Predicting Every MLB Team's 2027 Opening Day Lineup
The 2026 MLB season has arrived at its stretch run. While contenders are gearing up for the postseason, a long list of also-rans have already shifted their focus to the 2027 season.
The lingering question is what the offseason will look like amid an expiring CBA and an expected lockout, but for the sake of this exercise, we're operating as if baseball will be on time and on schedule in 2027.
It's time for way-too-early predictions for every team's Opening Day starting lineup.
In order to accurately reflect the 2027 landscape, 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.
We used veterans under contract, established young talent, and up-and-coming prospects, along with recent lineup construction and projected future performance, to craft each team's potential 2027 go-to lineup.
Note: Names in bold indicate a projected free-agent signing.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Geraldo Perdomo
RF Corbin Carroll
C Gabriel Moreno
1B Ketel Marte
DH Lars Nootbaar
3B Nolan Arenado
CF Jordan Lawlar
LF Ryan Waldschmidt
2B Demetrio Crisantes (R)
Quick Thoughts: Top prospect Demetrio Crisantes is knocking on the door after reaching Triple-A in July. With incumbent second baseman Ketel Marte signed through 2030, a defensive shift is likely coming at some point. The alternative to shifting Marte to first base would be to make him the full-time DH, but that creates a logjam in the outfield. Ryan Waldschmidt and Jordan Lawlar would then compete for one spot. They would still need to sign a first baseman.
Athletics
2 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Henry Bolte
1B Nick Kurtz
C Shea Langeliers
DH Brent Rooker
LF Tyler Soderstrom
SS Jacob Wilson
RF Lawrence Butler
2B Zack Gelof
3B Edmundo Sosa
Quick Thoughts: A bounce-back season from Zack Gelof should lock him into a starting spot at second base or third base. Whichever position he doesn't fill will be the storyline heading into spring training. Top prospect Leo De Vries had a shot at winning an Opening Day roster spot before undergoing shoulder surgery that will sideline him into next year, leaving someone like Edmundo Sosa or Amed Rosario as a logical low-cost target to bolster the infield.
Atlanta Braves
3 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Drake Baldwin
RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
1B Matt Olson
CF Michael Harris II
3B Austin Riley
SS J.P. Crawford
2B Ozzie Albies
C Sean Murphy
LF Mike Yastrzemski
Quick Thoughts: The Braves have patched together the shortstop position with a combination of Mauricio Dubón, Ha-Seong Kim and Jim Jarvis. With both Dubón and Kim headed to free agency, that won't be a viable option in 2027. There is always the possibility of a splash to acquire someone like Zach Neto, but a reasonable free-agent deal for J.P. Crawford feels much more on brand.
Baltimore Orioles
4 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Jackson Holliday
1B Pete Alonso
SS Gunnar Henderson
C Samuel Basallo
DH Coby Mayo
3B Jordan Westburg
RF Tyler O'Neill
LF Dylan Beavers
CF Colton Cowser
Quick Thoughts: Has Christian Encarnacion-Strand won a spot somewhere? The third base job likely goes right back to Jordan Westburg once he's healthy. He's not going to push Pete Alonso or Coby Mayo to the bench. That said, he can still carve out a semi-regular role as a 1B/3B/DH option, similar to the 1B/RF/DH flexibility that Ryan O'Hearn provided.
Boston Red Sox
5 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Roman Anthony
CF Ceddanne Rafaela
RF Wilyer Abreu
1B Willson Contreras
C Adley Rutschman
3B Caleb Durbin
LF Jarren Duran
SS Trevor Story
2B Franklin Arias (R)
Quick Thoughts: After hitting .321/.399/.558 with 27 doubles, 23 home runs and 81 RBI in 108 games between Double-A and Triple-A, Franklin Arias should get a long look for an Opening Day roster spot. Unless the front office decides to outright release Trevor Story and cut their losses, expect him to ease into the big leagues at second base before ultimately serving as Story's replacement.
Chicago Cubs
6 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
3B Alex Bregman
1B Michael Busch
RF Seiya Suzuki
2B Nico Hoerner
DH Pedro Ramírez
LF Matt Shaw
C Carson Kelly
SS Dansby Swanson
Quick Thoughts: The Cubs have some decisions to make with Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ both ticketed for free agency, along with catcher Carson Kelly's mutual option. The safe bet right now is that they will retain one, but not both, of those outfielders, while also working out a new two-year pact to keep Kelly around.
Chicago White Sox
7 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Sam Antonacci
1B Munetaka Murakami
3B Miguel Vargas
DH Andrew Benintendi
SS Colson Montgomery
RF Braden Montgomery
CF Tristan Peters
C Kyle Teel
2B Chase Meidroth
Quick Thoughts: With Tristan Peters (438 PA, 126 OPS+, 4.3 WAR) and Sam Antonacci (497 PA, 113 OPS+, 2.0 WAR) shoring up a pair of glaring holes in the outfield this season, the focal point for the White Sox is likely going to be the pitching staff. In theory, they could target a second baseman and use Chase Meidroth in a utility role, but that won't be a top priority.
Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Héctor Rodríguez
SS Elly De La Cruz
1B Sal Stewart
LF JJ Bleday
DH Spencer Steer
2B Matt McLain
CF Dane Myers
C Jose Trevino
3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
Quick Thoughts: Has Héctor Rodríguez done enough to secure his spot in the 2027 outfield? The 22-year-old is hitting .266/.324/.457 for a 114 OPS+ with five home runs and 12 RBI in 102 plate appearances since making his MLB debut on Aug. 4. He has settled in as the primary leadoff hitter. Expect another series of low-cost fliers similar to the JJ Bleday and Dane Myers pickups to provide some depth, but there's probably not a splashy outfield signing on the horizon.
Cleveland Guardians
9 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Steven Kwan
RF Chase DeLauter
3B José Ramírez
LF Joe Adell
1B Ralphy Velazquez (R)
DH Travis Bazzana
2B Angel Genao
C Patrick Bailey
SS Brayan Rocchio
Quick Thoughts: The Guardians have multiple areas they could look to upgrade, but history tells us they're not going to spend in free agency. A year removed from a 27-homer season, Kyle Manzardo has been relegated to Triple-A in favor of veteran Nathaniel Lowe. With Lowe departing in free agency, top prospect Ralphy Velazquez has a clear path next spring.
Colorado Rockies
10 of 30
Projected Lineup
LF Jake McCarthy
CF Cole Carrigg
C Hunter Goodman
1B TJ Rumfield
RF Mickey Moniak
DH Charlie Condon (R)
3B Kyle Karros
2B Willi Castro
SS Ezequiel Tovar
Quick Thoughts: The Rockies did some great work on the margins last offseason, buying low on Jake McCarthy, acquiring TJ Rumfield in an under-the-radar deal in January and signing versatile veteran Willi Castro to a modest two-year deal. All three have produced. That leaves the Rockies with far fewer lineup question marks than they've had in years.
Detroit Tigers
11 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Kevin McGonigle
2B Gleyber Torres
RF Kerry Carpenter
LF Riley Greene
C Dillon Dingler
1B Spencer Torkelson
DH Colt Keith
3B Alec Bohm
CF Max Clark
Quick Thoughts: The versatility of Kevin McGonigle means they could put him at the hot corner and continue to give regular playing time to an underperforming Javier Báez, but why? Alec Bohm is not going to break the bank. He offers some upside as a change-of-scenery player in his prime. Another Gleyber Torres reunion would solidify the infield and allow Zach McKinstry and Hao-Yu Lee to stay in utility roles.
Houston Astros
12 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Jeremy Peña
LF Yordan Alvarez
DH Isaac Paredes
2B Jose Altuve
3B Carlos Correa
1B Christian Walker
CF Luis Robert Jr.
C Yainer Diaz
RF Cam Smith
Quick Thoughts: The infield logjam discussed last offseason still exists in Houston; it just hasn't been an issue because of all the time Carlos Correa has missed. Even though it says "LF" next to his name, Yordan Alvarez will still see the bulk of his work as the primary DH. This is just the logical alignment when everyone is healthy. A reunion with Daulton Varsho or a flier on someone like Luis Robert Jr. looks like a must to shore up center field.
Kansas City Royals
13 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Maikel Garcia
SS Bobby Witt Jr.
RF Jac Caglianone
DH Salvador Perez
C Carter Jensen
1B Vinnie Pasquantino
LF Taylor Ward
2B Michael Massey
CF Kyle Isbel
Quick Thoughts: The cast-a-wide-net approach of adding Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas and Starling Marte last offseason has resulted in a lackluster .233/.325/.344 line from Royals left fielders in 2026. Collins is the only one returning, as he would fit nicely in a fourth outfielder role if they wanted to aim a bit higher with someone like Taylor Ward this time around. He would also give a lefty-heavy lineup another right-handed bat.
Los Angeles Angels
14 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Zach Neto
CF Mike Trout
1B Nolan Schanuel
3B Vaughn Grissom
LF Wade Meckler
RF Josh Lowe
C Tyler Stephenson
DH Moisés Ballesteros
2B Christian Moore
Quick Thoughts: Vaughn Grissom (401 PA, 10 HR, 60 RBI) and Wade Meckler (273 PA, 119 OPS+) have done enough this season to secure a role for next year. Grissom gives them some flexibility with 20-plus starts at first base, second base and third base. Unless they trust bat-first Moisés Ballesteros to handle the bulk of catching duties, an outside addition is likely.
