With the late-blooming nature of this winter's Hot Stove season, 2018 rosters are still taking shape around Major League Baseball. A number of top free agents remain available and other big names could be on the move via trades.
But Spring Training is just over a month away, and it's never too early to begin thinking about how next season's lineups will shake out. MLB.com's beat reporters did just that, assembling their projections for 2018, if the season began today:
Angels: The Angels bolstered their lineup in a big way by landing two-way Japanese star Shohei Ohtani and also acquiring infielders Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart. It's not yet clear how the Angels will deploy Ohtani as a designated hitter, a decision that will also impact veteran slugger Jose Pujols' at-bats. More >
Astros: One of last season's most potent offenses returns intact as the Astros look to repeat as champions. Houston's most pressing questions are in left field with utility man Marwin Gonzalez likely to move around the diamond, potentially opening up opportunities for sophomore Derek Fisher. More >
Athletics: This year's A's lineup features a power-hitting trio of Khris Davis, Matt Olson and Matt Chapman that could one day be among the best in baseball, but Oakland's starting nine will need to do more than just hit home runs to maintain consistency in 2018. More >
Blue Jays: Toronto's lineup won't look drastically different from last season's -- beyond the absence of Jose Bautista, who is a free agent -- but major questions remain, particularly at the corner-outfield positions. Josh Donaldson's long-term future also looms large over the club. More >
Braves: Atlanta's offense lost Matt Kemp, who was dealt to the Dodgers last month, but could soon see a boost by an early-season promotion of Ronald Acuna, MLB Pipeline's No. 6 overall prospect. Freddie Freeman still anchors the Braves' lineup, as he is now recovered from the fractured left wrist that ended his 2017 campaign. More >
Brewers: Craig Counsell is known for mixing up his lineups on a daily basis, and this year's Brewers squad provides a balanced roster with which he can do so. The club still could make a move to add a second baseman, but for now, Milwaukee will likely deploy a platoon of Eric Sogard and Jonathan Villar at the position. More >
Cardinals:Marcell Ozuna was the Cardinals' biggest acquisition this winter, adding the impact bat the club has been seeking. St. Louis may not be done, however, with another dip into the free-agent market to bolster its lineup still a possibility. More >
Cubs: Chicago is expected to use a similar lineup from last season in 2018. The Cubs' depth remains a strength with versatile players like Javier Baez and Ian Happ slated to begin the year on the bench. Manager Joe Maddon will likely look for ways to get Baez involved as much as possible. More >
D-backs: The D-backs lost a major piece of their lineup in J.D. Martinez, who is expected to sign elsewhere, but still boast considerable power. Arizona could add to its outfield, perhaps using its surplus of middle infielders in a trade. More >
Dodgers: The Dodgers have focused on complementary additions to a lineup that came within one win of a championship last season. That could change, however, should Los Angeles pursue free agent Lorenzo Cain or acquire Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen. More >
Giants: The Giants filled their need at third base by acquiring Evan Longoria from the Rays, but still have a need for a center fielder/leadoff hitter and a corner outfielder. A lot will be riding on first baseman Brandon Belt, whom the Giants hope can stay healthy in 2018. More >
Indians: The Indians lost Carlos Santana to free agency, but filled the void at first base with Yonder Alonso, who is coming off a career year. Cleveland retains much of its balanced lineup, but Michael Brantley's availability for Opening Day is unclear after undergoing right ankle surgery in October. More >
Mariners: The Mariners addressed two of their biggest needs, trading for A's slugger Ryon Healy and Marlins speedster Dee Gordon early in the offseason. Gordon will move from second base to center field and provides an exciting 1-2 punch with Jean Segura as speed threats. More >
Marlins: Miami's lineup underwent a significant overhaul as the team moved three of its top offensive performers from last season in Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna and Dee Gordon. The rebuilding Marlins now have a lineup built around speed and athleticism with a number of young prospects likely to see considerable time as they break into the big leagues. More >
Mets: The Mets could still make some moves on the free-agent and trade markets, but for now, their projected lineup is headlined by young talent, minus Michael Conforto, who is doubtful for Opening Day after left shoulder surgery. Nearly half of New York's at-bats are slated to go to rookie or second-year players. More >
Nationals: The names within Washington's lineup are largely unchanged, but the order could be with Dave Martinez taking over as skipper. The Nats will again deploy one of MLB's most dangerous and deep offenses. The only apparent question mark is at catcher, a position Washington could look to upgrade before the season begins. More >
Orioles: The Orioles' lineup won't feature many major changes in 2018. The club is still in the market for an additional left-handed bat, but the only major shakeups to this power-heavy lineup would be if Manny Machado changes positions or is traded before the season. More >
Padres: The Padres addressed their need for a shortstop by trading for Freddy Galvis. They're also in the running to add Eric Hosmer to a lineup that already isn't lacking for power. More >
Phillies: The Phillies' offense could be primed for major improvements in 2018 with the addition of Carlos Santana and the emergence of Rhys Hoskins. What Philadelphia's starting nine lack in experience, they make up for it in potential. More >
Pirates: The Pirates have been the frequent subject of trade rumors this winter, but they've yet to make a major move. That could change between now and Spring Training if Andrew McCutchen or Josh Harrison are dealt, but for now, this season's lineup will look familiar from 2017. More >
Rangers: The Texas lineup will likely resemble how the club ended the 2017 campaign, but decisions remain at a number of spots, including at which position Joey Gallo sees the bulk of his time. The Rangers have also been linked to free-agent center fielder Lorenzo Cain, who if signed, would significantly shake up the lineup. More >
Rays: The Rays' starting nine remain in flux heading into Spring Training. Gone is long-time third baseman Evan Longoria, who was traded to the Giants last month, and others could be dealt before the season begins. The Rays' lineup will be one to keep an eye on this spring. More >
Red Sox: Boston brings back all nine members of its 2017 starting lineup, and are still in the mix to add free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez. There are uncertainties at second base, however, where the Red Sox will be without Dustin Pedroia, who is recovering from left knee surgery. More >
Reds:Jose Peraza will replace the departed Zack Cozart at shortstop for the Reds, but Cincinnati's lineup is otherwise unchanged, headlined by star Joey Votto. The club has entertained trade offers for Billy Hamilton and Adam Duvall, but it's unclear if it will find a match. More >
Rockies: The Rockies won't lack for power with Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado playing at the hitter-friendly Coors Field, but could be in the market to add one more big bat to their lineup with Carlos Gonzalez and Mark Reynolds testing free agency. More >
Royals: The Royals' lineup is far from set with the roster still likely to see changes between now and Spring Training. Eric Hosmer is a free agent, and if he opts to sign elsewhere, Kansas City could deal other veterans to restock its farm system. More >
Tigers: The Tigers' lineup hinges on the health of star Jose Cabrera. Detroit will also need to make up for the loss of Ian Kinsler in the leadoff spot, a role Leonys Martin or Michael Mahtook could fill in 2018. More >
Twins: The 2018 Twins will look a lot like the 2017 Twins, deploying a lineup with a balanced blend of speed and power. They still could look to add a full-time designated hitter, and one name that's surfaced in rumors is Mike Napoli. More >
White Sox: Catcher Welington Castillo represents the only major addition to Chicago's lineup this offseason. Questions remain regarding the futures of Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia, however, as both have been the subject of trade rumors. More >
Yankees: The Yankees made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason, acquiring National League Most Valuable Player Award winner Giancarlo Stanton in a trade with the Marlins. New York paced the Majors with 241 home runs last season, and now adds Stanton, who clubbed 59 homers on his own in 2017, to its already potent lineup. More >