injury could still lead to him getting 400-plus plate appearances.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS CJ Abrams
2B Luis García Jr.
DH James Wood
3B Eugenio Suárez
LF Daylen Lile
1B Brady House
C Keibert Ruiz
RF Dylan Crews
CF Jacob Young
Quick Thoughts: The Nationals are likely still a year or two away from serious contention, especially if they decide to flip MacKenzie Gore this winter, so attracting free-agent talent could be difficult.
Eugenio Suárez is an interesting case as a player coming off a 49-homer campaign where much of that damage came during the first half of the season. His second-half slump, coupled with the fact that he is 34 years old, could limit his market to two-year deals and eventually drive him toward a team like the Nationals.
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