Projecting Every MLB Team's Starting Lineup 1 Week from Spring Training
With pitchers and catchers due to report Feb. 13, a gaggle of MLB free agents remain unsigned, including most of the top targets.
That means some projected starting lineups will have to be adjusted in the coming days and weeks.
Still, based on current roster constructions, let's take a gander at all 30 teams and what their Opening Day lineups might look like.
In many cases, it's simply a best guess that's sure to change based on new additions and spring performances. But this provides a sense of where clubs stand on the precipice of the 2018 season.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
| LF David Peralta |
| CF A.J. Pollock |
| 1B Paul Goldschmidt |
| 3B Jake Lamb |
| LF Yasmany Tomas |
| 2B Brandon Drury |
| SS Ketel Marte |
| C Alex Avila |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The Arizona Diamondbacks will miss the thump of J.D. Martinez, assuming they don't re-sign the still-dangling free-agent left fielder.
Martinez chipped in 29 home runs and a 1.107 OPS in 62 games with Arizona after coming over from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, but the D-backs won't be sunk without him.
They've still got first baseman and MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt to anchor the middle of the order and can hope for a comeback from Yasmany Tomas, who missed most of 2017 to injury but clubbed 31 home runs in 2016.
The Diamondbacks finished fourth in the NL in runs scored and OPS last season en route to a wild-card berth, and they have enough power and balance up and down the lineup to repeat the feat.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
| CF Ender Inciarte |
| 2B Ozzie Albies |
| 1B Freddie Freeman |
| C Tyler Flowers |
| RF Nick Markakis |
| LF Lane Adams |
| 3B Johan Camargo |
| SS Dansby Swanson |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The Atlanta Braves have speed atop the lineup with Ender Inciarte and Ozzie Albies. They need first baseman Freddie Freeman to return strong from the fractured wrist that hampered his otherwise stellar 2017.
Perhaps even more essentially, they need shortstop and 2015 No. 1 overall pick Dansby Swanson to improve upon last season's ho-hum .232/.312/.324 slash line.
The Braves are flush with young talent on the big league roster and have more marinating in the minors despite the international signing scandal that cost them 13 prospects and got former general manager John Coppolella banned for life from MLB. That said, they're probably a year or two away from being a serious factor in the National League East.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
| 3B Tim Beckham |
| 2B Jonathan Schoop |
| SS Manny Machado |
| CF Adam Jones |
| 1B Chris Davis |
| DH Mark Trumbo |
| LF Trey Mancini |
| C Caleb Joseph |
| RF Joey Rickard |
Overview
The Baltimore Orioles have pop—without question. They also have Manny Machado, who is moving from third base to shortstop in his final year before an almost-certain foray into free agency.
They'll need more from first baseman Chris Davis, who hit .215 with a .732 OPS and still has five years remaining on the seven-year, $161 million deal he signed in January 2016. The same goes for Mark Trumbo, who hit 47 homers in 2016 but slashed a meager .234/.289/.397 last season.
The O's could get a boost from a couple of youngsters, with Chance Sisco and Austin Hays looking to take over at catcher and in right field, respectively.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
| RF Mookie Betts |
| LF Andrew Benintendi |
| SS Xander Bogaerts |
| DH Hanley Ramirez |
| 3B Rafael Devers |
| 1B Mitch Moreland |
| CF Jackie Bradley Jr. |
| C Christian Vazquez |
| 2B Marco Hernandez |
Overview
The Boston Red Sox are surely going to add a big bat after finishing last in the American League in home runs a season ago.
There have been persistent rumors around J.D. Martinez, who could supplant the fading Hanley Ramirez at designated hitter.
Boston could be without the services of veteran second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who is recovering from hand surgery.
