Predicting Every MLB Team's 2026 Opening Day Lineup, Version 2.0
There has already been a lot of wheeling and dealing this offseason, both in free agency and on the trade market, but there are also still more than a few impact players searching for a new contract.
Most notably, Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette and Cody Bellinger all remain unsigned as three of the top bats on the market this winter, while further down the list guys like Eugenio Suárez, Harrison Bader, J.T. Realmuto and Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto are also still available.
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 projected batting order.
These predictions were last updated on Nov. 24, so a lot has changed since our last run through each club's potential Opening Day lineup.
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 Marcell Ozuna
1B Pavin Smith
C Gabriel Moreno
LF Jake McCarthy
3B Jordan Lawlar
CF Alek Thomas
Quick Thoughts: The D-backs front office has been entertaining offers for star second baseman Ketel Marte, but it looks increasingly likely he will be removed from the trade block rather than being dealt this winter.
A proven run producer to slot into the cleanup spot in the lineup would boost the entire offense, and the list of logical landing spots for Marcell Ozuna at this point in the offseason is not a long one.
Athletics
2 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Jeff McNeil
SS Jacob Wilson
1B Nick Kurtz
DH Brent Rooker
LF Tyler Soderstrom
C Shea Langeliers
RF Lawrence Butler
3B Zack Gelof
CF Denzel Clarke
Quick Thoughts: The Athletics seem content to let Zack Gelof and Max Muncy battle it out for the starting third base job this spring after veteran Jeff McNeil was acquired to man second base.
This is quietly one of the most complete lineups in baseball, with the top seven spots in the batting order all capable of above-average production. Denzel Clarke is a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder, and both third base options offer untapped upside.
Atlanta Braves
3 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
1B Matt Olson
3B Austin Riley
C Drake Baldwin
DH Jurickson Profar
2B Ozzie Albies
LF Mike Yastrzemski
CF Michael Harris II
SS Ha-Seong Kim
Quick Thoughts: The addition of Mike Yastrzemski likely means that Jurickson Profar will see the bulk of his playing time in the designated hitter role, which will in turn allow Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy to again split catching duties to help both guys stay fresh.
The addition of Mauricio Dubón gives the team a capable backup option across the infield, while they also have four starting-caliber outfielders, setting this group up well to navigate any potential injuries as the season unfolds.
Baltimore Orioles
4 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Jackson Holliday
3B Jordan Westburg
SS Gunnar Henderson
1B Pete Alonso
C Adley Rutschman
LF Taylor Ward
CF Colton Cowser
RF Tyler O'Neill
DH Samuel Basallo
Quick Thoughts: The Orioles made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when they signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million contract, and his addition raises the question of how Coby Mayo and Ryan Mountcastle factor into the team's 2026 plans.
There is also a logjam in the outfield, with Taylor Ward, Colton Cowser and Tyler O'Neill looking to hold off Dylan Beavers and Heston Kjerstad in the push for playing time.
Boston Red Sox
5 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Roman Anthony
DH Jarren Duran
3B Alex Bregman
1B Willson Contreras
RF Wilyer Abreu
SS Trevor Story
C Carlos Narváez
2B Marcelo Mayer
CF Ceddanne Rafaela
Quick Thoughts: A reunion with the Red Sox still looks like the most likely outcome to Alex Bregman's offseason, though it will be interesting to see what his next contract looks like after he left two years and $80 million on the table.
If he doesn't return, the Red Sox will likely use Marcelo Mayer at third base, creating a hole at second base that could be filled in-house by Romy González. There is also still an outfield logjam to sort out with Ceddanne Rafaela expected to be used as the primary center fielder and Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran options at the corner spots and designated hitter.
Chicago Cubs
6 of 30
Projected Lineup
1B Michael Busch
2B Nico Hoerner
LF Ian Happ
RF Seiya Suzuki
CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
C Carson Kelly
DH Moisés Ballesteros
SS Dansby Swanson
3B Matt Shaw
Quick Thoughts: The question for the Cubs this spring will be Moises Ballesteros vs. Owen Caissie, as both top prospects have little left to prove in the minors, but have yet to stake claim to a regular role in the big leagues.
