Opening Day lineups and rotations for every team
The 2026 Major League Baseball season is upon us.
With help from MLB.com's beat writers, here's how each team's lineup and rotation figure to stack up for Opening Day. (^ denotes officially released lineups.)
Jump to: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
BLUE JAYS
Lineup ^
1. George Springer, DH
2. Nathan Lukes, LF
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
4. Addison Barger, RF
5. Alejandro Kirk, C
6. Daulton Varsho, CF
7. Kazuma Okamoto, 3B
8. Ernie Clement, 2B
9. Andrés Giménez, SS
Losing Bo Bichette will leave the Blue Jays searching for a new structure around Vladdy in the middle of the lineup, which likely means they’ll play the matchups more day to day. Get ready for a lot of different lineups over 162 games, especially with Anthony Santander expected to miss most of the season following shoulder surgery.
Rotation
1. Kevin Gausman, RHP
2. Dylan Cease, RHP
3. Eric Lauer, LHP
4. Cody Ponce, RHP
5. Max Scherzer, RHP
Toronto will need to lean on its rotation depth early in the year. That group was already weathering the absence of Shane Bieber (forearm fatigue) and José Berríos (stress fracture in right elbow), but now they are also without rookie phenom Trey Yesavage (right shoulder impingement).
ORIOLES
Lineup ^
1. Taylor Ward, LF
2. Gunnar Henderson, SS
3. Pete Alonso, 1B
4. Adley Rutschman, C
5. Samuel Basallo, DH
6. Tyler O'Neill, RF
7. Colton Cowser, CF
8. Coby Mayo, 3B
9. Blaze Alexander, 2B
Jackson Holliday (broken hamate bone in right hand) and Jordan Westburg (partial right UCL tear) will open the season on the injured list, opening spots for Alexander and Mayo, whose red-hot spring has solidified his spot on the roster. Alexander is likely to move around the diamond as a utility man once Holliday returns, which could be in mid-April.
Rotation
1. Trevor Rogers, LHP
2. Kyle Bradish, RHP
3. Shane Baz, RHP
4. Chris Bassitt, RHP
5. Zach Eflin, RHP
In an unexpected move, right-hander Dean Kremer was optioned on March 21, locking in the other five starters, including Eflin, who had a strong spring coming off of back surgery. It would not be surprising if the O's go to a six-man rotation that includes Kremer early in the season (assuming everyone remains healthy).
RAYS
Lineup ^
1. Yandy Díaz, DH
2. Ryan Vilade, LF
3. Jonathan Aranda, 1B
4. Junior Caminero, 3B
5. Ben Williamson, 2B
6. Jonny DeLuca, RF
7. Nick Fortes, C
8. Cedric Mullins, CF
9. Carson Williams, SS
The Rays should have three of the best hitters in baseball in the top half of their order every day in Díaz, Aranda and Caminero, a potent trio with a strong mix of contact, on-base ability and power. Expect manager Kevin Cash to play matchups after that, starting on Opening Day, with right-handed-hitting options like Williamson, DeLuca, Fortes and Vilade drawing the start against Cardinals southpaw Matthew Liberatore rather than lefty hitters Richie Palacios, Jake Fraley and Hunter Feduccia. Williams will be the team's regular shortstop while Taylor Walls(right oblique strain) is on the IL.
Rotation
1. Drew Rasmussen, RHP
2. Joe Boyle, RHP
3. Steven Matz, LHP
4. Nick Martinez, RHP
5. Shane McClanahan, LHP
If McClanahan is healthy and back in ace form after missing the past 2 1/2 seasons due to significant injuries, he and the underrated Rasmussen could make a huge impact. With Ryan Pepiot sidelined due to right hip inflammation, Martinez will be expected to contribute a more significant workload while the Rays ease McClanahan back into action and guide Matz back into a starting role. Boyle will fill in for Rasmussen and is slated to start the Rays' second game of the season.
