Re-Ranking All 30 MLB Lineups as the Season Heats Up
May is upon us. The sample size remains small, but we can make early assessments as the MLB season heats up.
More specifically, let's rank all 30 teams' lineups based on a month-and-change of stats.
In compiling these rankings, we're using each team's standing in terms of OPS and adding Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) for context, per FanGraphs.
Neither is a perfect measure, but taken together they offer a fair representation of where each squad stands offensively.
As a final note: We aren't presenting specific lineups but rather looking at offenses as a whole. In this era of platoon splits and matchup machinations, there's no such thing as a set lineup day-to-day, let alone week-to-week.
No. 30: Miami Marlins
1 of 30
OPS: .623
wRC+: 75
Record: 11-19
The Miami Marlins ownership group spent the winter tearing the team down, trading away its entire 2017 starting outfielder as well as speedy second baseman Dee Gordon.
Not surprisingly, the Fish have struggled to score runs in the early going. Catcher J.T. Realmuto (.340 average) and second baseman Starlin Castro (.310 average) will likely be gone by the trade deadline, further decimating an already impotent lineup.
No. 29: Baltimore Orioles
2 of 30
OPS: .667
wRC+: 80
Record: 8-23
After opting to keep franchise player and impending free agent Manny Machado for one more run at the postseason, the Baltimore Orioles are off to a horrendous start.
Machado, meanwhile, is raking, with a .353 average and nine home runs. The Los Angeles Dodgers recently lost shortstop Corey Seager to Tommy John surgery and have a deep farm system. Machado converted to shortstop full-time this season.
You do the math.
No. 28: San Diego Padres
3 of 30
OPS: .669
wRC+: 89
Record: 11-21
The rebuilding San Diego Padres have gotten some positive early returns.
After a slow start, first baseman and big free-agent fish Eric Hosmer (seven years, $147 million) has begun to heat up and now owns a .303 average and .906 OPS. Third baseman Christian Villanueva boasts nine homers and 20 RBI.
Overall, however, the Friars are what we assumed they'd be: a light-hitting club that's at least a couple of seasons away from serious contention.
No. 27: Cincinnati Reds
4 of 30
OPS: .684
wRC+: 89
Record: 7-24
The Cincinnati Reds knew 2018 was going to be a rebuilding year. They knew they had little chance to hang with the top teams in the National League Central.
What they didn't expect was first baseman and franchise icon Joey Votto getting off to an uncharacteristically tepid start.
On April 10, the veteran first baseman and 2017 NL MVP runner-up was hitting .231 with a .279 on-base percentage and no extra-base hits.
He's since elevated his game, but the Reds lineup overall remains a second-tier work-in-progress.
No. 26: Milwaukee Brewers
5 of 30
OPS: .689
wRC+: 86
Record: 19-13
The loss of first baseman Eric Thames to a thumb injury sapped some power from a Milwaukee Brewers offense that already wasn't lighting the league on fire.
There's plenty of talent, with veterans Lorenzo Cain (.279 average, .858 OPS), Christian Yelich (.282 average, .821 OPS) and Ryan Braun (.250 average, .754 OPS) leading the charge.
Thus far, however, the Brew Crew's sticks have lagged behind their surprisingly strong pitching staff, which ranks third in baseball with a 3.19 ERA.
No. 25: San Francisco Giants
6 of 30
OPS: .689
wRC+: 92
Record: 16-15
After finishing last in MLB in home runs and OPS in 2017, the San Francisco Giants offense had nowhere to go but up.
Up it has gone, with solid contributions from first baseman Brandon Belt (.304 average, 1.001 OPS) and catcher Buster Posey (.286 average, .794 OPS).
On the pessimistic side of the ledger, second baseman and early-season power threat Joe Panik is set to miss six weeks after undergoing thumb surgery. Add up-and-down performances by third baseman Evan Longoria and right fielder Andrew McCutchen—the free-agent cavalry—and you have an offense just good enough to help San Francisco hang around .500.
No. 24: Kansas City Royals
7 of 30
OPS: .693
wRC+: 90
Record: 9-22
The Kansas City Royals will have to give into a full-scale rebuild eventually. In the early going, they're enjoying strong performances from the likes of right fielder Jorge Soler (.315 average, .953 OPS) and third baseman Mike Moustakas (.298 average, .893 OPS).
Either or both could be gone by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline if the Royals don't find a way to crawl out of last place in the AL Central.
For now, K.C. is performing as well or better than expected on offense.
No. 23: Colorado Rockies
8 of 30
OPS: .695
wRC+: 75
Record: 17-15
Even when they're bad, the Colorado Rockies are always expected to hit the baseball. That's a given at Mile High altitude, right?
