Every team's projected 2025 Opening Day lineup, rotation

2:00 AM UTC

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is upon us at long last.

With help from MLB.com's 30 beat writers, here's how each team's lineup and rotation figures to stack up come Opening Day.

Jump to: AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

BLUE JAYS

Lineup
1. , SS
2. , 1B
3. , RF
4. , LF
5. , 2B
6. , C
7. , DH
8. , 3B
9. , CF

had a shot to win some reps in center but he was optioned on March 21, which leaves the door open for someone like Lukes. Wagner could mix in at multiple positions, and No. 5 prospect Alan Roden made a fantastic impression in camp, but the top six of the Blue Jays' lineup feels fairly set for now.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

This is a fine-looking group, especially with ready to step in when needed, and Scherzer's signing adds a fascinating dynamic to a group that was already leaning on savvy veterans. -- Keegan Matheson

ORIOLES

Lineup
1. , LF
2. , C
3. , 2B
4. , DH
5. , RF
6. , 1B
7. , CF
8. Ramón Urías, 3B
9. , SS

(mild right intercostal strain) hasn't played in a Grapefruit League game since Feb. 27, and the 23-year-old will begin the season on the injured list. Henderson did take live batting practice on Saturday, and the team hopes that a short injured list stay now means the injury won't linger very long during the season.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP
CL: , RHP

will open the season on the injured list due to inflammation near the back of his right elbow. is headed for the bullpen because of a strong spring performance by Povich, who will start the home opener and gives the O's a lefty in their rotation. Recent free-agent signee will need to be built up before eventually joining the staff. -- Jake Rill

RAYS

Lineup
1. , DH
2. , 2B
3. , 3B
4. , RF
5. , LF
6. , 1B
7. , C
8. , SS
9. , CF

This lineup looks a lot like the one that the Rays finished last season with, aside from the addition of Jansen and DeLuca replacing Jose Siri in center field. Free-agent addition (right shoulder surgery) will start the season on the IL.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

The Rays entered the spring with six top starters competing for five spots, but nerve irritation in Shane McClanahan's left triceps took him out of contention. The timetable for his return is uncertain. -- Adam Berry

RED SOX

Lineup
1. , LF
2. , DH
3. , 3B
4. , 1B
5. , SS
6. , RF
7. , C
8. , 2B
9. , CF

With Bregman’s big right-handed bat added to the mix, Devers is expected to DH most of the time. Boston’s lineup looks loaded. The only question remaining is who will play second base.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP
CL: , LHP

Blossoming ace Crochet (acquired through trade) and veteran Buehler should help the rotation take a big leap, though injuries to , and will test Boston's depth out of the gate. -- Ian Browne

YANKEES

Lineup
1. , C
2. , RF
3. , CF
4. , 1B
5. , 2B
6. , SS
7. , LF
8. , DH
9. , 3B

The Yankees have played more than 18,000 games in their history, and they've never had a catcher bat leadoff. That could change this coming season, as manager Aaron Boone said he is seriously entertaining Wells as a table-setter, citing his on-base potential.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

The Bombers' pitching depth has been slammed this spring, with out for the 2025 season because of Tommy John surgery and AL Rookie of the Year lost for at least three months to a right lat strain. Good thing they signed Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal as part of their post-Juan Soto pivot. -- Bryan Hoch

AL CENTRAL

GUARDIANS

Lineup
1. , LF
2. José Ramírez, 3B
3. , CF
4. , 1B
5. , RF
6. , DH
7. Gabriel Arias, 2B
8. , C
9. , SS

Arias and are set to receive the bulk of the reps at second base to begin the season. Other Guardians second-base candidates this spring included (Cleveland's No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), who was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Friday, and Tyler Freeman, who was traded to the Rockies on Saturday for outfielder Nolan Jones. Jones hits left-handed but could be an option to start in right field on Opening Day against Royals southpaw Cole Ragans, who fared better against righties (.594 OPS) than lefties (.723) last season.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP
CL: , RHP

Bibee will make his first career Opening Day start, and Williams and Ortiz are set to follow as the probable starters for Games 2 and 3 in Kansas City. Allen won the fifth starter job after recording a 1.89 ERA in 19 innings over six games (three starts) during Cactus League play. -- Tim Stebbins

ROYALS

Lineup
1. , 3B
2. , SS
3. , DH
4. , C
5. , LF
6. , RF
7. , 2B
8. , 1B
9. , CF

Pasquantino is dealing with a Grade 1+ hamstring strain, but he remains optimistic that he will be ready for Opening Day -- although the Royals might have him DH as an extra precaution -- if the next few days go well with his rehab and baseball activity.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP
CL: , RHP