The Sox boast a solid offensive core, however, centered on right fielder Mookie Betts, left fielder Andrew Benintendi and third baseman Rafael Devers. The addition of at least one top-tier power hitter could make this a dangerous offense.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
| 2B Ben Zobrist |
| 3B Kris Bryant |
| 1B Anthony Rizzo |
| C Willson Contreras |
| LF Kyle Schwarber |
| RF Jason Heyward |
| SS Addison Russell |
| CF Albert Almora Jr. |
| Pitcher |
Overview
Chicago Cubs skipper Joe Maddon loves to mix and match, and he'll do exactly that in 2018 even if the Cubbies don't add another player.
Javier Baez, obviously, will see extensive time in the infield, and Ian Happ will get regular reps in the outfield. What you see above is a rough guess of a possible Opening Day permutation, but look for Chicago's lineup card to change early and often.
Despite question marks in the starting rotation, Chicago remains a legitimate World Series contender because of its depth and versatility. Having Kris Bryant and Antony Rizzo in the middle of the order doesn't hurt, either.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
| SS Tim Anderson |
| 2B Yoan Moncada |
| 1B Jose Abreu |
| RF Avisail Garcia |
| C Welington Castillo |
| LF Nicky Delmonico |
| 3B Yolmer Sanchez |
| DH Matt Davidson |
| CF Adam Engel |
Overview
The Chicago White Sox added a nice piece when they picked up catcher Welington Castillo on a two-year, $15 million pact, and they might not be done augmenting the big league roster.
Mostly, however, Chicago will rely on the emergence of its pipeline of young players, including those ready for the big leagues and those waiting eagerly in the minors. In particular, the South Siders are hoping this is the year touted 22-year-old Yoan Moncada explodes.
Trade talk could again arise around Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia at the 2018 deadline, but for now they're foundational building blocks of an emerging White Sox offense.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
| CF Billy Hamilton |
| 3B Eugenio Suarez |
| 1B Joey Votto |
| LF Adam Duvall |
| RF Scott Schebler |
| 2B Scooter Gennett |
| SS Jose Peraza |
| C Tucker Barnhart |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The Cincinnati Reds lost shortstop Zack Cozart to free agency, but the rest of the lineup could look very similar in 2018.
That's not great news, considering the Reds finished 68-94 and in last place of the NL Central. Cincinnati did boast some pop, however, and posted the sixth-highest OPS in the Senior Circuit.
The rebuild continues in Cincinnati and the team won't compete for anything next season, but Reds fans can always hang their hats on franchise icon and 2017 NL MVP runner-up Joey Votto.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
| SS Francisco Lindor |
| 2B Jason Kipnis |
| 3B Jose Ramirez |
| DH Edwin Encarnacion |
| LF Michael Brantley |
| 1B Yonder Alonso |
| RF Lonnie Chisenhall |
| CF Bradley Zimmer |
| C Roberto Perez |
Overview
The loss of first baseman Carlos Santana to free agency will ding the Cleveland Indians offense, though they nabbed a capable replacement in Yonder Alonso.
The biggest question concerns the health of Michael Brantley, who underwent ankle surgery in October and has battled a raft of injuries in recent years.
That said, the Tribe should have more than enough firepower to win the weak AL Central behind Francisco Lindor and company, though they might not match 2017's 102-win pace.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
| CF Charlie Blackmon |
| 2B DJ LaMahieu |
| LF Ian Desmond |
| 3B Nolan Arenado |
| SS Trevor Story |
| RF Gerardo Parra |
| 1B Ryan McMahon |
| C Chris Iannetta |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The Colorado Rockies may target a free-agent first baseman with pop, including Logan Morrison or old friend Mark Reynolds. Otherwise, they'll roll with rookie Ryan McMahon.
The Rocks are also hoping for a bounce-back from shortstop Trevor Story, who posted a .909 OPS in a breakout 2016 but saw that figure plummet to .765 last season and struck out an NL-leading 191 times.
Fortunately for Colorado, touted middle infield prospect Brendan Rodgers is waiting in the wings.
