Future MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Will Stand 3 Years from Now
Having just updated our MLB power rankings on Friday following the passing of the non-waiver trade deadline, we've decided to take a slightly different approach to this Monday's rankings.
With two months to go in the 2015 MLB season, a number of teams are already looking ahead to the future after selling at the deadline.
That's exactly what we'll do here.
Baseball is nearly impossible to predict on a year-in and year-out basis, but what follows is an attempt at projecting how the league will look three years from now.
Included is a projected lineup and rotation/closer for all 30 teams, with those roster outlooks determining where teams ranked.
Here's how the projected rosters were assembled.
- Players Under Contract: The obvious starting point was to pencil in the players who are under contract through the 2018 season.
- Arbitration-Eligible Players: Next up was players who will have not yet reached free agency when 2018 rolls around but have already established themselves as everyday big leaguers.
- Top Prospects: From there, the rest of the roster was filled in with top prospects currently in the farm system. These players are the toughest to project, as they have yet to prove anything at the big league level, but homegrown talent is often key to building a winner.
- Re-Signing Free Agents: Dealing with free agency was tough. In some cases, a player who will reach free agency before 2018 rolls around was projected to re-sign with his current team, and that was indicated in italics.
- Other Free Agents: On the other hand, a number of players who are not expected to re-sign with their current clubs were excluded from this exercise as opposed to blindly predicting where they may end up signing. David Price, Johnny Cueto, Justin Upton, Carlos Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg were among the players who fell into this category. They'll obviously have an impact on the league depending on where they land, but for now, they don't factor into these rankings.
From there, a combination of each team's level of established big league talent, upside relative to young talent and expected payroll flexibility eventually determined where they fell in the rankings.
This was simply meant to be a fun exercise giving a glimpse into what the league might look like three years down the road, so take it as such. Enjoy.
30. Milwaukee Brewers
1 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Brett Phillips
2. SS Orlando Arcia
3. 1B Ryan Braun
4. RF Domingo Santana
5. C Jonathan Lucroy
6. LF Clint Coulter
7. 3B Jean Segura
8. 2B Scooter Gennett
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Jimmy Nelson
SP Wily Peralta
SP Taylor Jungmann
SP Matt Garza
SP Jorge Lopez
CL Francisco Rodriguez
2018 Outlook
Turning their attention to rebuilding, the Milwaukee Brewers picked up some solid talent at the trade deadline. The outfield duo of Brett Phillips and Domingo Santana, who were acquired in the Carlos Gomez trade, has a chance to join shortstop prospect Orlando Arcia in emerging as franchise cornerstones.
Pitching is the big question, though. Jimmy Nelson, Wily Peralta and Taylor Jungmann are all controllable young arms, but none profile as a legitimate ace three years from now.
Life in the NL Central isn't going to get any easier in the years to come, and the Brewers could have a tough time clawing back into contention as a result.
29. San Diego Padres
2 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Travis Jankowski
2. 2B Cory Spangenberg
3. RF Matt Kemp
4. LF Hunter Renfroe
5. 1B Wil Myers
6. C Derek Norris
7. 3B Jedd Gyorko
8. SS Jose Rondon
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP James Shields
SP Tyson Ross
SP Colin Rea
SP Odrisamer Despaigne
SP Robbie Erlin
CL Craig Kimbrel
2018 Outlook
With new general manager A.J. Preller taking the reins, the San Diego Padres made an aggressive push toward contention this past offseason, with a number of big trades for established veteran pieces and the team-record free-agent signing of James Shields.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like those wheelings and dealings will result in a trip to the postseason in 2015, and they cost the team a good deal of their high-end young prospect talent in the process.
San Diego does still have some good young talent, led by Hunter Renfroe, Colin Rea and Travis Jankowski, but the long-term outlook is not what it would have been a year ago. The big decision from a re-signing standpoint will be whether to deal Tyson Ross or make him a long-term piece alongside Shields in the rotation.
28. Chicago White Sox
3 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Adam Eaton
2. SS Tim Anderson
3. DH Jose Abreu
4. RF Avisail Garcia
5. 1B Trey Michalczewski
6. LF Courtney Hawkins
7. 3B Tyler Saladino
8. C Tyler Flowers
9. 2B Micah Johnson
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Chris Sale
SP Carlos Rodon
SP Spencer Adams
SP Jose Quintana
SP Francellis Montas
CL David Robertson
2018 Outlook
While their offense could have some question marks, the Chicago White Sox might boast one of the best young rotations in baseball when 2018 rolls around.