Manager Matt Quatraro has announced that Kris Bubic will open the season in the fifth spot of the rotation, while made the team as a reliever. Both were competing for a rotation spot, but the Royals are intrigued by what Bubic can do back in the rotation after stepping up in a high-leverage relief role last year, and Lynch will be a multi-inning option for the ‘pen to begin the year. -- Anne Rogers

TIGERS

Lineup
1. , CF
2. , 2B
3. , LF
4. , DH
5. , 3B
6. , 1B
7. , RF
8. , C
9. , SS

With out for Opening Day with a right rotator cuff muscle strain and sidelined with a nerve issue in his upper right arm, Detroit’s lineup becomes a little trickier at the top. The switch-hitting Pérez could see a jump in playing time in Vierling’s absence.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

's right hip inflammation takes him out of play for the start of the season, setting up a battle for the final two spots. -- Jason Beck

TWINS

Lineup
1. , RF
2. , SS
3. , CF
4. , LF
5. , C
6. , 3B
7. , DH
8. , 1B
9. , 2B

The injuries to Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee make things much more fluid than they had previously seemed, and several Twins players will play multiple positions, but this is the best estimate at the moment of what they'll use on March 27.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

Assuming everyone is healthy, this is a deep and talented group, with some talented youngsters waiting in the wings. -- Matthew Leach

WHITE SOX

Lineup
1. , RF
2. , CF
3. , DH
4. , 1B
5. , C
6. , 3B
7. , 2B
8. , LF
9. , SS

Benintendi (non-displaced right hand fracture) and Slater (oblique strain) returned to Cactus League action last week and are pretty close to being ready for Opening Day.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: TBD

Manager Will Venable has not named a closer and has expressed the idea of not naming a closer even when the season begins. It was believed that eventually would be part of the rotation. But the right-hander suffered offseason setbacks recovering from Sept. 7 surgery to shave down a bone spur in his right elbow and will now undergo Tommy John surgery. -- Scott Merkin

AL WEST

ANGELS

Lineup
1. , LF
2. , 1B
3. , RF
4. , DH
5. , C
6. , 3B
7. , 2B
8. , CF
9. , SS

It's still unclear if Moncada will be ready for Opening Day, as he's dealing with a bruised right thumb. If not, is expected to start at second base with Rengifo at third base. With Trout moving to right, the Angels will use a combination of Adell and in center. Shortstop Zach Neto will open the season on the injured list after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder in November.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

Kikuchi will start on Opening Day. Lefty Reid Detmers shifts to the bullpen after Kochanowicz claimed the No. 5 starter spot. -- Rhett Bollinger

ASTROS

Lineup
1. , LF
2. , 3B
3. , DH
4. , 1B
5. , C
6. , RF
7. , SS
8. , 2B
9. , CF

A few months ago, no one could have expected Altuve would begin the season in left field and top prospect Smith would be in right field, but the Astros desperately needed some offensive punch from the outfield and they hope to get it from two infielders.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , LHP

Valdez and Brown are an elite 1-2 combination at the top of the rotation, and Blanco and Arrighetti were workhorses last year, but there are some depth concerns with newcomer Wesneski penciled into the fifth spot. -- Brian McTaggart

ATHLETICS

Lineup
1. , RF
2. , DH
3. , CF
4. , C
5. , LF
6. , 1B
7. , 3B
8. , 2B
9. , SS

With Rooker now fully recovered from his right forearm injury, the DH spot will likely see somewhat of a rotation between Rooker, Andujar and .

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

Severino is set to take the mound on Opening Day, while Estes won the competition this spring for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. -- Martín Gallegos

MARINERS

Lineup
1. , RF
2. , CF
3. , C
4. , LF
5. , 1B
6. , 3B
7. , DH
8. , 2B
9. , SS

Tellez, who signed a Minors contract with an invite to Spring Training, has positioned himself to break camp with the team after a strong showing in Arizona.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

has been shut down with right shoulder inflammation and is likely to open the season on the injured list. This opens a spot for Hancock, who posted a 4.75 ERA in 12 starts last season. -- Daniel Kramer

RANGERS

Lineup
1. , 2B
2. , SS
3. , LF
4. , RF
5. , DH
6. , 3B
7. , 1B
8. , C
9. , CF

The Rangers' outfield spots are up for grabs, specifically the center-field spot between and a recently healthy . That being said, the club has flipped for Burger at first base and added a designated hitter in Pederson, giving the lineup some much-needed pop.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