Los Angeles Dodgers
15 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Shohei Ohtani
CF Andy Pages
1B Freddie Freeman
C Will Smith
3B Max Muncy
SS Mookie Betts
RF Kyle Tucker
LF Teoscar Hernández
2B Tommy Edman
Quick Thoughts: The Dodgers' projected lineup is made up of eight players who are under contract for a combined $215.9 million luxury tax hit next season, plus Andy Pages, who will be arbitration-eligible for the first time and has firmly secured his place in the long-term picture. In other words, barring injury or an unexpected trade, this will be the Dodgers lineup in 2027.
Miami Marlins
16 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Xavier Edwards
LF Heriberto Hernández
SS Otto Lopez
1B Griffin Conine
DH Kyle Stowers
CF Jakob Marsee
RF Owen Caissie
3B Javier Sanoja
C Joe Mack
Quick Thoughts: The Marlins could build around Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards going forward, or they could shop them this offseason after some rumblings at the deadline. For now, let's assume they are staying put. There are some intriguing young bats around them. Griffin Conine (262 PA, 134 OPS+, 15 HR) has legitimate breakout potential if he can stay on the field for a full season.
Milwaukee Brewers
17 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Brice Turang
DH Christian Yelich
LF Jackson Chourio
C William Contreras
CF Garrett Mitchell
1B Andrew Vaughn
RF Sal Frelick
SS Cooper Pratt
3B Jesús Made (R)
Quick Thoughts: Expect Luis Lara to have a role in the Milwaukee outfield, whether it's as a platoon partner for Sal Frelick in right field or filling in for an injury, but his long-term extension secures his roster status. Speaking of long-term extensions, don't be surprised if Jesús Made becomes the latest top prospect to be inked to a pre-debut extension before claiming the third base job next spring.
Minnesota Twins
18 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Luke Keaschall
3B Brooks Lee
DH Byron Buxton
C Ryan Jeffers
2B Kody Clemens
1B Royce Lewis
LF Trevor Larnach
SS Kaelen Culpepper
CF Walker Jenkins
Quick Thoughts: The Twins are letting the kids play down the stretch, with shortstop Kaelen Culpepper and center fielder Walker Jenkins both getting an extended look. They should have every opportunity to be part of the Opening Day roster now. A reunion with Ryan Jeffers is a real possibility on a short-term deal to bridge the gap to prized 2026 draft pick Vahn Lackey.
New York Mets
19 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Francisco Lindor
LF Juan Soto
3B Bo Bichette
1B Jake Bauers
DH Mark Vientos
RF Carson Benge
CF A.J. Ewing
2B Marcus Semien
C Francisco Alvarez
Quick Thoughts: At this point, Bo Bichette is probably best served opting into the final two years and $84 million of his contract, so pencil him in at third base for another year until he decides otherwise. Jake Bauers (145 OPS+, 24 HR, 78 RBI) is enjoying a career year for the Brewers, but they're probably not going to pay him for it. The Mets could be a great fit with a hole at first base.
New York Yankees
20 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Ben Rice
LF Cody Bellinger
RF Aaron Judge
1B Luis García Jr.
CF Spencer Jones
3B Ryan McMahon
2B José Caballero
SS George Lombard Jr.
C Austin Wells
Quick Thoughts: Is Anthony Volpe just a utility infielder now? Don't be surprised if the Yankees try to find a taker on the trade market in a thin free agency class for shortstops. The other big question is what, if anything, can be expected of Giancarlo Stanton? For now, it makes sense to construct a lineup around his likely absence. That could make another one-year deal with Paul Goldschmidt attractive.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Kyle Schwarber
SS Trea Turner
1B Bryce Harper
LF Randy Arozarena
RF Brandon Marsh
C J.T. Realmuto
2B Bryson Stott
3B Mauricio Dubón
CF Justin Crawford
Quick Thoughts: The Phillies are again in the market for a right-handed outfield bat. Randy Arozarena would slot perfectly into the middle of their lineup. If Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa both walk, they will also need to address third base and the utility role. Adding Mauricio Dubón to serve as the primary third baseman and Eugenio Suárez to spell him for a few starts per week when he plays elsewhere could be the dual-pronged solution.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Projected Lineup
SS Konnor Griffin
2B Brandon Lowe
LF Bryan Reynolds
RF Esmerlyn Valdez
DH Ryan O'Hearn
3B Nick Gonzales
CF Oneil Cruz
1B Spencer Horwitz
C Rafael Flores
Quick Thoughts: The Pirates' trade to acquire Brandon Lowe (116 OPS+, 29 HR, 83 RBI) has been one of the best moves of the offseason. Given what is often a stagnant market for veteran second basemen, a quick reunion could make sense for both sides. Youngsters Konnor Griffin and Esmerlyn Valdez then become the X-factors for the 2027 offense. A veteran catcher like Jonah Heim would make sense to serve as a platoon option and fallback plan to Rafael Flores.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Projected Lineup
RF Fernando Tatis Jr.