Chris Sale will still be a stud, Carlos Rodon is capable of a huge step forward with improved command and Jose Quintana remains as underrated as any pitcher in the league. Add highly regarded prospects Spencer Adams and Francellis Montas to the mix, and there's plenty of reason for excitement on the mound.
In the lineup, fringe prospects such as Tyler Saladino, Courtney Hawkins and Trey Michalczewski will need to play above their current projections. Micah Johnson and Tim Anderson have a chance to be a dynamic offensive double-play combination, but they could also be the worst defensive tandem in baseball if they don't both improve dramatically with the glove.
Another busy offseason like the team saw this past winter would certainly change the overall outlook, but at this point, there are too many questions in the lineup for an optimistic projection.
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27. Toronto Blue Jays
4 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Dalton Pompey
2. 3B Josh Donaldson
3. SS Troy Tulowitzki
4. RF Jose Bautista
5. 1B Edwin Encarnacion
6. C Russell Martin
7. DH Rowdy Tellez
8. 2B Devon Travis
9. LF Kevin Pillar
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Marcus Stroman
SP Aaron Sanchez
SP Drew Hutchison
SP Scott Copeland
SP Conner Greene
CL Roberto Osuna
2018 Outlook
The above lineup assumes the Toronto Blue Jays opt to re-sign both Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, who are free agents after the 2016 season. It's probably safe to assume they'll do whatever they can to keep Bautista as the face of the franchise, while letting Encarnacion walk really wouldn't be a devastating blow to the team's big-picture outlook.
Regardless, the trio of Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki and Russell Martin gives the team a good veteran core to build around.
It remains to be seen if Toronto has a chance of re-signing David Price at the end of the season, but Marcus Stroman flashed future ace potential last year before a torn ACL ended his 2015 season before it started.
The Blue Jays clearly went all-in, and trading Daniel Norris and Jeff Hoffman is a blow to the future outlook of their rotation, which profiles as a major weakness here.
26. Detroit Tigers
5 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Anthony Gose
2. 2B Ian Kinsler
3. 1B Miguel Cabrera
4. RF J.D. Martinez
5. DH Victor Martinez
6. LF Steven Moya
7. C James McCann
8. 3B Nick Castellanos
9. SS Jose Iglesias
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Justin Verlander
SP Anibal Sanchez
SP Daniel Norris
SP Buck Farmer
SP Michael Fulmer
CL Bruce Rondon
2018 Outlook
The Detroit Tigers did well to acquire Daniel Norris and Michael Fulmer in the trades that sent out David Price and Yoenis Cespedes at the trade deadline, as they figure to be significant pieces of the rotation moving forward.
When 2018 rolls around, the team will be paying Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera a combined $58 million, and they will also have decisions to make on options for Ian Kinsler ($10 million) and Anibal Sanchez ($16 million).
An extension for J.D. Martinez also figures to be on the to-do list, as he's emerged as one of the best sluggers in baseball and is set to hit free agency after the 2017 season.
Progression from the young pitchers and the long-term health and performance of both Verlander and Cabrera will both be huge X-factors, and they're big enough question marks to knock the Tigers down these rankings.
25. Colorado Rockies
6 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. RF Charlie Blackmon
2. SS Trevor Story
3. 3B Nolan Arenado
4. LF Corey Dickerson
5. 1B Ben Paulsen
6. CF David Dahl
7. C Tom Murphy
8. 2B DJ LeMahieu
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Jon Gray
SP Jeff Hoffman
SP Kyle Freeland
SP Eddie Butler
SP Miguel Castro
CL Sam Moll
2018 Outlook
With Carlos Gonzalez reaching free agency following the 2017 season and the recently acquired Jose Reyes carrying a $22 million option with a $4 million buyout for 2018, the Colorado Rockies could be without a massive contract on the books three years from now.
That's assuming they don't lock up third baseman Nolan Arenado between now and then, as he's a budding superstar on both sides of the ball and the new face of the franchise now that Troy Tulowitzki is gone.
Pitching, as always, will be the question in Colorado, but there is plenty of potential down on the farm with Jon Gray now being joined by Jeff Hoffman and Miguel Castro, both of whom were acquired in the Tulowitzki trade.
Prospects like Ryan McMahon and Forrest Wall probably won't be ready to start 2018, but they should be knocking on the door before the season is over as potential replacements for Ben Paulsen and DJ LeMahieu.
24. Oakland Athletics
7 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Billy Burns
2. LF Brett Lawrie
3. RF Josh Reddick
4. 1B Matt Olson
5. DH Renato Nunez
6. C Stephen Vogt
7. 3B Matt Chapman
8. SS Franklin Barreto
9. 2B Joey Wendle
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Sonny Gray
SP Jesse Hahn
SP Sean Manaea
SP Kendall Graveman
SP Sean Nolin
CL R.J. Alvarez
2018 Outlook
Predicting what a Billy Beane roster will look like three years down the road is an exercise in futility, so take this all with a grain of salt.