Otherwise, it's a playoff-worthy lineup built around MVP-caliber third baseman Nolan Arenado that's ready to rake at Mile High altitude.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
| CF Leonys Martin |
| LF Mikie Mahtook |
| 1B Miguel Cabrera |
| DH Victor Martinez |
| RF Nick Castellanos |
| 3B Jeimer Candelario |
| C James McCann |
| 2B Dixon Machado |
| SS Jose Iglesias |
Overview
The Detroit Tigers are in the initial stages of a rebuild. The next few years will be painful.
Detroit also employs veteran sluggers Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, and other than third baseman Jeimer Candelario, no up-and-coming youngsters appear ready to claim a regular role.
That puts the Tigers in a strange position and could test the skill, creativity and fortitude of new manager Ron Gardenhire.
Buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride in the Motor City.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
| CF George Springer |
| 3B Alex Bregman |
| 2B Jose Altuve |
| SS Carlos Correa |
| 1B Yuli Gurriel |
| DH Evan Gattis |
| RF Josh Reddick |
| LF Marwin Gonzalez |
| C Brian McCann |
Overview
The defending champion Houston Astros return with virtually the same deep, powerful lineup they used to hoist the Commissioner's Trophy in 2017.
Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa are climbing toward their primes. George Springer is an underrated stud. Jose Altuve is the reigning AL MVP. Marwin Gonzalez, who led the team with 90 RBI and posted a .907 OPS, might hit eighth.
The 'Stros are potent. They're dangerous. Repeating isn't easy, but they're locked, loaded and prepared to give it a whirl.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
| 2B Whit Merrifield |
| CF Paulo Orlando |
| C Salvador Perez |
| RF Jorge Bonifacio |
| LF Alex Gordon |
| DH Jorge Soler |
| SS Alcides Escobar |
| 3B Cheslor Cuthbert |
| 1B Hunter Dozier |
Overview
Maybe the Kansas City Royals' decision to ship first baseman/designated hitter Brandon Moss and reliever Ryan Buchter to the Oakland Athletics was a cost-cutting measure aimed at making it possible for K.C. to re-sign first baseman Eric Hosmer.
Or, as Pete Grathoff and Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star outlined, maybe it wasn't.
For now, the Royals have a lineup minus center fielder Lorenzo Cain, who signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, and free agents Hosmer and third baseman Mike Moustakas.
That's a huge portion of the offense that made Kansas City the AL champs in 2014 and world champs in 2015. A rebuild isn't inevitable, but it's probably necessary.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
| 2B Ian Kinsler |
| CF Mike Trout |
| LF Justin Upton |
| 1B Albert Pujols |
| RF Kole Calhoun |
| 3B Zack Cozart |
| SS Andrelton Simmons |
| DH Shohei Ohtani |
| C Martin Maldonado |
Overview
The Los Angeles Angels will be a fascinating team to watch. They have the best baseball player in the planet in Mike Trout, and they signed the most intriguing player on the planet in two-way Japanese star Shohei Ohtani.
When Ohtani isn't pitching, he should get reps at designated hitter to see if he can translate his prodigious power stateside.
That will mean moving veteran slugger Albert Pujols to first base and C.J. Cron to the bench, or benching the aging Pujols.
Either way, it'll be a must-see balancing act for manager Mike Scioscia.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
| CF Chris Taylor |
| SS Corey Seager |
| 3B Justin Turner |
| 1B Cody Bellinger |
| RF Yasiel Puig |
| 2B Logan Forsythe |
| LF Joc Pederson |
| C Austin Barnes |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't made any splashy offensive additions after getting within a victory of their first title since 1988.
Instead, they're banking on a repeat performance from one of the deepest and most complete lineups in the game.
Assuming slugging first baseman Cody Bellinger avoids a sophomore slump, Corey Seager continues his ascent toward the MLB firmament and the crowded outfield sorts itself out, the Dodgers should be just fine.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
| RF Braxton Lee |
| LF Lewis Brinson |
| 2B Starlin Castro |
| 1B Justin Bour |
| 3B Martin Prado |
| C J.T. Realmuto |
| SS JT Riddle |
| CF Magneuris Sierra |
| Pitcher |
Overview
If you notice a few names missing from the Miami Marlins lineup, that's because the Fish have jettisoned their entire starting outfield and their leadoff hitter. They dealt Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees, Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals, Christian Yelich to the Milwaukee Brewers and Dee Gordon to the Seattle Mariners.