If Ballesteros wins the job, Seiya Suzuki will return to being the team's primary left fielder. If Caissie outplays him this spring, Suzuki will remain as the designated hitter. Regardless, whoever loses the battle will likely return to Triple-A to continue seeing everyday at-bats.
Chicago White Sox
7 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Chase Meidroth
C Kyle Teel
SS Colson Montgomery
3B Miguel Vargas
1B Munetaka Murakami (R)
CF Luis Robert Jr.
LF Andrew Benintendi
DH Lenyn Sosa
RF Max Kepler
Quick Thoughts: The White Sox will need to figure out how to best utilize Lenyn Sosa after a 22-homer, 75-RBI season where he split his time between first base and second base.
Using him as the primary designated hitter would create a roster crunch behind the plate, where Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero and Korey Lee are all candidates to make the Opening Day roster. Otherwise, Quero could serve as the primary DH with a more traditional one-catcher bench.
Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF TJ Friedl
RF Noelvi Marte
SS Elly De La Cruz
1B Spencer Steer
DH Gavin Lux
C Tyler Stephenson
LF JJ Bleday
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
2B Matt McLain
Quick Thoughts: The Reds signed JJ Bleday to a one-year deal and acquired Dane Myers in a trade with the Marlins on the same day, likely putting the finishing touches on their 2026 outfield in the process.
The added options in the outfield likely mean Spencer Steer will be the everyday first baseman, while Gavin Lux will see the bulk of his playing time at designated hitter. Where does Sal Stewart fit after posting a 121 OPS+ with five home runs in 58 plate appearances as a September call-up?
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: Can top prospect Travis Bazzana force his way into the middle infield picture this spring? The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft reached Triple-A in his first full professional season, logging an .813 OPS with 31 extra-base hits in 84 games over three levels in 2025.
If he stakes claim to the second base job, that would leave the light-hitting tandem of Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias to battle for playing time at shortstop.
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: The Rockies remain a logical landing spot for one of the veteran first baseman still looking for a new home, which includes Nathaniel Lowe, Rhys Hoskins, Ty France and LaMonte Wade Jr.
Aside from a potential short-term signing to address that roster hole, it will likely be a quiet offseason heading into spring training, though there have been some rumblings surrounding Brenton Doyle as a potential trade candidate.
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 only notable move for the Tigers on the position player side of things this offseason has been Gleyber Torres accepting his one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer to return as the club's starting second baseman.
They remain on the periphery of the Alex Bregman market, and could benefit from some additional outfield depth, but if the season started today this would be a solid lineup without any glaring holes.
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: Expect Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve and Isaac Paredes to all play multiple positions on a semi-regular basis, rotating between second base (Altuve and Paredes), left field (Altuve and Alvarez) and designated hitter (Alvarez and Paredes) to account for the return of Carlos Correa as the everyday third baseman.
The biggest question is how all the pieces fit together at the other two outfield spots, with Jake Meyers, Jesús Sánchez, Cam Smith and Zach Cole all heading to spring training with an opportunity to win a starting job.
Kansas City Royals
13 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Maikel García
SS Bobby Witt Jr.
1B Vinnie Pasquantino
C Salvador Perez
DH Nick Castellanos
RF Jac Caglianone
2B Jonathan India
LF Isaac Collins
CF Kyle Isbel
Quick Thoughts: Whether they swing a trade to acquire him on the cheap or wait until he is released as expected, Nick Castellanos looks like a good buy-low target for a Royals team that is lacking in proven run producers.
That would leave Jonathan India and Michael Massey to compete for playing time at second base, and after both players had down years in 2025, that is likely preferable to counting on both to fill starting roles.