For now, the team has a stud atop the rotation in Sonny Gray and some quality prospects capable of making a serious impact in the likes of Matt Olson, Renato Nunez, Matt Chapman, Franklin Barreto and Joey Wendle.
The A's rarely spend big in free agency, but it's not out of the realm of possibility to think they could re-sign Brett Lawrie and Josh Reddick, both of whom will reach free agency prior to the 2018 season.
The rotation is largely unproven behind Gray, though Jesse Hahn and Kendall Graveman have shown flashes this season. Big picture, this projects as an incredibly young and inexperienced roster, but Beane has done more with less.
23. Baltimore Orioles
8 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. 3B Manny Machado
2. SS J.J. Hardy
3. CF Adam Jones
4. RF Chris Davis
5. DH Trey Mancini
6. 1B Christian Walker
7. C Matt Wieters
8. 2B Jonathan Schoop
9. LF Mike Yastrzemski
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Chris Tillman
SP Kevin Gausman
SP Hunter Harvey
SP Dylan Bundy
SP Mike Wright
CL Zach Britton
2018 Outlook
The long-term outlook of the Baltimore Orioles rests heavily on the development and health of a trio of young pitchers in Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey. Chris Tillman will also be a free agent after the 2017 season, so whether the team decides to re-sign him will certainly have an impact on the rotation.
Matt Wieters and Chris Davis could both walk in free agency this coming winter, but without much in the way of impact position-player talent in the minors outside of first basemen Trey Mancini and Christian Walker, re-signing them looks like a real possibility.
Manny Machado and Adam Jones are bona fide superstars, but as a whole, this roster could be lacking in high-end talent three years from now.
22. Kansas City Royals
9 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. LF Alex Gordon
2. 3B Mike Moustakas
3. CF Lorenzo Cain
4. 1B Eric Hosmer
5. RF Bubba Starling
6. C Salvador Perez
7. DH Jorge Bonifacio
8. 2B Christian Colon
9. SS Raul A. Mondesi
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Yordano Ventura
SP Danny Duffy
SP Miguel Almonte
SP Kyle Zimmer
SP Christian Binford
CL Kelvin Herrera
2018 Outlook
The only Kansas City Royals player currently under contract for 2018 is Yordano Ventura, while the club also has options on Salvador Perez and Omar Infante.
That means there will be some big decisions to make about whether to re-sign the likes of Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon and several others in the years to come.
Assuming the Royals opt to go young in the rotation like we have projected above, it's not out of the realm of possibility to think they could re-sign all four guys, though that has not been their approach in recent years.
Yordano Ventura taking the next step forward and emerging as an ace and Kyle Zimmer staying healthy enough to reach his vast potential will both be key.
21. Miami Marlins
10 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. 2B Dee Gordon
2. LF Christian Yelich
3. RF Giancarlo Stanton
4. 1B Justin Bour
5. CF Marcell Ozuna
6. C J.T. Realmuto
7. SS Adeiny Hechavarria
8. 3B Avery Romero
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Jose Fernandez
SP Jarred Cosart
SP Justin Nicolino
SP Jarlin Garcia
SP Adam Conley
CL Carter Capps
2018 Outlook
After locking up outfielders Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich with long-term deals this past offseason, the Miami Marlins also made a play to extend ace Jose Fernandez, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and outfielder Marcell Ozuna, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
The Marlins finally appear committed to spending and building a sustainable winner, and while their aggressive approach this past winter didn't pay off, expect them to continue to be active going forward.
Meanwhile, Miami's farm system is stacked with high-end pitching prospects. Justin Nicolino, Jarlin Garcia and Adam Conley all have a chance of cracking the rotation before 2018 and top overall prospect Tyler Kolek could be on the cusp three years from now.
20. Tampa Bay Rays
11 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Kevin Kiermaier
2. SS Daniel Robertson
3. 1B Casey Gillaspie
4. 3B Evan Longoria
5. RF Steven Souza
6. LF Richie Shaffer
7. DH Mikie Mahtook
8. C Justin O'Conner
9. 2B Ryan Brett
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Chris Archer
SP Jake Odorizzi
SP Drew Smyly
SP Blake Snell
SP Nate Karns
CL Brad Boxberger
2018 Outlook
Believe it or not, the Tampa Bay Rays could actually have some money to work with by the time 2018 arrives. Matt Moore, Alex Cobb, Desmond Jennings and James Loney will all reach free agency between now and then.