2B Jake Cronenworth
3B Manny Machado
CF Jackson Merrill
SS Xander Bogaerts
LF Ian Happ
1B Gavin Sheets
DH Luis Campusano
C Ethan Salas (R)
Quick Thoughts: With Ramón Laureano sidelined since May with a torn labrum in his hip, the Padres have used nine different starting left fielders this year. Will that be reason enough for them to prioritize stability at the position? If so, veteran Ian Happ is a Gold Glove defender with 20-homer pop who could be a great fit.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B Luis Arraez
DH Bryce Eldridge
3B Matt Chapman
1B Rafael Devers
RF Jung Hoo Lee
LF Casey Schmitt
SS Willy Adames
CF Daulton Varsho
C Daniel Susac
Quick Thoughts: Luis Arraez proved to be a great fit for the Giants after signing a one-year, $12 million deal last offseason, providing his usual elite bat-to-ball skills while also proving he can play a solid second base. Why not pursue a reunion? Meanwhile, Daulton Varsho could be the center fielder they were hoping Harrison Bader would be before his tenure went sideways almost immediately.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Projected Lineup
3B Brendan Donovan
RF Dominic Canzone
CF Julio Rodríguez
C Cal Raleigh
1B Josh Naylor
DH Lazaro Montes
LF Trent Grisham
2B Cole Young
SS Colt Emerson
Quick Thoughts: The Mariners will likely let J.P. Crawford walk to hand shortstop duties over to Colt Emerson, despite a lackluster showing in his first big-league run. That gives them some financial room to make a play for an outfield upgrade, and assuming they let Taylor Ward walk, Trent Grisham could slot nicely into left field while also serving as an insurance policy in center if Julio Rodríguez misses time.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Projected Lineup
2B JJ Wetherholt
DH Iván Herrera
1B Alec Burleson
RF Jordan Walker
LF Joshua Baez
C Leo Bernal
3B Thomas Saggese
SS Masyn Winn
CF Nathan Church
Quick Thoughts: The youth movement is on in St. Louis, with JJ Wetherholt, Joshua Baez, Leo Bernal and Thomas Saggese all making a case to factor significantly into the 2027 plans. On the flip side, Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II might need a change of scenery at this point. If there's one area to potentially upgrade, it's center field, where Nathan Church might fit best as a fourth outfielder, and a veteran like Tyrone Taylor would at least give him a platoon partner.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Yandy Díaz
1B Jonathan Aranda
3B Junior Caminero
C Liam Hicks
LF Chandler Simpson
RF Adolis García
2B Richie Palacios
CF Jonny Deluca
SS Taylor Walls
Quick Thoughts: The Rays could use some combination of Victor Mesa Jr., Jonny DeLuca and Ryan Vilade to fill out the outfield alongside speedster Chandler Simpson in left field, but an outside addition similar to last winter's Cedric Mullins signing also makes sense. A buy-low flier on Adolis García would be a similar upside play.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH Joc Pederson
SS Corey Seager
LF Wyatt Langford
RF Brandon Nimmo
3B Ezequiel Duran
2B Jazz Chisholm Jr.
1B Jake Burger
CF Evan Carter
C Danny Jansen
Quick Thoughts: Veteran Joc Pederson looks like the rare candidate to actually have both ends of a mutual option exercised, and at the very least, a reunion with the Rangers makes sense. Finding a clean landing spot for Jazz Chisholm Jr. is not easy, but he would give the Rangers the boost in athleticism and left-handed pop they are lacking, albeit at a premium price.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Projected Lineup
CF Brett Bateman
RF Nathan Lukes
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
C Alejandro Kirk
3B Kazuma Okamoto
LF Jesús Sánchez
DH Sean Keys (R)
2B Ernie Clement
SS Andrés Giménez
Quick Thoughts: If the Blue Jays make a splash, it is likely going to be to find a frontline arm to pair with Dylan Cease and newcomer José Soriano atop the rotation. Keeping the DH spot open with the departure of George Springer creates a path for Anthony Santander if he's finally healthy, but also keeps the door open for an MLB-ready young player like Sean Keys to make his case.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Projected Lineup
DH James Wood
SS CJ Abrams
RF Dylan Crews
LF Daylen Lile
1B Ty France
3B Brady House
C Keibert Ruiz
CF Jacob Young
2B Nasim Nuñez
Quick Thoughts: The Nationals rank second in the majors in home runs (197) and runs scored (754), so there's no need for sweeping changes offensively, but they could look for a bit more stability at first base. Ty France has put together a quietly awesome season for the Padres after signing a minor league deal last offseason, posting a 141 OPS+ with 20 home runs, 62 RBI and 4.1 WAR in 119 games.
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