RED SOX
Lineup ^
1. Roman Anthony, LF
2. Trevor Story, SS
3. Jarren Duran, DH
4. Willson Contreras, 1B
5. Caleb Durbin, 3B
6. Wilyer Abreu, RF
7. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 2B
8. Carlos Narváez, C
9. Ceddanne Rafaela, CF
The lineup has major upside in Anthony, who could become one of the elite all-around hitters in MLB in his first full season. By adding Contreras, manager Alex Cora has a proven run producer who should thrive in Fenway. Marcelo Mayer is likely to sit against most lefties, like Reds starter Andrew Abbott, at least to start the season.
Rotation
1. Garrett Crochet, LHP
2. Ranger Suarez, LHP
3. Sonny Gray, RHP
4. Brayan Bello, RHP
5. Connelly Early, LHP
Thanks to an aggressive offseason by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, this is the most talented rotation the Red Sox have had in years. Following an impressive spring, Early won the fifth starter spot over Johan Oviedo.
YANKEES
Lineup ^
1. Trent Grisham, CF
2. Aaron Judge, RF
3. Cody Bellinger, LF
4. Ben Rice, 1B
5. Giancarlo Stanton, DH
6. Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B
7. José Caballero, SS
8. Ryan McMahon, 3B
9. Austin Wells, C
Even without a big performance from Judge, the Yankees cruised to a 7-0 victory over the Giants in Wednesday night's opener, with Grisham and McMahon driving in a pair of runs each.
Rotation
1. Max Fried, LHP
2. Cam Schlittler, RHP
3. Will Warren, RHP
4. Ryan Weathers, LHP
5. Luis Gil, RHP
Carlos Rodón is due to return from left elbow surgery in late April or early May, while Gerrit Cole is expected back from Tommy John surgery in May or June. Weathers was acquired from the Marlins this winter, and the Yankees believe their training tools can take his performance to the next level.
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
GUARDIANS
Lineup ^
1. Steven Kwan, LF
2. Chase DeLauter, RF
3. José Ramírez, 3B
4. Kyle Manzardo, DH
5. Bo Naylor, C
6. Rhys Hoskins, 1B
6. Daniel Schneemann, CF
8. Gabriel Arias, SS
9. Brayan Rocchio, 2B
Manager Stephen Vogt stacked his Opening Day lineup with five lefties and two switch-hitters against Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert.
Rotation
1. Tanner Bibee, RHP
2. Gavin Williams, RHP
3. Slade Cecconi, RHP
4. Joey Cantillo, LHP
5. Parker Messick, LHP
Bibee earned a second opportunity at his first career Opening Day start after his last-minute scratch in 2025. The rest of the rotation will feature Williams, Cecconi, Cantillo and Messick, after the Guardians optioned Logan Allen to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.
ROYALS
Lineup ^
1. Maikel Garcia, 3B
2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS
3. Lane Thomas, CF
4. Salvador Perez, C
5. Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B
6. Starling Marte, RF
7. Jonathan India, 2B
8. Isaac Collins, LF
9. Carter Jensen, DH
Kansas City will have the top four names in some order for the majority of the year, although it’s always possible someone else emerges as another leadoff hitter. Facing Chris Sale is a really tough assignment for all the lefties the Royals have on the roster, which is why we’ve inserted Thomas in center field for Kyle Isbel and Marte in right field for Jac Caglianone.
Rotation
1. Cole Ragans, LHP
2. Michael Wacha, RHP
3. Seth Lugo, RHP
4. Kris Bubic, LHP
5. Noah Cameron, LHP
The Royals set this order for the first turn in their rotation, with Ragans starting his third consecutive Opening Day and Bubic set to start the home opener on Monday, March 30. Cameron, as expected, won the fifth spot based on what he did last season as a rookie, and the Royals will have Bailey Falter in the bullpen as a long reliever. In Triple-A, the depth is solid with Ryan Bergert leading the group there.