Los Angeles Angels
14 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Zach Neto
1B Nolan Schanuel
DH Mike Trout
RF Jo Adell
LF Jorge Soler
C Logan O'Hoppe
3B Nolan Arenado
CF Chas McCormick
2B Christian Moore
Quick Thoughts: The Angels are reportedly interested in Nolan Arenado, who is expected to be traded or outright released by the rebuilding Cardinals before the start of the season.
They also need to sort out center field, where Jo Adell (-14 DRS, -12 OAA) struggled mightily last year after Mike Trout shifted to full-time DH duties, while second base figures to be an open competition between Christian Moore, Kyren Paris, Oswald Peraza and reclamation project Vaughn Grissom.
Los Angeles Dodgers
15 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Shohei Ohtani
SS Mookie Betts
1B Freddie Freeman
C Will Smith
3B Max Muncy
2B Bo Bichette
RF Teoscar Hernandez
CF Tommy Edman
LF Andy Pages
Quick Thoughts: The Dodgers have been tied to Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger throughout the offseason, but they could just as easily use Tommy Edman as the everyday center fielder and make a run at Bo Bichette to play second base.
Either way, expect them to be the landing spot for one of the three high-profile bats left on the market, with Edman's versatility and the presence of Hyeseong Kim and Alex Call as candidates for expanded roles giving manager Dave Roberts plenty of options.
Miami Marlins
16 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Xavier Edwards
CF Jakob Marsee
LF Kyle Stowers
DH Agustín Ramírez
1B Kazuma Okamoto
SS Otto Lopez
C Jonah Heim
RF Griffin Conine
3B Connor Norby
Quick Thoughts: The emergence of Kyle Stowers, Agustín Ramírez and Jakob Marsee in 2025 has given the Marlins something to build around offensively, and swinging for the fences with a run at Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto would provide another potential power source.
Jonah Heim is not that far removed from starting the 2023 All-Star Game, and even in a down year last season he still tallied 14 doubles, 11 home runs and 43 RBI in 124 games. He could form a quietly productive platoon with Rule 5 success story Liam Hicks behind the plate.
Milwaukee Brewers
17 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Jackson Chourio
2B Brice Turang
C William Contreras
DH Christian Yelich
1B Andrew Vaughn
CF Sal Frelick
3B Caleb Durbin
LF Garrett Mitchell
SS Joey Ortiz
Quick Thoughts: With Isaac Collins traded to the Royals and an outside addition unlikely given the club's tight payroll, some combination of Jake Bauers, Blake Perkins and the oft-injured Garrett Mitchell will compete for playing time in left field.
Do they feel comfortable entering the season with top prospect Jeferson Quero as the backup catcher? The 23-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut, but he is currently the only other backstop on the 40-man roster aside from starter William Contreras.
Minnesota Twins
18 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Byron Buxton
2B Luke Keaschall
1B Josh Bell
RF Matt Wallner
3B Royce Lewis
DH Trevor Larnach
SS Brooks Lee
C Ryan Jeffers
LF James Outman
Quick Thoughts: With Josh Bell signed to a one-year deal to fill the void at first base, the Twins lineup is likely set as they head into 2026 at a crossroads. Can they bounce back to contention, or has their quiet offseason just delayed a full-scale rebuild by another year?
James Outman, Austin Martin and Kody Clemens are the leading candidates to break camp as the starting left fielder, though they could simply be keeping the spot warm for top prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez who could both open the year in Triple-A.
New York Mets
19 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Francisco Lindor
2B Marcus Semien
RF Juan Soto
LF Cody Bellinger
1B Jorge Polanco
DH Mark Vientos
3B Brett Baty
C Francisco Álvarez
CF Tyrone Taylor
Quick Thoughts: The only sure thing about the Mets outfield is Juan Soto as the everyday right fielder, the other two spots are up in the air, with Tyrone Taylor the leading candidate to man center field and a glaring hole in left field.