Miami got some pieces back but will roll with a roster largely composed of untested names in 2018. And they might not be done dealing; catcher J.T. Realmuto and second baseman Starlin Castro may well be on the block.
Add it up, and you've got the makings of a 100-loss campaign in South Beach.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
| 2B Jonathan Villar |
| CF Lorenzo Cain |
| RF Christian Yelich |
| LF Ryan Braun |
| 3B Travis Shaw |
| 1B Eric Thames |
| C Manny Pina |
| SS Orlando Arcia |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The additions of Christian Yelich from the Marlins and Lorenzo Cain via free agency gave the Brewers a pair of superlative, well-rounded outfielders to slot next to veteran Ryan Braun.
Elsewhere, the Brew Crew will mix and match, utilizing Eric Sogard at second base and Stephen Vogt at catcher against righties.
No matter what, the Brewers' offseason additions have boosted their offense along with their chances of challenging the Cubs in the NL Central.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
| 2B Brian Dozier |
| 1B Joe Mauer |
| 3B Miguel Sano |
| LF Eddie Rosario |
| CF Byron Buxton |
| SS Jorge Polanco |
| RF Max Kepler |
| DH Eduardo Escobar |
| C Jason Castro |
Overview
The Minnesota Twins bounced back from a 103-loss season in 2016 to claim the AL's second wild-card spot in 2017.
Minnesota finished seventh in baseball in runs scored and needs continued development from their young core of Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, Jorge Polanco and Eddie Rosario. They will be augmented by veterans such as Brian Dozier and Joe Mauer.
Pitching remains a need for the Twinkies, but barring a collective backslide, their offense should once again put them in the October mix.
New York Mets
18 of 30
| SS Amed Rosario |
| 3B Asdrubal Cabrera |
| LF Yoenis Cespedes |
| RF Jay Bruce |
| 1B Adrian Gonzalez |
| 2B Jose Reyes |
| CF Juan Lagares |
| C Travis d'Arnaud |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The New York Mets' 2018 season rests on the health of their starting pitching. That said, they'll have to score runs, too.
The return of slugging right fielder Jay Bruce ought to help, assuming he and left fielder Yoenis Cespedes can stay off the disabled list and remain productive.
The Mets also need hyped young shortstop Amed Rosario to take a leap and are hoping to get something out of fading five-time All-Star Adrian Gonzalez, acquired in a salary dump from the Dodgers.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
| LF Brett Gardner |
| RF Aaron Judge |
| DH Giancarlo Stanton |
| C Gary Sanchez |
| 1B Greg Bird |
| CF Aaron Hicks |
| SS Didi Gregorius |
| 3B Miguel Andujar |
| 2B Gleyber Torres |
Overview
The New York Yankees have already acquired NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton. They'll pair the ex-Marlins masher with AL Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge and catcher Gary Sanchez to form a troika that could plausibly hit 150 home runs.
The Yanks might make another move in the infield, where top prospect Gleyber Torres is ready to don the pinstripes. A proven commodity like third baseman New Jersey native Todd Frazier would strengthen the depth chart.
As constructed, New York is a burgeoning, dangerous force in the AL East.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
| SS Marcus Semien |
| LF Matt Joyce |
| 2B Jed Lowrie |
| DH Khris Davis |
| 1B Matt Olson |
| RF Stephen Piscotty |
| 3B Matt Chapman |
| CF Dustin Fowler |
| C Bruce Maxwell |
Overview
The perennially retooling Oakland Athletics have made some interesting additions this winter, including right fielder Stephen Piscotty in a deal with the Cardinals.