The two pitchers can be replaced with in-house candidates, the outfield situation looks to be in good hands without Jennings and both Casey Gillaspie and Richie Shaffer are candidates to replace Loney, so that money can be put to work elsewhere.
On the subject of Gillaspie and Shaffer, Tampa Bay has been in need of an impact run-producer alongside Evan Longoria since the peak days of Carlos Pena, and those two are capable of making a serious impact.
Even without Moore and Cobb, that's a good-looking projected rotation if Drew Smyly can stay healthy and Blake Snell continues his emergence as an impact arm.
19. Los Angeles Angels
12 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. RF Kole Calhoun
2. SS Erick Aybar
3. CF Mike Trout
4. 1B Albert Pujols
5. DH C.J. Cron
6. LF Kyle Kubitza
7. 3B Kaleb Cowart
8. C Taylor Ward
9. 2B Roberto Baldoquin
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Garrett Richards
SP Hector Santiago
SP Sean Newcomb
SP Andrew Heaney
SP Matt Shoemaker
CL Huston Street
2018 Outlook
The Los Angeles Angels farm system has improved over the past few years, but it is still sorely lacking in impact position player talent. That said, the projected lineup features four prospects in catcher Taylor Ward, second baseman Roberto Baldoquin and third basemen Kaleb Cowart and Kyle Kubitza, with the latter shifting to left field.
Don't be surprised if some big free-agent pieces are added in one or two of those spots, as Josh Hamilton, C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver will all be off the books by 2018.
Erick Aybar hits free agency after the 2016 season and left-hander Hector Santiago the following offseason, but both players are probably good candidates to be re-signed. There is no clear replacement for Aybar in the system and Santiago gives the team a veteran to lean on if Wilson and Weaver depart.
It remains to be seen what a 38-year-old Albert Pujols will be bringing to the table, but with the best player in the league in Mike Trout and the makings of a solid rotation, the Angels should still be in the thick of the AL West picture.
18. Cincinnati Reds
13 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Billy Hamilton
2. LF Jesse Winker
3. 1B Joey Votto
4. 3B Todd Frazier
5. C Devin Mesoraco
6. RF Phil Ervin
7. 2B Alex Blandino
8. SS Eugenio Suarez
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Robert Stephenson
SP Homer Bailey
SP Michael Lorenzen
SP Anthony DeSclafani
SP Raisel Iglesias
CL Nick Howard
2018 Outlook
The Cincinnati Reds have traded four-fifths of their starting rotation in the past year, and the result has been a influx of young talent in a farm system that had already benefited greatly from some good drafting over the past few seasons.
Robert Stephenson (2011), Jesse Winker (2012), Phil Ervin (2013), Michael Lorenzen (2013), Nick Howard (2014) and Alex Blandino (2014) are all former first-round picks, and all six guys could figure prominently into the team's success three years from now.
Stephenson stepping into the role of ace will be one of Cincinnati's big X-factors, while the continued development of Billy Hamilton also figures to be significant.
He won't come cheap, but it's fair to assume the Reds will lock up Todd Frazier as opposed to dealing him, as he's quickly become a fan favorite and the face of the franchise.
17. Arizona Diamondbacks
14 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF A.J. Pollock
2. SS Dansby Swanson
3. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
4. RF Yasmany Tomas
5. 3B Jake Lamb
6. LF David Peralta
7. 2B Brandon Drury
8. C Oscar Hernandez
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Archie Bradley
SP Patrick Corbin
SP Braden Shipley
SP Aaron Blair
SP Yoan Lopez
CL Jake Barrett
2018 Outlook
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been better than expected in 2015, with a legitimate chance at finishing with a winning record in what is essentially a rebuilding year. That said, it's fair to assume the best is yet to come for this franchise.
The offensive core of Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Pollock and Yasmany Tomas is a great trio to build around, and it likely won't be long before they're joined by this year's No. 1 overall pick, shortstop Dansby Swanson.
On the pitching side of things, Archie Bradley and Patrick Corbin are capable of shouldering the load if they can prove healthy. Behind them, Arizona's farm system is loaded with potential starters, and the trio of Braden Shipley, Aaron Blair and Yoan Lopez all have at least middle-of-the-order profiles with potential for more.
The youth movement is coming, and it may not be long before the Diamondbacks are once again relevant in the NL West race.