Not so much in 2018. Third baseman Nolan Arenado owns a 1.031 OPS and center fielder Charlie Blackmon has 10 home runs, but overall the Rockies bats have yet to awaken.
In fact, as Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post noted, Colorado's collective .222 batting average in April was the worst in franchise history.
Needless to say, that won't get it done in a competitive NL West.
No. 22: Philadelphia Phillies
9 of 30
OPS: .699
wRC+: 93
Record: 17-13
The Philadelphia Phillies offense has been up and down in 2018, surging at times and falling flat at others. That's to be expected from a team that's transitioning from a rebuild to contention.
There are bright spots, including third baseman Maikel Franco's team-leading 23 RBI and left fielder Rhys Hoskins' .955 OPS.
Overall, the Phils have a winning record and have shown enough in the batter's box to be considered a club on the rise, despite their flaws.
No. 21: New York Mets
10 of 30
OPS: .699
wRC+: 97
Record: 17-12
The New York Mets are atoning for a disappointing 2017 season on the strength of a resurgent starting rotation.
On offense, veteran shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is hitting .327 with five home runs while left fielder Yoenis Cespedes has gone deep seven times and paces the team with 26 RBI.
The Mets' bats haven't lit the NL East on fire, but they've done enough to support the improved and largely healthy pitching staff and keep the Amazin's in the picture.
No. 20: Texas Rangers
11 of 30
OPS: .704
wRC+: 88
Record: 13-20
Injuries to shortstop Elvis Andrus (elbow), third baseman Adrian Beltre (hamstring) and second baseman Rougned Odor (hamstring) have greatly diminished the Texas Rangers' lineup.
Even when all three have been in the lineup, the Rangers haven't looked like an offensive juggernaut.
In a deep division fronted by the defending MLB champion Houston Astros, it might soon be time for Texas to wave the white flag and put up a "for sale" sign.
No. 19: St. Louis Cardinals
12 of 30
OPS: .711
wRC+: 98
Record: 17-12
Center fielder Tommy Pham has been a revelation once again for the St. Louis Cardinals. After finishing 11th in MVP voting last season, the 30-year-old is hitting .330 with a .969 OPS.
Veteran catcher Yadier Molina has sipped from the fountain of youth at age 35 with six home runs and 17 RBI.
The Cards aren't blowing opponents out of the water on offense, but they've hit enough to augment a pitching staff that boasts the fourth-best ERA in baseball at 3.32.
No. 18: Detroit Tigers
13 of 30
OPS: .713
wRC+: 91
Record: 13-17
The Detroit Tigers entered 2018 on an unambiguous rebuild. The first month-plus of the season hasn't changed the calculus, but the Tigers are playing better than expected.
That includes Detroit's lineup, which has been boosted by veteran and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera.
After enduring his worst full big league season in 2017, Cabrera is hitting .326 with a .924 OPS in 2018. It presents a conundrum for the Tigers.
Do they hang onto their franchise player? Or do they hope he keeps raking and see if they can unload some of the minimum $30 per season he's owed through at least 2023 on a hungry contender?
No. 17: Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
OPS: .715
wRC+: 100
Record: 14-17
The Los Angeles Dodgers were dealt a huge blow when they lost shortstop and burgeoning superstar Corey Seager to Tommy John surgery. As mentioned, a trade for the Orioles' Machado could be in the cards.
In the meantime, L.A. will lean on internal options such as the versatile Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez, a fine utility player but no one's idea of an everyday contributor on a title contender.
The Dodgers have depth, but thus far their offense hasn't lived up to last season's 104-win pedigree. Right fielder Yasiel Puig has exemplified those struggles with a .193 average.
Barring a trade, the existing cast must step forward in Seager's absence.
No. 16: Cleveland Indians
15 of 30
OPS: .716
wRC+: 92
Record: 17-14
The defending AL Central champion Cleveland Indians sit atop the division thanks to their exemplary pitching.
On offense, they've gotten seven home runs and an .851 OPS from third baseman Jose Ramirez and a recent surge from shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has nine hits in his last four games.
On balance, though, Cleveland has looked ho-hum with the lumber. Designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion has exemplified Cleveland's struggles.
He busted out with a three-homer game against the Rangers on Wednesday, bringing his season total to nine. He's also hitting .191 with a .264 OPS.
No. 15: Minnesota Twins
16 of 30
OPS: .717
wRC+: 94
Record: 10-17
The Minnesota Twins surprised the baseball world in 2017 by snagging the second AL wild-card slot a season after they lost 103 games.
So far in 2018, they're under .500 and missing center fielder and '17 breakout stud Byron Buxton, who has missed significant time to migraines and a subsequent fractured toe.