They also shipped out power-hitting first baseman Ryon Healy and have a significant question mark at catcher. The A's remain small-market underdogs and will be hard-pressed to keep pace with the Astros in the AL West.
At the same time, there's enough talent here for Oakland to hang around the fringes of the wild-card picture if enough things break right.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
| 2B Cesar Hernandez |
| CF Odubel Herrera |
| 1B Carlos Santana |
| LF Rhys Hoskins |
| 3B Maikel Franco |
| RF Nick Williams |
| SS J.P. Crawford |
| C Jorge Alfaro |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The addition of first baseman Carlos Santana, a playoff-tested bopper with proven on-base abilities, solidifies a young Phillies lineup.
In addition, the Phils are hoping for a comeback from Maikel Franco, a breakout from J.P. Crawford and a continuation of good things from Rhys Hoskins, who smacked 18 home runs in only 50 games last season.
If all that happens, Philadelphia could accelerate its rebuild and put forward a tough lineup from top to bottom.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
| 2B Josh Harrison |
| LF Adam Frazier |
| CF Starling Marte |
| 1B Josh Bell |
| 3B David Freese |
| RF Gregory Polanco |
| SS Jordy Mercer |
| C Francisco Cervelli |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates replaced their black skull-and-crossbones banner with a white flag when they traded ace Gerrit Cole to the Astros and outfielder Andrew McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants.
It remains to be seen if the Bucs will offload other assets this winter, including super-utility man Josh Harrison, who said that "perhaps it would be better for all involved" if he were dealt, per Elizabeth Bloom of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
No matter what, the Pirates seem destined for a losing season and to keep shedding pieces from a rapidly sinking ship.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
| CF Manuel Margot |
| SS Freddy Galvis |
| 1B Wil Myers |
| RF Hunter Renfroe |
| 3B Chase Headley |
| 2B Carlos Asuaje |
| LF Jose Pirela |
| C Austin Hedges |
| Pitcher |
Overview
The San Diego Padres have some exciting young assets. Center fielder Manuel Margot, in particular, is ready to make the jump to stardom after hitting 13 home runs with 17 stolen bases and playing superlative defense last season.
The Friars are also at least a couple of years away from contention and sure to be buried in the NL West, which could feature four legitimate playoff hopefuls.
Bide your time, San Diego fans, and enjoy the emerging players and lovely weather.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
| CF Austin Jackson |
| 2B Joe Panik |
| C Buster Posey |
| RF Andrew McCutchen |
| 3B Evan Longoria |
| 1B Brandon Belt |
| LF Hunter Pence |
| SS Brandon Crawford |
| Pitcher |
Overview
After an embarrassing 98-loss campaign in 2017, the Giants have added McCutchen from Pittsburgh and third baseman Evan Longoria in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. They also signed Austin Jackson to take over in center field from Denard Span, who was sent to Tampa Bay in the Longoria deal.
Mix in the homegrown core of Buster Posey, Joe Panik and Brandon Belt, and you have the makings of a decent lineup.
The Giants are an aging club with a fallow farm system staring down the barrel of arduous future payroll obligations. But there's a decent chance San Francisco will be much better in 2018 (even-year alert!) than they were last season.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
| CF Dee Gordon |
| SS Jean Segura |
| 2B Robinson Cano |
| DH Nelson Cruz |
| 3B Kyle Seager |
| 1B Ryon Healy |
| RF Mitch Haniger |
| LF Ben Gamel |
| C Mike Zunino |
Overview
The Seattle Mariners are taking a significant risk by putting trade acquisition Dee Gordon in center field, a position he's never played in the majors.
Still, Gordon will join Jean Segura to form a speedy top of the lineup, followed by a succession of thumpers in Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager.