16. Atlanta Braves
15 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. LF Mallex Smith
2. CF Cameron Maybin
3. RF Nick Markakis
4. 1B Freddie Freeman
5. 3B Hector Olivera
6. 2B Jace Peterson
7. SS Andrelton Simmons
8. C Christian Bethancourt
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Shelby Miller
SP Julio Teheran
SP Matt Wisler
SP Mike Foltynewicz
SP Tyrell Jenkins
CL Arodys Vizcaino
2018 Outlook
While some teams cling to the idea of contending too long and drag their feet on rebuilding, the Atlanta Braves took a far more proactive approach starting this past offseason.
Guys like Hector Olivera, Jace Peterson and Mallex Smith have a chance to be key pieces of the offense, but this is still a lineup sorely lacking in power outside of Freddie Freeman. Will the Braves be able to score enough to back what figures to be a plus pitching staff?
Shelby Miller and Julio Teheran should be a terrific duo for the foreseeable future, and there are no shortage of options to follow them in the rotation. Matt Wisler, who Atlanta acquired in the Craig Kimbrel trade, is perhaps the leading candidate.
15. Philadelphia Phillies
16 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Roman Quinn
2. SS J.P. Crawford
3. LF Nick Williams
4. 3B Maikel Franco
5. 1B Jorge Alfaro
6. RF Cody Asche
7. 2B Cesar Hernandez
8. C Andrew Knapp
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Aaron Nola
SP Jake Thompson
SP Zach Eflin
SP Ben Lively
SP Adam Morgan
CL Ken Giles
2018 Outlook
Finally pulling the trigger on a Cole Hamels trade certainly paints a better picture of what the Philadelphia Phillies' roster might look like three years down the line.
Nick Williams and Jorge Alfaro should join shortstop prospect J.P. Crawford and standout rookie Maikel Franco in forming the new offensive core, while right-hander Jake Thompson should team with Aaron Nola atop the rotation.
Zach Eflin (Jimmy Rollins trade) and Ben Lively (Marlon Byrd trade) also look like future rotation pieces. While Philadelphia may not be ready to contend quite yet, this should be an exciting young team to watch in 2018 with plenty of upside.
Payroll flexibility will be big for the Phillies when 2018 rolls around; it's just a matter of spending that money wisely. Unfortunately, that hasn't been a strong suit for the franchise over the years.
14. San Francisco Giants
17 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Daniel Carbonell
2. 2B Joe Panik
3. 1B Buster Posey
4. RF Hunter Pence
5. LF Brandon Belt
6. 3B Matt Duffy
7. SS Brandon Crawford
8. C Andrew Susac
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Tyler Beede
SP Chris Heston
SP Kyle Crick
SP Adalberto Mejia
CL Hunter Strickland
2018 Outlook
The big question for the San Francisco Giants right now is their starting rotation, and the same questions apply to the long-term outlook of the club.
Madison Bumgarner is signed through 2018 with option years beyond that, and Chris Heston has emerged as a solid long-term piece. However, the continued development of Tyler Beede and Kyle Crick will go a long way in determining just how good the pitching staff will be.
Offensively, expect Buster Posey to make the full-time move to first base at some point between now and 2018. That opens up regular at-bats for Andrew Susac behind the plate, and the only real question is who plays center field once Angel Pagan hits free agency.
13. Texas Rangers
18 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. DH Shin-Soo Choo
2. 2B Rougned Odor
3. RF Nomar Mazara
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. 3B Joey Gallo
6. LF Ryan Cordell
7. C Jose Trevino
8. CF Leonys Martin
9. SS Elvis Andrus
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Cole Hamels
SP Yu Darvish
SP Dillon Tate
SP Martin Perez
SP Chi Chi Gonzalez
CL Keone Kela
2018 Outlook
The Texas Rangers gave up a number of impact prospects in the Cole Hamels deal, but they managed to hold on to third baseman Joey Gallo and outfielder Nomar Mazara.
Those two could both be 30-HR, 100-RBI guys down the line, and at the very least, they figure to be leaned on as key run-producers alongside Prince Fielder three years from now.
Yu Darvish reaches free agency following the 2017 season, and re-signing him to join Hamels and 2015 first-round pick Dillon Tate atop the rotation will be a no-brainer if the Rangers are in a position to contend, as it looks like they should be.
Don't sleep on Martin Perez, either, as he was quickly becoming one of the best young pitchers in the game before needing Tommy John surgery. He's still just 24 years old and could be a front-line arm in his own right by 2018.
12. Cleveland Indians
19 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Bradley Zimmer
2. 2B Jason Kipnis
3. LF Michael Brantley
4. 1B Carlos Santana
5. RF Clint Frazier
6. C Yan Gomes
7. SS Francisco Lindor
8. DH Mike Papi
9. 3B Giovanny Urshela
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Corey Kluber
SP Carlos Carrasco
SP Trevor Bauer
SP Rob Kaminsky
SP Danny Salazar
CL Cody Allen
2018 Outlook
What was once regarded as the weakest farm system in baseball suddenly has a bumper crop of high-end position-player talent set to join the Cleveland Indians in the next few years.