Infielder Eduardo Escobar (.308 average, .932 OPS) and right fielder Max Kepler (.298 average, .902 OPS), as well as veterans such as first baseman Joe Mauer (.295 average, .839 OPS) and second baseman Brian Dozier (four home runs, 10 RBI), have kept the Twinkies lineup afloat.
Now, they need to hope for a healthy return from Buxton and a summer surge.
No. 14: Chicago White Sox
17 of 30
OPS: .720
wRC+: 98
Record: 9-20
The Chicago White Sox boast a trove of young talent, and they're reaping the rewards early, even if it isn't translating to victories.
Designated hitter Matt Davidson (nine home runs, .970 OPS) and second baseman Yoan Moncada (six home runs, .877 OPS) have stood out.
Moncada exited Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Cardinals with hamstring tightness, though the talented Cuban termed it "nothing serious," per Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Assuming Moncada's back on the field soon, the ChiSox lineup should resume its quest for relevance.
No. 13: Houston Astros
18 of 30
OPS: .721
wRC+: 103
Record: 20-13
The Astros have the third-best record in the American League. They're in first place in the AL West. Things aren't going badly for the defending World Series champs.
That said, Houston's offense hasn't reached the stratosphere.
Key contributors such as first baseman Yuli Gurriel (.243 average, .282 OBP) and designated hitter Evan Gattis (.190 average, .269 OBP) have scuffled.
Second baseman Jose Altuve (.328 average, .794 OPS) and shortstop Carlos Correa (.307 average, .895 OPS), among others, can carry the load, but at the moment the Astros' depth isn't quite what it was last fall.
No. 12: Pittsburgh Pirates
19 of 30
OPS: .728
wRC+: 102
Record: 17-15
The Pittsburgh Pirates are playing above their pay grade after trading ace Gerrit Cole and franchise outfielder Andrew McCutchen to the Astros and Giants, respectively, this winter.
Still, we must give credit where it's due: The Bucs lineup has produced in the early going, thanks to solid showings from catcher Francisco Cervelli (.310 average, .983 OPS) and outfielder Corey Dickerson (.315 average, .878 OPS), among others.
The odds of Pittsburgh's being an offensive powerhouse when the 162-game dust settles are slim. For the first month-plus, though, they've shushed the doubters.
No. 11: Chicago Cubs
20 of 30
OPS: .730
wRC+: 99
Record: 16-12
After winning the World Series in 2016 and falling in the National League Championship Series in 2017, the Chicago Cubs entered 2018 with sky-high aspirations.
Thus far, their offense has delivered in spurts, with third baseman Kris Bryant (.945 OPS), outfielder Kyle Schwarber (.972 OPS) and infielder Javier Baez (.955 OPS) standing out.
The Cubbies have also fallen back on their old weakness, strikeouts, as they rank 23rd with 243 whiffs.
They're not a juggernaut just yet, but there are ample signs the North Siders' lineup will help the team make another deep October run.
No. 10: Los Angeles Angels
21 of 30
OPS: .731
wRC+: 102
Record: 19-12
The Los Angeles Angels employ center fielder Mike Trout, the best hitter on the planet. He's upheld that title with 11 home runs and a 1.084 OPS.
In 14 games as a hitter, two-way Japanese star Shohei Ohtani has teased big things with a .961 OPS and four home runs, though there will surely be ups and downs as he acclimates to baseball stateside.
The rest of the Halos lineup is hitting well enough to support that Big Two—special hat tip to shortstop Andrelton Simmons (.320 average, .877 OPS)—and keep the team nipping at the Astros' heels in the AL West.
No. 9: Toronto Blue Jays
22 of 30
OPS: .732
wRC+: 100
Record: 18-14
Give credit to the Toronto Blue Jays lineup: Despite being without the services of star third baseman Josh Donaldson (shoulder) for much of the season, they're still finding ways to get it done.
Center fielder Kevin Pillar (.319 average, .939 OPS) has been the biggest catalyst, with the likes of first baseman Justin Smoak (four home runs, 18 RBI) and infielder Yangervis Solarte (seven home runs, 17 RBI) pitching in.
That said, unless Donaldson's return from the disabled list—effective Thursday, per ESPN.com—is impactful and lasting, the Jays offense is ill-equipped to compete long term with the AL East's heavyweights.
No. 8: Tampa Bay Rays
23 of 30
OPS: .735
wRC+: 105
Record: 13-16
The Tampa Bay Rays weren't supposed to be among baseball's better offenses after trading third baseman Evan Longoria to the Giants and sending outfielder Corey Dickerson to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Yet here they are, among the top third in OPS and wRC+.
They're doing it with a combination of youngsters, such as 24-year-old third baseman Daniel Robertson (.310 average, .977 OPS) and 24-year-old outfielder Mallex Smith (.322 average, .788 OPS), as well as veterans such as outfielder Denard Span (.810 OPS, 22 RBI) and catcher Wilson Ramos (.313 average, .893 OPS).