Though the Rangers signed veteran southpaw Patrick Corbin to a one-year deal following the injuries of (elbow soreness) and (wrist fracture), it's still unclear if Corbin will be ready for a full workload come Opening Day. Corbin is not expected to report to Arizona and will join the club in Texas this week, opening the door for rookie pitchers and former Vanderbilt teammates Rocker and Leiter to get the final two rotation spots to start the year. -- Kennedi Landry

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

BRAVES

Lineup
1. , LF
2. , 3B
3. , 1B
4. , DH
5. , 2B
6. , CF
7. , C
8. , RF
9. , SS

Profar’s plate discipline will create many run-producing opportunities for the middle of the lineup, which will become even more formidable when returns in May.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. RHP
CL: , RHP

Last year’s preseason Cy Young Award favorite could return in late April to join a rotation that includes the eventual winner (Sale), and two of this year’s dark-horse Cy Young candidates (López and Schwellenbach). -- Mark Bowman

MARLINS

Lineup
1. , SS
2. , 3B
3. , 1B
4. , DH
5. , RF
6. , CF
7. , LF
8. , 2B
9. , C

Edwards is the indisputable leadoff batter. After him, Miami plans to utilize lefty/righty platoons or matchups against certain pitchers. With the right-handed flamethrower Paul Skenes on the mound and outfielder Jesús Sánchez injured, the Marlins could insert both left-handed corner-outfield bats Conine and Stowers into the lineup. Third baseman Connor Norby is also out, making way for one of Bride, Wagaman or Graham Pauley depending on how the Marlins want to construct their bench.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

Two spots in the rotation opened up after right-hander (blister) and left-hander (mild left forearm flexor strain) experienced setbacks late in Spring Training -- Christina De Nicola

METS

Lineup
1. , SS
2. , RF
3. , 1B
4. , 3B
5. , LF
6. , DH
7. , CF
8. , C
9. , 2B

The Opening Day lineup will look a little different than the Mets’ usual starting nine, since they’ll be facing a left-hander in Framber Valdez. Manager Carlos Mendoza has a choice in center field between Siri and .

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

With (right oblique strain) and (high-grade lat strain) sidelined to start the season, Canning and Peterson will fill the last two rotation spots. The odd man out wound up being , who will open the season in the bullpen. -- Anthony DiComo

NATIONALS

Lineup
1. , SS
2. , RF
3. , LF
4. , 1B
5. , DH
6. , 2B
7. , C
8. , 3B
9. , CF

The Nationals, who hit the fewest home runs in the NL last year, added offensive power this winter with Lowe and Bell to hit in the middle of the lineup behind a young top of the order that features Crews and Wood playing in their first full Major League seasons.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: ,RHP

The Nationals’ starting depth is deep this season. In the competition for the final spot in the starting rotation, Parker edged out fellow southpaws and . -- Jessica Camerato

PHILLIES

Lineup
1. , SS
2. , 1B
3. , 3B
4. , DH
5. , C
6. , LF
7. , RF
8. , 2B
9. , CF

Manager Rob Thomson is considering a change to the lineup. If Schwarber isn’t leading off, it’s going to be Turner. But Thomson has had both hit leadoff this spring so it’s not set in stone.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

No surprise that Wheeler will start Opening Day. But starting Luzardo in Game 2 and Sánchez in Game 4 splits up the two hard-throwing lefties. It also allows Sánchez to start the home opener. Walker will begin the season in the rotation in place of an injured . -- Todd Zolecki

NL CENTRAL

BREWERS

Lineup
1. , RF
2. , C
3. , LF
4. , 1B
5. , SS
6. , DH
7. , RF
8. , 3B
9. , 2B

The Brewers figure to see two lefties in the Opening Series in New York, but the lineup would look different against righties, with Turang at the top, in the outfield mix and at third base.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
CL: , RHP

You read that right, only three starters. won’t be ready for the first turn through the rotation, and that’s just the start of the challenges here. , and all went down with spring injuries, and and need more time to rehab from surgeries. Swingmen , and are candidates for spot starts, and rookie could also help hold things together until the Brewers can get a full rotation in order. -- Adam McCalvy

CARDINALS

Lineup
1. , LF
2. , 1B
3. , 2B
4. , 3B
5. , DH
6. , C
7. , RF
8. , CF
9. , SS

This lineup includes Burleson, who beat out and is one of the Cards' best pure hitters. Manager Oliver Marmol has debated using Nootbaar, Donovan, Scott and Winn in the leadoff spot, but he eventually settled on Nootbaar after Winn hit just .080 during Spring Training.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

The Cards are again right-handed heavy in their rotation, so Matz gets the nod over blossoming right-hander Michael McGreevy to open the season. St. Louis thinks it really found something in Pallante, a reliever-turned-starter who limited foes to three earned runs or fewer in 15 out of 20 starts last season. Can Mikolas and Matz bounce back after consecutive down years? -- John Denton