Pairing outfielders Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier alongside Michael Brantley should make for one of the best outfield trios in baseball. In addition, shortstop Francisco Lindor has broken through this season and could man the position for the next decade, while first base prospect Bobby Bradley should be close to ready by 2018.
The Indians pitching staff is also in a great position going forward, with their top four starters all under team control and recently acquired Rob Kaminsky capable of emerging as a legitimate No. 3 guy and a much-needed left-hander in the rotation.
It really all goes back to the trio of Lindor, Zimmer and Frazier and just how good they wind up being three years down the road and beyond.
11. Seattle Mariners
20 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. SS Ketel Marte
2. 3B Kyle Seager
3. 2B Robinson Cano
4. RF Nelson Cruz
5. 1B D.J. Peterson
6. CF Alex Jackson
7. LF Tyler O'Neill
8. DH Patrick Kivlehan
9. C Mike Zunino
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Felix Hernandez
SP Taijuan Walker
SP James Paxton
SP Mike Montgomery
SP Roenis Elias
CL Carson Smith
2018 Outlook
The Seattle Mariners will be paying the foursome of Felix Hernandez, Robinson Cano, Kyle Seager and Nelson Cruz a combined $83.607 million in 2018, a significant investment for a team that has seen their overall payroll generally hover in the $85-90 million range.
Luckily, the Mariners have a good deal of young talent both in their farm system and having recently broken into the majors that can fill out their roster around those high-priced veterans.
Ketel Marte, D.J. Peterson, Alex Jackson, Tyler O'Neill and Patrick Kivlehan all have varying levels of offensive potential, but all five are capable of making an impact as everyday players. There is also still plenty of upside in 24-year-old Mike Zunino if he can find a way to make more consistent contact.
Pitching has never really been the big issue in Seattle, and another step forward from Taijuan Walker and a healthy James Paxton would give them a rock-solid staff for 2018.
10. New York Yankees
21 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2. LF Brett Gardner
3. RF Aaron Judge
4. 1B Greg Bird
5. DH Brian McCann
6. C Gary Sanchez
7. 3B Chase Headley
8. 2B Rob Refsnyder
9. SS Didi Gregorius
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Masahiro Tanaka
SP Michael Pineda
SP Luis Severino
SP James Kaprielian
SP Nathan Eovaldi
CL Dellin Betances
2018 Outlook
The New York Yankees have worked hard to rebuild a farm system they spent years gutting on veteran trade acquisitions, and as a result, they have a handful of legitimate impact prospects.
Aaron Judge, Luis Severino and Greg Bird figure to step into prominent roles by the time 2018 rolls around, while third baseman Eric Jagielo is another name to keep an eye on.
The projected rotation is probably not how things will actually shake out, as New York will have a ton of money to work with over the next few years and figures to add an ace-caliber arm to the mix as a result.
A total of $63.125 million comes off the books after 2016 (Teixeira, Sabathia, Beltran) and another $20 million is shed the following winter (A-Rod), so expect some splashy signings.
9. Washington Nationals
22 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. SS Trea Turner
2. LF Michael Taylor
3. 3B Anthony Rendon
4. RF Bryce Harper
5. 1B Ryan Zimmerman
6. CF Andrew Stevenson
7. C Wilson Ramos
8. 2B Wilmer Difo
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Max Scherzer
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Lucas Giolito
SP Joe Ross
SP Gio Gonzalez
CL Drew Storen
2018 Outlook
Chances are the Washington Nationals will need to decide between locking up Jordan Zimmermann or Stephen Strasburg with a long-term deal, but with the emergence of Joe Ross this season and the impending arrival of Lucas Giolito, they should still have a formidable rotation.
The bottom of the projected lineup featured here is questionable, but there's a lot to like about Trea Turner, Michael Taylor, Anthony Rendon and Bryce Harper in the first four spots.
With Jayson Werth and his $21.57 million salary coming off the books after the 2017 season, Washington could make a play to land another outfielder or a second baseman with that money.
However, it will also be time to start talking extension for Bryce Harper, as he hits free agency following the 2018 season. At that point, the Nationals will need all the extra money they can get.