The M's should be able to score. If they can add some pitching and get better health and results from their arms—they sent 17 starters to the hill last season—they could compete for a postseason spot.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
| 1B Matt Carpenter |
| RF Dexter Fowler |
| CF Tommy Pham |
| LF Marcell Ozuna |
| C Yadier Molina |
| SS Paul DeJong |
| 3B Jedd Gyorko |
| 2B Kolten Wong |
| Pitcher |
Overview
After swinging and missing in an attempt to acquire Stanton from Miami, the Cardinals landed an excellent consolation prize in the form of Marcell Ozuna.
Ozuna posted a .924 OPS with 37 home runs and 124 RBI last season for the Marlins and gives St. Louis the legitimate, middle-of-the-order bat it was lacking.
The Cards have a couple of steady, high-OBP hitters atop their order in Matt Carpenter and Dexter Fowler and another stud with pop in center fielder Tommy Pham.
The Cubs and Brewers will be tough opponents, but St. Louis will be a player in the NL Central.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
| CF Kevin Kiermaier |
| LF Denard Span |
| 3B Matt Duffy |
| DH Corey Dickerson |
| 1B Brad Miller |
| RF Steven Souza Jr. |
| 2B Daniel Robertson |
| C Wilson Ramos |
| SS Adeiny Hechavarria |
Overview
Tampa Bay traded away Longoria to San Francisco. It was a prudent cost-cutting move for the small-market Rays, but it signaled their intent to be sellers.
More trades could come this winter or at the July non-waiver deadline. For the moment, the Rays have enough weapons on offense to keep their heads above water but not nearly enough to keep pace with the Red Sox and Yankees in the top-heavy AL East.
If and when the likes of ace Chris Archer are dealt away, that will become even more true.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
| CF Delino DeShields |
| SS Elvis Andrus |
| DH Shin-Soo Choo |
| 3B Adrian Beltre |
| RF Nomar Mazara |
| 1B Joey Gallo |
| C Robinson Chirinos |
| 2B Rougned Odor |
| LF Willie Calhoun |
Overview
The Texas Rangers need another top-shelf starter to pair with left-hander Cole Hamels if they want to maintain contact with the Astros out West.
On offense, the Rangers appear ready to roll with basically the same outfit from last season. That's not a terrible plan.
Texas ranked fifth in the AL in runs and can hope for big things from power-hitting rookie Willie Calhoun, who was acquired in July from the Dodgers in the Yu Darvish trade.
Veterans Shin-Soo Choo and Adrian Beltre will need to do their part, and it's time for Joey Gallo to deliver on his big-swinging promise. Overall, though, this is a collective that can clear fences and light up the scoreboard.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
| 2B Devon Travis |
| 3B Josh Donaldson |
| 1B Justin Smoak |
| DH Kendrys Morales |
| C Russell Martin |
| SS Troy Tulowitzki |
| RF Randal Grichuk |
| LF Curtis Granderson |
| CF Kevin Pillar |
Overview
Like the Baltimore Orioles and Manny Machado, the Toronto Blue Jays have opted to make one more run with their franchise infielder before he hits free agency.
Josh Donaldson will likely bolt for a massive payday south of the border next year. For now, the Jays have added ancillary pieces such as outfielders Curtis Granderson and Randal Grichuk in the hopes they can sneak back to the postseason.
With a balanced starting rotation and enough offense, it could work. Or Toronto could wind up kicking itself for not cashing Donaldson in for prospects when it had the chance.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
| LF Adam Eaton |
| SS Trea Turner |
| RF Bryce Harper |
| 3B Anthony Rendon |
| 2B Daniel Murphy |
| 1B Ryan Zimmerman |
| C Matt Wieters |
| CF Michael Taylor |
| Pitcher |
Overview
It's an all-in season for the Washington Nationals. Bryce Harper, the brash beating heart of the franchise, is in his final season before free agency.
Washington has won four of the last six NL East crowns but never advanced past the division series. They've made no major offseason additions, but their lineup is balanced and lethal and should benefit from a healthy Adam Eaton.
There are no guarantees, obviously, but this group could carry Harper deep into October in his D.C. swan song.
All statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference unless otherwise noted.
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