TIGERS
Lineup ^
1. Kerry Carpenter, RF
2. Gleyber Torres, 2B
3. Colt Keith, DH
4. Riley Greene, LF
5. Spencer Torkelson, 1B
6. Kevin McGonigle, 3B
7. Dillon Dingler, C
8. Parker Meadows, CF
9. Javier Báez, SS
While manager A.J. Hinch tinkered with various options at leadoff during Spring Training, the heart of the lineup is fairly consistent, with maybe a tweak or two in the order of Greene, Torkelson and Carpenter. No. 2 overall prospect McGonigle makes his Major League debut at third base.
Rotation
1. Tarik Skubal, LHP
2. Framber Valdez, LHP
3. Jack Flaherty, RHP
4. Justin Verlander, RHP
5. Casey Mize, RHP
This group has been set since the Tigers signed Valdez and Verlander just before Spring Training. The only question was in which order. Hinch toyed with splitting up his lefties at the top of the rotation, but ultimately decided that the differing styles of Skubal and Valdez provided enough of a contrast. Drew Anderson is well-positioned to be the insurance starter or occasional sixth starter, particularly while Troy Melton remains sidelined until the end of May with elbow inflammation.
TWINS
Lineups ^
1. Austin Martin, LF
2. Byron Buxton, CF
3. Luke Keaschall, 2B
4. Ryan Jeffers, C
5. Matt Wallner, RF
6. Josh Bell, DH
7. Victor Caratini, 1B
8. Royce Lewis, 3B
9. Brooks Lee, SS
James Outman will also play a good bit at all three outfield spots, Caratini will play regularly at catcher, first and DH and Kody Clemens will play all over the place.
Rotation
1. Joe Ryan, RHP
2. Bailey Ober, RHP
3. Taj Bradley, RHP
4. Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP
5. Mick Abel, RHP
With Pablo López out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, everyone else moves up one step. And now the rest of the group is set, with Zebby Matthews optioned to Triple-A and Abel claiming the final spot. It makes sense, as Abel has been the best starter in camp.
WHITE SOX
Lineup ^
1. Chase Meidroth, 2B
3. Colson Montgomery, SS
3. Miguel Vargas, 3B
4. Andrew Benintendi, DH
5. Austin Hays, LF
6. Munetaka Murakami, 1B
7. Everson Pereira, RF
8. Edgar Quero, C
9. Luisangel Acuña, CF
Starting catcher Kyle Teel is out of action for 4-to-6 weeks with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain suffered during an 8-6 victory for Team Italy over USA on March 10. He will begin the season on the injured list.
Rotation
1. Shane Smith, RHP
2. Sean Burke, RHP
3. Anthony Kay, LHP
4. Davis Martin, RHP
5. Erick Fedde, RHP
Smith becomes the fifth starter in the last five seasons to get the Opening Day start for the White Sox. When the right-hander takes the mound on March 26 in Milwaukee, Smith will be facing his original organization, although he never made it to the Major Leagues with the Brewers.
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
ANGELS
Lineup ^
1. Zach Neto, SS
2. Mike Trout, CF
2. Nolan Schanuel, 1B
4. Jorge Soler, DH
5. Yoán Moncada, 3B
6. Jo Adell, RF
7. Josh Lowe, LF
8. Logan O'Hoppe, C
9. Oswald Peraza, 2B
Trout is back in center field after an experiment in right last year, while Peraza will share time at second base with Adam Frazier.
Rotation
1. José Soriano, RHP
2. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP
3. Reid Detmers, LHP
4. Ryan Johnson, RHP
5. Jack Kochanowicz, RHP
The Angels are expected to place both right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (right arm soreness) and Alek Manoah (fingernail blister) on the injured list to start the season, allowing Johnson and Kochanowicz to claim rotation spots. Walbert Urena was also in the mix but will serve as long reliever.