8. Boston Red Sox
23 of 30
Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Mookie Betts
2. 2B Dustin Pedroia
3. SS Xander Bogaerts
4. DH Hanley Ramirez
5. 3B Yoan Moncada
6. 1B Pablo Sandoval
7. RF Rusney Castillo
8. C Blake Swihart
9. LF Manuel Margot
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Eduardo Rodriguez
SP Rick Porcello
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Wade Miley
SP Henry Owens
CL Matt Barnes
2018 Outlook
Finding a way to work Yoan Moncada and Manuel Margot into the lineup by 2018 and third baseman Rafael Devers shortly thereafter are good problems for the Boston Red Sox to have, as those three are among the highest-ceiling prospects in baseball.
Add a pair of budding young stars in Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts and a potential All-Star-caliber catcher in Blake Swihart, and there is a lot to like about the lineup, even with the veteran trio of Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval likely on the downswing.
The pitching side of things is still the question, though a blockbuster trade or big-money signing to land that much-needed ace is certainly not out of the question between now and 2018.
For now, Eduardo Rodriguez looks to have as good a chance as anyone to step into that No. 1 spot, while Henry Owens also has a high ceiling if he can rein in his command.
7. St. Louis Cardinals
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Projected 2018 Lineup
1. 3B Matt Carpenter
2. RF Jason Heyward
3. 2B Kolten Wong
4. 1B Matt Adams
5. CF Randal Grichuk
6. LF Stephen Piscotty
7. C Yadier Molina
8. SS Greg Garcia
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Michael Wacha
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Carlos Martinez
SP Lance Lynn
SP Alex Reyes
CL Trevor Rosenthal
2018 Outlook
With 11 postseason appearances in the past 15 years, the St. Louis Cardinals know a thing or two about sustained success, so expect them to still be right in the thick of things in 2018.
Franchise staple Matt Holliday will reach free agency after the 2017 season, and Yadier Molina will be in the final year of his contract, a $15 million option, in 2018. The offense is in good hands, though, with the future looking bright for the trio of Kolten Wong, Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty.
The pitching staff is also in good hands with Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez emerging as front-line arms and Lance Lynn a likely candidate to be re-signed. Adam Wainwright should still have something in the tank by 2018, while top prospect Alex Reyes could be just scratching the surface of his potential.
Shortstop is the one big question mark, as Jhonny Peralta will reach free agency as a 36-year-old in 2018. Greg Garcia is better suited as a utility guy, so expect the team to go get someone to step in there.
6. New York Mets
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Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Juan Lagares
2. RF Brandon Nimmo
3. 3B David Wright
4. 1B Lucas Duda
5. LF Michael Conforto
6. C Travis d'Arnaud
7. SS Wilmer Flores
8. 2B Dilson Herrera
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Noah Syndergaard
SP Matt Harvey
SP Jacob deGrom
SP Zack Wheeler
SP Steven Matz
CL Jeurys Familia
2018 Outlook
Pitching will be the New York Mets' calling card for the foreseeable future. While Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom are excelling right now, all signs point to Noah Syndergaard being the best of the bunch in the not-too-distant future.
The big question facing them in 2018 is the same one facing them here today: Will they have enough offensive firepower to be legitimate title contenders?
Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto and Travis d'Arnaud are all capable of being plus options with the bat, but none profile as superstar-caliber talents. Extending Lucas Duda looks like a must, as he's the only serious power threat.
The Mets have enough pieces in the organization and funds at their disposal to add a veteran bat or two to the mix. At this point, it looks like they'll need to do just that.
5. Minnesota Twins
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Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF Byron Buxton
2. 2B Brian Dozier
3. 1B Joe Mauer
4. 3B Miguel Sano
5. DH Kennys Vargas
6. LF Eddie Rosario
7. RF Max Kepler
8. C Josmil Pinto
9. SS Jorge Polanco
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Ervin Santana
SP Phil Hughes
SP Jose Berrios
SP Tyler Jay
SP Alex Meyer
CL Glen Perkins
2018 Outlook
The Minnesota Twins have long been touted as having some of the best prospects in baseball, and they are finally starting to see the fruits of that prospect pool pay dividends in 2015.
Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario have broken through to reach the majors, while Jose Berrios and Max Kepler might not be far behind.
Berrios and 2015 first-round pick Tyler Jay have a chance to be a big part of the rotation picture by 2018, and fellow pitching prospect Kohl Stewart may not be far behind if he continues his current trajectory.
The biggest thing to watch with the Twins will be whether Buxton and Sano are able to reach their full potential. It will be the difference between having two capable everyday players or two of the best players in baseball.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
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Projected 2018 Lineup
2. 3B Josh Harrison
3. CF Andrew McCutchen
4. SS Jung-ho Kang
5. 1B Josh Bell
6. RF Gregory Polanco
7. C Reese McGuire
8. 2B Alen Hanson
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Gerrit Cole
SP Tyler Glasnow
SP Jameson Taillon
SP Nick Kingham
SP Jeff Locke
CL Mark Melancon
2018 Outlook
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a good mix of young talent and established veterans at the big league level right now, and that should continue three years from now with Gerrit Cole, Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte stepping into the role of savvy vets.