CUBS

Lineup
1. , LF
2. , RF
3. , DH
4. , 1B
5. , SS
6. , 2B
7. , CF
8. , 3B
9. , C

started both games of the Tokyo Series at second base while Hoerner continued to rehab from October forearm surgery back in Arizona, but manager Craig Counsell expects Hoerner to be ready to suit up for the domestic opener. Veteran will get some time at first base, too. Amaya and veteran catcher will have a timeshare behind the plate.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

With (left oblique) on the 15-day IL, the door is open for to claim a rotation job. is also an option. -- Jordan Bastian

PIRATES

Lineup
1. , DH
2. , RF
3. , CF
4. , C
5. , 3B
6. , 2B
7. , 1B
8. , LF
9. , SS

The Pirates are going to need production out of the bottom half of their lineup, but they should get a boost in the early portion of the season when returns.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

The Pirates may have the best mix of upside and depth in their starting rotation, especially with top 100 prospects and waiting in the wings. -- Alex Stumpf

REDS

Lineup
1. , CF
2. , 2B
3. , SS
4. , LF
5. 3B
6. , 1B
7. , DH
8. , RF
9. , C

With the oblique strain injury to catcher and middle-of-the-order hitter , Trevino slots into the bottom of the order. (right shoulder soreness) will start the year on the injured list.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: TBD

With and opening on the injured list, and potentially headed to the bullpen, Spiers earned the job with a strong spring. The closer role is up for grabs after was diagnosed with left hamstring inflammation. -- Mark Sheldon

NL WEST

D-BACKS

Lineup
1. , 2B
2. , RF
3. , LF
4. , 1B
5. , 3B
6. , DH
7. , C
8. , CF
9. , SS

Manager Torey Lovullo said he is going to be very flexible with his lineups in 2025. That said, look for Carroll to hit leadoff against righties with Marte second and the two to flip against lefties. Perdomo will likely be a fixture in the No. 9 spot.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: , LHP / , RHP

While Pfaadt won the final spot in the rotation, both and will also make the Opening Day roster as relievers. Whether Puk or Martinez close will depend on left-right matchups. -- Steve Gilbert

DODGERS

Lineup
1. , DH
2. , SS
3. , 1B
4. , RF
5. , C
6. Kiké Hernández, LF
7. , 3B
8. , 2B
9. , CF

Even with a couple of new faces in the mix, this lineup should not look very different from last year's starting nine, led by the Dodgers' three MVPs at the top.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , LHP

Snell and Sasaki are the high-profile additions to this deep group, which will stretch out to a six-man rotation once Ohtani's built up as a starting pitcher. During spring, May had been in competition with -- who hurt his back while lifting weights and will start the season on the IL -- for the fifth spot. -- Sonja Chen

GIANTS

Lineup
1. , 1B
2. , SS
3. , CF
4. , 3B
5. , LF
6. , C
7. , DH
8. , RF
9. , 2B

Adames should add some much-needed punch after joining the club on a seven-year, $182 million deal, but the Giants are also hoping to get a major boost from the return of Lee, who missed most of his rookie season after suffering a season-ending left shoulder injury last May.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP
CL: , RHP

After losing Blake Snell to the Dodgers, the Giants will be counting on two other former Cy Young winners -- Ray and Verlander -- to stay healthy and provide stability behind the ultra-durable Webb. -- Maria Guardado

PADRES

Lineup
1. , 1B
2. , RF
3. , CF
4. , 3B
5. , SS
6. , 2B
7. , DH
8. , LF
9. , C

and can be penciled into the lineup most nights (in left field and at DH, respectively). But facing Braves left-hander Chris Sale in the opener, the Padres would presumably turn to a pair of righty hitters instead.

Rotation/Closer
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

Injuries to and have left three starters vying for the final two spots in the San Diego rotation. It's been a tight race all spring among Hart, Vásquez and . -- AJ Cassavell

ROCKIES

Lineup
1. , CF
2. , SS
3. , 3B
4. , DH
5. , 1B
6. , 2B
7. , RF
8. , LF
9. , C

To correct an offense that has been startlingly poor considering that Coors Field is home, the Rockies need the top of the lineup to provide patience and speed, Bryant to provide a semblance of what he did in the past with the Cubs, and younger players throughout to continue their growth.

Rotation/Closer
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
CL: , RHP

Freeland, Márquez and Senzatela have started postseason games for this club, but they and others must regain health and production or else a group of prospects -- led by righty , MLB's No. 25 prospect -- will usher in the next attempt for the Rockies to build a rotation that can sustain winning. -- Thomas Harding