ASTROS
Lineup ^
1. Jose Altuve, 2B
2. Yordan Alvarez, DH
3. Isaac Paredes, 3B
4. Carlos Correa, SS
5. Joey Loperfido, LF
6. Cam Smith, RF
7. Christian Walker, 1B
8. Yainer Diaz, C
9. Jake Meyers, CF
This lineup doesn't include Jeremy Peña, who made the Opening Day roster after he fractured his right ring finger in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game while playing for the Dominican Republic.
Rotation
1. Hunter Brown, RHP
2. Mike Burrows, RHP
3. Cristian Javier, RHP
4. Tatsuya Imai, RHP
5. Lance McCullers Jr., RHP
The Astros are going to begin the season with a five-man rotation before transitioning to a six-man rotation a couple of weeks into the season. McCullers locked down that fifth spot on Monday, when Spencer Arrighetti was optioned to Triple-A.
ATHLETICS
Lineup ^
1. Nick Kurtz, 1B
2. Shea Langeliers, C
3. Tyler Soderstrom, LF
4. Brent Rooker, DH
5. Jacob Wilson, SS
6. Lawrence Butler, RF
7. Max Muncy, 3B
8. Jeff McNeil, 2B
9. Denzel Clarke, CF
The A’s are set with established starters at every position outside of third base, which could see Muncy, Darell Hernaiz and Brett Harris all factor in until one of those three seizes the everyday role. Colby Thomas and Carlos Cortes could also see matchup-based opportunities in the outfield.
Rotation
1. Luis Severino, RHP
2. Jeffrey Springs, LHP
3. Luis Morales, RHP
4. Jacob Lopez, LHP
5. Aaron Civale, RHP
Civale's addition just before camp likely solidifies the rotation with five members the A's would feel good about entering the season. J.T. Ginn, Mason Barnett, Gunnar Hoglund and Jack Perkins could factor into the rotation if a need arises, while top prospect Gage Jump could make his big league debut later this season.
MARINERS
Lineup ^
1. Brendan Donovan, 3B
2. Cal Raleigh, C
3. Julio Rodríguez, CF
4. Josh Naylor, 1B
5. Randy Arozarena, LF
6. Luke Raley, RF
7. Dominic Canzone, DH
8. Cole Young, 2B
9. Leo Rivas, SS
The Nos. 1-5 spots all feature All-Stars from within the past two seasons, and it all starts up top with the newcomer Donovan, who could be the Mariners' leadoff man regardless of pitcher handedness.
Rotation
1. Logan Gilbert, RHP
2. George Kirby, RHP
3. Bryan Woo, RHP
4. Luis Castillo, RHP
5. Bryce Miller, RHP
Keeping this group as healthy as possible could be the difference of whether the Mariners run away with the division, and they already are expected to be without Bryce Miller, who's working back from left oblique inflammation. That should open the door for Hancock, who would be the injury fill-in to break camp for the third straight season -- and he's had a solid spring. Last year, Gilbert, Kirby and Miller were each on the IL for significant stretches in 2025, and Woo missed a full month leading into the playoffs. That said, at its ceiling, the rotation could be among the sport’s best.
RANGERS
Lineup ^
1. Brandon Nimmo, RF
2. Wyatt Langford, CF
3. Corey Seager, SS
4. Jake Burger, 1B
5. Andrew McCutchen, DH
6. Josh Jung, 3B
7. Josh Smith, 2B
8. Danny Jansen, C
9. Sam Haggerty, LF
There are a lot of new names in the Rangers' lineup, but some of the core pieces remain the same as multiple players eye bounce-back seasons. The biggest questions are if Evan Carter can hit left-handers well enough to remain in the lineup every day and if Joc Pederson can return to being an above-average hitter. The bottom half of the lineup will likely be shuffled around depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher.