Given their spending power, landing one of Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger still seems likely, but they could also go with top prospect Carson Benge if they end up whiffing on those top free agents. Benge, 22, hit .281/.385/.472 with 25 doubles, 15 home runs, 73 RBI and 22 steals in 116 games across three minor league levels last year, closing out the season at Triple-A.
New York Yankees
20 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Trent Grisham
RF Aaron Judge
LF Kyle Tucker
DH Giancarlo Stanton
2B Jazz Chisholm Jr.
1B Ben Rice
3B Ryan McMahon
C Austin Wells
SS José Caballero
Quick Thoughts: The Yankees could run it back with Jasson Domínguez in left field and slugger Spencer Jones nipping at his heels in the minors, but failing to re-sign Cody Bellinger or replace him with Kyle Tucker would be impossible to frame as anything but a downgrade for their offensive attack.
Rhys Hoskins also looks like the perfect platoon partner for Ben Rice at first base, though he might prefer an opportunity at more regular playing time.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Kyle Schwarber
SS Trea Turner
1B Bryce Harper
3B Alec Bohm
LF Brandon Marsh
RF Adolis García
2B Bryson Stott
C J.T. Realmuto
CF Justin Crawford
Quick Thoughts: The Phillies have already crossed off most of the items on their offseason to-do list, re-signing Kyle Schwarber, adding Adolis García to shore up the outfield and giving Brad Keller a multi-year deal on the pitching side of things.
The one major lingering question is whether J.T. Realmuto will be back as the starting catcher. If he signs elsewhere, there is no in-house option to replace him, and a quick pivot to Victor Caratini, Jonah Heim, Elias Díaz or someone on the trade market will be necessary.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Projected Lineup
1B Spencer Horwitz
2B Brandon Lowe
RF Bryan Reynolds
DH Ryan O'Hearn
3B Eugenio Suárez
SS Nick Gonzales
CF Oneil Cruz
C Joey Bart
LF Jake Mangum
Quick Thoughts: With Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum acquired via trade and Ryan O'Hearn signed to a two-year, $29 million deal, the Pirates offense has already undergone a much-needed face lift, but they still have a ways to go to be an above-average unit.
There is no clear fit for veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez right now, and his market is at least partially tethered to Alex Bregman's decision, but he would be a great addition on a similar short-term deal to the one O'Hearn signed. That would allow Jared Triolo to serve as the utility infielder.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Fernando Tatis Jr.
CF Jackson Merrill
3B Manny Machado
DH Gavin Sheets
LF Ramón Laureano
SS Xander Bogaerts
1B Jake Cronenworth
C Freddy Fermin
2B Sung Mun Song
Quick Thoughts: Will the four-year, $15 million deal given to KBO star Sung Mun Song be the extent of the Padres offseason moves when it comes to their starting lineup?
The versatility that Jake Cronenworth provides means they could still target a power bat at first base or designated hitter, with Cronenworth shifting to second base and Gavin Sheets manning first base if needed. That would allow Song to ease into the big leagues in a utility role, similar to how Ha-Seong Kim was utilized when he first joined the Padres.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Jung Hoo Lee
SS Willy Adames
1B Rafael Devers
3B Matt Chapman
LF Heliot Ramos
DH Bryce Eldridge
CF Harrison Bader
2B Casey Schmitt
C Patrick Bailey
Quick Thoughts: The Giants are still a dark horse to make a run at Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette, but with more pressing needs in the starting rotation, they will likely aim a bit lower if they make another addition to their lineup.
The defensive shortcomings of Jung Hoo Lee (-18 DRS, -5 OAA) and Heliot Ramos (-6 DRS, -9 OAA) make a defensive standout like Harrison Bader even more valuable as a potential target to man center field.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Randy Arozarena
C Cal Raleigh
CF Julio Rodríguez
1B Josh Naylor
DH Dominic Canzone
2B Brendan Donovan
SS J.P. Crawford
RF Victor Robles
3B Ben Williamson
Quick Thoughts: Versatile veteran Brendan Donovan remains a strong candidate to be moved before the start of the regular season, and the Mariners are a logical landing spot with a clear need at second base.