Can it last? That's debatable. For the moment, the small-market Rays' lineup is making larger-than-anticipated noise.
No. 7: Washington Nationals
24 of 30
OPS: .736
wRC+: 102
Record: 16-16
In Bryce Harper's (likely) D.C. swan song, the Washington Nationals are looking to advance past the division series for the first time since the franchise relocated to the nation's capital in 2005.
Harper owns a 1.026 OPS with 10 home runs, though he's wobbled at times. Trea Turner is hitting .281 with 12 stolen bases. Matt Adams has six homers and a 1.042 OPS.
Meanwhile, the Nats are missing second baseman Daniel Murphy (knee), third baseman Anthony Rendon (toe) and outfielder Adam Eaton (ankle).
If and when that trio returns healthy, Washington's offense should vault from solid to downright scary.
No. 6: Arizona Diamondbacks
25 of 30
OPS: .737
wRC+: 101
Record: 21-10
The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to build on last year's finish, in which they claimed the NL's top wild-card position.
With the Dodgers faltering and the rest of the division unsettled, they have a chance to do exactly that.
Their offense is fronted by center fielder A.J. Pollock (1.049 OPS) and first baseman/perennial MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt, who's yet to get it going with a .245 average and .821 OPS.
That's a scary thought for opposing pitchers. If and when Goldy does catch fire, look out.
No. 5: Seattle Mariners
26 of 30
OPS: .758
wRC+: 109
Record: 18-12
The Seattle Mariners are trying to end a 16-season playoff drought. Thus far, they're hitting enough to do it.
Outfielder Mitch Haniger has set the tone with 10 home runs and a 1.053 OPS. He's backed by veterans such as designated hitter Nelson Cruz (.841 OPS) and second baseman Robinson Cano (.855 OPS), and speedy newcomer Dee Gordon (.342 average, 12 stolen bases).
The M's need to get their pitching situation in order, as their 4.76 team ERA attests. Their lineup, though, appears to have enough to propel them to the playoffs.
No. 4: Oakland Athletics
27 of 30
OPS: .771
wRC+: 113
Record: 15-16
Talk about your early surprises.
An afterthought in the crowded AL West, the Oakland A's have shot out of the gate offensively behind second baseman Jed Lowrie (.341 average, 1.013 OPS) and first baseman Mark Canha (.339 average, 1.035 OPS), to cite two prominent producers.
Lowrie is a 34-year-old veteran and is hitting well above his career marks. Canha is a 29-year-old with a .242 career average in 214 big league games.
Probably, this is early-season tomfoolery. Likely, the A's should sell high on these producers. For the moment, it's great fun in the East Bay.
No. 3: New York Yankees
28 of 30
OPS: .784
wRC+: 113
Record: 21-10
We all knew the New York Yankees were going to crush baseballs in 2018.
Even with reigning NL MVP and top offseason prize Giancarlo Stanton battling early struggles, that's been the case.
Stanton has teased his huge power (seven home runs). Outfielder and incumbent AL Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge has a .969 OPS. Catcher Gary Sanchez is busting out after a tepid start.
Oh, and shortstop Didi Gregorius has looked Derek Jeter-esque and then some.
The AL East won't be a cakewalk for New York, but the burgeoning Bronx Bombers have more than enough firepower to claim the division and more.
No. 2: Boston Red Sox
29 of 30
OPS: .793
wRC+: 112
Record: 22-9
The addition of J.D. Martinez was supposed to help a Boston Red Sox lineup that finished last in the AL in home runs in 2017.
Indeed, Martinez has six home runs and a .984 OPS. He's also apparently had a contagious effect on his teammates, including right fielder Mookie Betts (11 home runs) and shortstop Xander Bogaerts (1.041 OPS).
The Sox are in for a slugfest with the archrival Yankees, with the Blue Jays and even the Rays lurking as possible spoilers.
Early on, however, Boston seems to have more than enough offense to defend its division crown.
No. 1: Atlanta Braves
30 of 30
OPS: .802
wRC+: 115
Record: 19-11
The Atlanta Braves are the offense of early 2018. No "ifs" "ands" or "buts."
The addition of top prospect and outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. helped. The 20-year-old is hitting .382 with a 1.138 OPS through his first eight games.
The Braves lineup is much deeper than that, though. From second baseman Ozzie Albies to shortstop Dansby Swanson to first baseman Freddie Freeman to outfielder Nick Markakis, they've got high-producing hitters up and down the order.
Atlanta is a young team and will experience growing pains. For the moment, the Braves look like an offensive powerhouse that's blossoming ahead of schedule.
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