Rotation
1. Jacob deGrom, RHP
2. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
3. MacKenzie Gore, LHP
4. Jack Leiter, RHP
5. Kumar Rocker, RHP
The final spot in the rotation came down to Jacob Latz and Rocker. While Latz has had more success at the big league level than Rocker, he’s thrived in a swingman role in 2025 and could be more useful out of the bullpen early in the season. If Rocker can take a significant step forward, it would do wonders for the stability of the rotation.
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
BRAVES
Lineup ^
1. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
2. Drake Baldwin, DH
3. Ozzie Albies, 2B
4. Matt Olson, 1B
5. Austin Riley, 3B
6. Eli White, LF
7. Mauricio Dubón, SS
8. Jonah Heim, C
9. Michael Harris II, CF
With the Royals starting the left-handed Ragans, Mike Yastrzemski will likely be available off the bench in the season opener.
Rotation
1. Chris Sale, LHP
2. Reynaldo López, RHP
3. Grant Holmes, RHP
4. Bryce Elder, RHP
5. José Suarez, LHP
Spencer Strider (left oblique strain) Spencer Schwellenbach (right elbow surgery), Hurston Waldrep (right elbow surgery) and Joey Wentz (torn ACL in right knee) are all slated to open the season on the IL, so the team's rotation depth will be tested immediately.
MARLINS
Lineup ^
1. Austin Slater, RF
2. Agustín Ramírez, C
3. Jakob Marsee, CF
4. Otto Lopez, SS
5. Connor Norby, 1B
6. Heriberto Hernández, LF
7. Xavier Edwards, 2B
8. Owen Caissie, DH
9. Javier Sanoja, 3B
The Marlins will be without All-Star Kyle Stowers, who strained his right hamstring late in camp. With the Rockies sending lefty Kyle Freeland to the mound, Miami will roll with its right-handed-heavier lineup to play matchups. Due to injuries and players participating in the World Baseball Classic, the club was unable to field a potential season-opening lineup this spring.
Rotation
1. Sandy Alcantara, RHP
2. Eury Pérez, RHP
3. Max Meyer, RHP
4. Chris Paddack, RHP
5. Janson Junk, RHP
Junk won the final spot over left-hander Braxton Garrett, who was returning from a second elbow surgery.
METS
Lineup ^
1. Francisco Lindor, SS
2. Juan Soto, LF
3. Bo Bichette, 3B
4. Jorge Polanco, 1B
5. Luis Robert Jr., CF
6. Brett Baty, DH
7. Marcus Semien, 2B
8. Carson Benge, RF
9. Francisco Alvarez, C
Top hitting prospect Benge did indeed make the team, and he slotted into the lineup on Opening Day against the Pirates on Thursday. Lindor, who is healed up from Feb. 11 hamate surgery, was in his customary leadoff spot.
Rotation
1. Freddy Peralta, RHP
2. David Peterson, LHP
3. Nolan McLean, RHP
4. Clay Holmes, RHP
5. Kodai Senga, RHP
While the Mets intend to use a six-man rotation in April, they will begin the season with Sean Manaea in the bullpen. That allows them to take advantage of early off-days to keep everyone else on a more traditional, five-game routine.
NATIONALS
Lineup ^
1. James Wood, LF
2. Andres Chaparro, 1B
3. Brady House, 3B
4. Daylen Lile, DH
5. Joey Wiemer, RF
6. CJ Abrams, SS
7. Nasim Nuñez, 2B
8. Keibert Ruiz, C
9. Jacob Young, CF
A player notably not in this lineup is Dylan Crews, whom the Nationals optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Friday amid Spring Training struggles. The 6-foot-6 Wood drives the Nationals' offense with his dominant power. Look for Luis García Jr.to see time at second and first base this season.