Catcher Reese McGuire, first baseman Josh Bell and shortstop Alen Hanson are all among the top-rated prospects at their respective positions, while right-hander Tyler Glasnow has as much potential as any pitching prospect in the game.
Letting Neil Walker leave in free agency will be tough, but with Jung-ho Kang proving himself capable of being an everyday guy and Josh Harrison signed long-term, it makes sense from a personnel standpoint.
3. Houston Astros
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Projected 2018 Lineup
1. CF George Springer
2. 2B Jose Altuve
3. SS Carlos Correa
4. 1B A.J. Reed
5. DH Evan Gattis
6. RF Preston Tucker
7. 3B Colin Moran
8. C Jason Castro
9. LF Alex Bregman
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Lance McCullers
SP Mark Appel
SP Collin McHugh
SP Vincent Velasquez
CL Riley Ferrell
2018 Outlook
The Houston Astros have broken through ahead of schedule this season thanks to the unexpected contributions from prospects like Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers and Preston Tucker.
That's only the tip of the young talent iceberg, too, as prospects A.J. Reed, Mark Appel, Colin Moran and 2015 first-round pick Alex Bregman are all capable of being impact everyday players by 2018.
Ace Dallas Keuchel should age well as a soft-throwing ground-ball pitcher, but the progression of McCullers and Appel alongside him at the top of the rotation will be key.
Keeping George Springer healthy is also a must, as he has the tools to be a legitimate superstar in the league and the leader of this team.
2. Chicago Cubs
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Projected 2018 Lineup
1. SS Addison Russell
2. RF Jorge Soler
3. 1B Anthony Rizzo
4. LF Kris Bryant
5. C Kyle Schwarber
6. 3B Javier Baez
7. 2B Starlin Castro
8. CF Albert Almora
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Jon Lester
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Kyle Hendricks
SP Duane Underwood
SP Carl Edwards Jr.
CL Corey Black
2018 Outlook
Let's just lay out the facts.
Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell and Jorge Soler all have a legitimate chance to be among the five best players at their respective positions by 2018. Whether that's how things actually play out remains to be seen, but projections are about potential, and their potential is undeniable. That makes for a potentially lethal projected lineup.
On the mound, Jon Lester and likely extension candidate Jake Arrieta are a rock solid one-two punch, and while Lester will be 34 years old in 2018, he should still be more than capable of shouldering the role of staff ace.
Kyle Hendricks is also a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm with some upside left, meaning the big question is whether guys like Duane Underwood, Carl Edwards Jr., Pierce Johnson and others can emerge to round out the rotation. That said, don't be surprised if the Cubs make another Lester-type signing in the near future, as they still have money to spend.
This franchise has not won in a very, very long time, but they have also not had this level of talent on the roster since at least the 1960s. There's a boatload of history working against them, but the future is undeniably bright, even for the most pessimistic North Side fan.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
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Projected 2018 Lineup
1. 2B Jose Peraza
2. CF Joc Pederson
3. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
4. RF Yasiel Puig
5. SS Corey Seager
6. C Yasmani Grandal
7. 3B Justin Turner
8. LF Scott Schebler
9. Pitcher
Projected 2018 Rotation
SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Zack Greinke
SP Julio Urias
SP Alex Wood
SP Hyun-Jin Ryu
CL Kenley Jansen
2018 Outlook
Not that it matters for a team with seemingly infinite money, but the Los Angeles Dodgers will finally be out from under the contracts of Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier when 2018 rolls around, freeing up nearly $40 million.
The highly touted prospect trio of Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Julio Urias figures to be front-and-center three years from now, while recently acquired young players such as Jose Peraza and Yasmani Grandal will also be key pieces alongside the tandem of Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig.
On the pitching side of things, the team will need to re-sign Zack Greinke this coming offseason, as he will likely exercise the opt-out clause in his contract in search of more money and years.
Guys like Alex Wood, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brandon McCarthy, Jose De Leon, Grant Holmes and Chris Anderson are all options to fill out the staff behind their top three arms, but don't be surprised if another high-priced veteran is added to the mix as well.
It's almost unfair to have the combination of talent and payroll flexibility the Dodgers do, but to this point, it hasn't resulted in a title. I wouldn't bet against that trend continuing for the next three years.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference unless otherwise noted. Payroll information comes courtesy of Roster Resource.
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