If no outside moves are made, Cole Young (second base) and Ben Williamson (third base) are the leading candidates to round out the infield. That makes super-utility guys like Luis Rengifo and Willi Castro potential targets as well, even if Donovan is added to be the primary second baseman.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Masyn Winn
C Iván Herrera
1B Alec Burleson
DH Nolan Gorman
LF Lars Nootbaar
RF Jordan Walker
2B JJ Wetherholt
3B Thomas Saggese
CF Victor Scott II
Quick Thoughts: This projected lineup assumes that both Nolan Arenado (Angels) and Brendan Donovan (Mariners) are traded, while outfielder Lars Nootbaar stays put for the time being. If that's how things play out, right-handed hitting Austin Hays could be a target to provide some balance to the outfield and give the team another potential trade chip.
Top prospect JJ Wetherholt is expected to be given every opportunity to win a starting spot on the infield this spring after he hit .306/.421/.510 with 28 doubles, 17 home runs, 59 RBI and 23 steals in 109 games between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Chandler Simpson
DH Yandy Díaz
1B Jonathan Aranda
3B Junior Caminero
RF Josh Lowe
CF Cedric Mullins
SS Carson Williams
C Victor Caratini
2B Taylor Walls
Quick Thoughts: With Brandon Lowe traded to the Pirates, the Rays have a hole to fill at second base. If Carson Williams starts the season in the minors, expect Taylor Walls to be the primary shortstop. Otherwise, Walls could compete with Richie Palacios for time at second base, while Luis Rengifo and Willi Castro are also logical targets in free agency.
Keep an eye on outfielder Jacob Melton this spring after he was acquired from the Astros as part of the Lowe trade. The 25-year-old hit .286/.389/.556 with 22 extra-base hits and 12 steals in 35 games at Triple-A last year, and he has enough upside to force his way into the starting lineup with a strong spring.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Brandon Nimmo
RF Wyatt Langford
SS Corey Seager
1B Jake Burger
DH Joc Pederson
3B Josh Jung
2B Josh Smith
C Danny Jansen
CF Evan Carter
Quick Thoughts: With Marcus Semien traded to the Mets and Adolis García non-tendered in November, the Rangers lineup will have a new look in 2026, though there's a good chance they are finished making outside additions.
Brandon Nimmo, who was acquired in the Semien trade, will replace García as part of the starting outfield. Utility man Josh Smith is the leading candidate to take over as the primary second baseman, while Justin Foscue is also an option after he posted an .814 OPS with 19 home runs and 68 RBI in 103 games at Triple-A.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH George Springer
LF Nathan Lukes
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
CF Daulton Varsho
C Alejandro Kirk
3B Addison Barger
RF Anthony Santander
2B Ernie Clement
SS Andrés Giménez
Quick Thoughts: The Blue Jays proved they could compete without Bo Bichette during the ALDS and ALCS, with slick-fielding Andrés Giménez shifting over to shortstop and Ernie Clement starring as the primary second baseman.
That will likely be how they line up in 2026 if Bichette signs elsewhere in free agency, though they could still make a major splash as contenders to sign Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger. This lineup could look much different in a few months, but it's a rock-solid unit as things stand.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS CJ Abrams
1B Luis Arraez
DH James Wood
LF Daylen Lile
2B Luis García Jr.
3B Brady House
C Keibert Ruiz
RF Dylan Crews
CF Jacob Young
Quick Thoughts: Finding a logical landing spot for Luis Arraez is tricky given his unique profile as a contact-oriented player at a power-driven position, but he could be the perfect counterpoint to slugger James Wood, who struck out a staggering 221 times in 2025.
Rumors continue to swirl about CJ Abrams as a potential trade candidate, and if a deal does get done before the start of the new season, defensive-minded Nasim Nuñez would be the top option to fill the void.