Rotation
1. Cade Cavalli, RHP
2. Foster Griffin, LHP
3. Zack Littell, RHP
4. Miles Mikolas, RHP
5. Jake Irvin, RHP
Cavalli persevered through three years of injury to earn the honor of Opening Day starter. He will be joined by returning Irvin and a trio of veterans who signed this season. Brad Lord will be a long reliever out of the bullpen.
PHILLIES
Lineup ^
1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Kyle Schwarber, DH
3. Bryce Harper, 1B
4. Alec Bohm, 3B
5. Bryson Stott, 2B
6. Adolis García, RF
7. Brandon Marsh, LF
8. J.T. Realmuto, C
9. Justin Crawford, CF
For Opening Day, Phillies manager Rob Thomson has Schwarber hitting second and Harper hitting third, following offseason speculation that Thomson might have Schwarber hit behind Harper. Another notable change is Stott hitting fifth. He had an excellent spring, following a strong second half last year.
Rotation
1. Cristopher Sánchez, LHP
2. Jesús Luzardo, LHP
3. Aaron Nola, RHP
4. Taijuan Walker, RHP
5. Andrew Painter, RHP
Zack Wheeler has been doing well in his rehab from thoracic outlet decompression surgery on Sept. 23. He could rejoin the rotation sometime next month. Nola and Painter have both pitched well this spring, which are important developments. Nola is coming off the worst year of his career, and Painter is making his MLB debut on March 31.
BREWERS
Lineup ^
1. Brice Turang, 2B
2. William Contreras, C
3. Christian Yelich, DH
4. Andrew Vaughn, 1B
5. Jake Bauers, LF
6. Sal Frelick, RF
7. David Hamilton, 3B
8. Garrett Mitchell, CF
9. Joey Ortiz, SS
After the announcement early on Thursday that Jackson Chourio would miss time with a fractured left hand, the Brewers will have to shuffle the deck for their opener against the White Sox.
Rotation
1. Jacob Misiorowski, RHP
2. Chad Patrick, RHP
3. Brandon Sproat, RHP
4. Kyle Harrison, LHP
5. Brandon Woodruff, RHP
Woodruff is coming off a couple of injury-shortened seasons and ramping up cautiously, hence a position at the back of the rotation. Quinn Priester, a 2025 breakout, will begin '26 on the IL with a nerve issue. Overall, it's a very young group, with other prospects like Robert Gasser, Logan Henderson and Shane Drohan all likely to start games for Milwaukee this year.
CARDINALS
Lineup ^
1. JJ Wetherholt, 2B
2. Iván Herrera, DH
3. Alec Burleson, 1B
4. Masyn Winn, SS
5. Nolan Gorman, 3B
6. Jordan Walker, RF
7. Nathan Church, LF
8. Pedro Pagés, C
9. Victor Scott II, CF
Wetherholt, the Cards' top prospect and MLB's No. 5 overall, has officially made the team with Brendan Donovan traded. With Lars Nootbaar starting the season on the IL as he recovers from offseason, Wetherholt will be be leading off in his first big league game.
Rotation
1. Matthew Liberatore, LHP
2. Michael McGreevy, RHP
3. Dustin May, RHP
4. Kyle Leahy, RHP
5. Andre Pallante, RHP
The Cardinals' Opening Day rotation is set. Richard Fitts was a candidate, but he was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday. Leahy will be converting from a reliever to a starter.
CUBS
Lineup ^
1. Michael Busch, 1B
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
5. Nico Hoerner, 2B
6. Carson Kelly, C
7. Moisés Ballesteros, DH
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
9. Matt Shaw, RF
With Seiya Suzuki (right knee) missing Opening Day, Michael Confortoand utility man Shaw are the top options for right field. Shaw will fill a super-sub role for multiple spots in the infield and outfield. Miguel Amaya and Kelly are expected to split time behind the plate.
Rotation
1. Matthew Boyd, LHP
2. Cade Horton, RHP
3. Edward Cabrera, RHP
4. Shota Imanaga, LHP
5. Jameson Taillon, RHP
Imanaga took the ball on Opening Day a year ago, but that assignment will go to Boyd this year after the veteran's first career All-Star showing last year. Horton enjoyed a breakout rookie showing in ‘25. Cabrera joined the staff via trade this winter. Behind the five listed above, Chicago has depth in Colin Rea, Ben Brown and Javier Assad, with Justin Steele (left elbow) looking to return in the first half.
PIRATES
Lineup ^
1. Oneil Cruz, CF
2. Brandon Lowe, 2B
3. Bryan Reynolds, LF
4. Marcell Ozuna, DH
5. Ryan O'Hearn, RF
6. Jared Triolo, SS
7. Spencer Horwitz, 1B
8. Nick Gonzales, 3B
9. Henry Davis, C
Trading for Lowe and adding O'Hearn and Ozuna gives Pittsburgh three new sluggers for 2026. MLB's No. 1 overall prospect, Konnor Griffin, began the season in the Minors.
Rotation
1. Paul Skenes, RHP
2. Mitch Keller, RHP
3. Bubba Chandler, RHP
4. Braxton Ashcraft, RHP
5. José Urquidy, RHP
The Pirates could have one of the more exciting rotations in baseball this year, headlined by the reigning NL Cy Young winner Skenes and a top pitching prospect in Chandler (MLB's No. 11 overall). The newly signed Urquidy should help solidify the rotation until Jared Jones returns later in the year.
REDS
Lineup ^
1. TJ Friedl, CF
2. Matt McLain, 2B
3. Elly De La Cruz, SS
4. Sal Stewart, 1B
5. Eugenio Suárez, DH
6. Spencer Steer, LF
7. Tyler Stephenson, C
8. Noelvi Marte, RF
9. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B
Adding Suárez, who tied a career high with 49 homers last season, will provide lineup protection behind De La Cruz and Stewart and add more punch to an offense that was 21st in MLB last season with 167 homers. One drawback is Friedl is the only pure lefty hitter while De La Cruz switch-hits.
Rotation
1. Andrew Abbott, LHP
2. Nick Lodolo, LHP
3. Brady Singer, RHP
4. Rhett Lowder, RHP
5. Chase Burns, RHP
6. Brandon Williamson, LHP
With Hunter Greene (right elbow) opening on the IL, the Reds are opting -- at least in the short term -- to go with six starters in five spots. Lowder, Burns and Williamson will all somehow pitch on an every fifth day basis, but one of those will come out of the bullpen in a sort-of tandem starter situation depending on the matchups. None of them will be used out of the bullpen when the top three starters are going.
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
D-BACKS
Lineup ^
1. Ketel Marte, 2B
2. Corbin Carroll, RF
3. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
4. Gabriel Moreno, C
5. Pavin Smith, DH
6. Nolan Arenado, 3B
7. Carlos Santana, 1B
8. Alek Thomas, CF
9. Jordan Lawlar, LF
Manager Torey Lovullo has said the order of the top three could change throughout the year, but not the contents. Those are his three guys to set the tone. Lawlar will be asked to hold down the nine-spot that Perdomo manned for much of the last three years, serving as a second table-setter for the top of the order to give the D-backs some extra spark the second time through.
Rotation
1. Zac Gallen, RHP
2. Ryne Nelson, RHP
3. Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP
4. Michael Soroka, RHP
5. Brandon Pfaadt, RHP
The rotation appears set after the D-backs brought back Gallen for 2026. The team expects to get right-hander Corbin Burnes back from Tommy John surgery around the All-Star break, while right-hander Merrill Kelly will be ready to join the starting five sometime after Arizona’s first homestand.
DODGERS
Lineup ^
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
2. Kyle Tucker, RF
3. Mookie Betts, SS
4. Freddie Freeman, 1B
5. Will Smith, C
6. Max Muncy, 3B
7. Teoscar Hernández, LF
8. Andy Pages, CF
9. Miguel Rojas, 2B
Tucker's addition brings another big bat to the top third. The fact that Pages, who hit 27 homers last year, is hitting in the bottom third is a testament to the length of this lineup. Rojas is more likely to play against left-handers in the regular season, but given his World Series heroics and that this is his last season before retirement, he's earned the start on Opening Day.
Rotation
1. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, RHP
2. Emmet Sheehan, RHP
3. Tyler Glasnow, RHP
4. Roki Sasaki, RHP
5. Shohei Ohtani, RHP
Given their early off-days, the Dodgers can get through the first couple weeks of the season with a five-man rotation, but they are still carrying a sixth starter on the Opening Day roster, Justin Wrobleski. Wrobleski will be a long reliever the first two or so turns through the rotation, after which he will shift to starting.
GIANTS
Lineup ^
1. Luis Arraez, 2B
2. Matt Chapman, 3B
3. Rafael Devers, DH
4. Willy Adames, SS
5. Jung Hoo Lee, RF
6. Heliot Ramos, LF
7. Casey Schmitt, 1B
8. Patrick Bailey, C
9. Harrison Bader, CF
Here's how the Giants lined up on Opening Night against the Yankees, who prevailed, 7-0, on Wednesday. The arrival of Arraez -- the game’s best contact hitter -- should help offset some of the swing-and-miss tendencies from sluggers like Devers, Adames and Chapman, giving the Giants’ lineup a much-needed dimension heading into 2026.
Rotation
1. Logan Webb, RHP
2. Robbie Ray, LHP
3. Tyler Mahle, RHP
4. Adrian Houser, RHP
5. Landen Roupp, RHP
The Giants are projected to have a pair of All-Stars leading their rotation in Webb and Ray, though they’ll need Mahle and Roupp to stay healthy and Houser to build on his resurgent 2025 campaign to ensure they receive consistent production from their starting staff.
PADRES
Lineup ^
1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
2. Xander Bogaerts, SS
3. Manny Machado, 3B
4. Jackson Merrill, CF
5. Miguel Andujar, DH
6. Gavin Sheets, 1B
7. Ramón Laureano, LF
8. Freddy Fermin, C
9. Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Sheets will get regular starts at first base against right-handed pitching. But the Padres, who struggled against lefties last season, have the privilege of facing two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal on Opening Day. Andujar and Nick Castellanos enter the mix as righty bats with a chance to help balance the offense.
Rotation
1. Nick Pivetta, RHP
2. Michael King, RHP
3. Randy Vásquez, RHP
4. Germán Márquez, RHP
5. Walker Buehler, RHP
Joe Musgrove will miss the start of the regular season as he builds his way back from Tommy John surgery, though his return likely isn’t too far off. Same holds true for new signing Griffin Canning, who tore his left Achilles last June. With those absences, Márquez and Buehler won spots at the back end of the rotation.
ROCKIES
Lineup ^
1. Jake McCarthy, LF
2. Hunter Goodman, C
3. Willi Castro, 2B
4. Ezequiel Tovar, SS
5. TJ Rumfield, 1B
6. Jordan Beck, RF
7. Brenton Doyle, CF
8. Edouard Julien, DH
9. Kyle Karros, 3B
Rumfield arrived in a trade with the Yankees and showed power and patience all spring, and Karros showed an advanced approach throughout camp. Both are young players who improve the lineup. The addition of McCarthy gives manager Warren Schaeffer speed at the top.
Rotation
1. Kyle Freeland, LHP
2. Michael Lorenzen, RHP
3. Jose Quintana, LHP
4. Tomoyuki Sugano, RHP
5. Ryan Feltner, RHP
The Rockies spent the days leading up to camp surrounding Freeland with experience. At the end of the Cactus League schedule, the Rockies decided Feltner's experience put him ahead of talented RHP Chase Dollander, who begins in long relief.