Every team's projected Opening Day lineup and rotation

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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 come Opening Day.

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

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

BLUE JAYS

Lineup
1. , DH
2. , RF
3. , 1B
4. , C
5. , CF
6. , LF
7. , 3B
8. , 2B
9. , 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, with Santander perhaps the biggest variable of all.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. Cody Ponce, RHP

Until something changes, we have to project José Berríos for the No. 6 spot, given that the top four are locked in and Ponce was signed to be a starter. It’s an uncomfortable conversation that will stretch through spring, but regardless of how this shakes out, the Blue Jays are loaded.

ORIOLES

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

Manager Craig Albernaz has several options to bat leadoff, but putting Ward atop the order would help avoid any left-handed pockets in the lineup. Lefty-hitting corner outfielder (MLB Pipeline’s No. 69 overall prospect) should get plenty of playing time as well.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

If Eflin (back surgery) begins the year on the injured list, a spot could be opened for either right-hander or left-hander . Because of Wells’ past relief experience, he’s the starter most likely to be moved to the bullpen to open the season.

RAYS

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

The top four could be a strength with Simpson’s speed, the all-around production that Díaz and Aranda provide and Caminero’s extraordinary power. It gets a little thin (and extremely left-handed) after that, but manager Kevin Cash could create advantageous matchups with right-handed outfielders , and and infielder and catcher .

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP

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 will form a nasty one-two punch. The reported Martinez addition solidifies the final spot and gives the Rays a comfortable amount of depth.

RED SOX

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

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. will play against all lefties. Mayer is likely to sit against most lefties, at least to start the season.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

Thanks to an aggressive offseason by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, this is the most talented rotation the Red Sox have had in years. There is competition for the fifth slot, with newcomer Oviedo the front-runner in a competition that will also include two veterans ( and ) and two top lefty prospects and ).

YANKEES

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

re-signed in early February, setting up a potential first-base platoon with Rice. could also be in line to play third base against most left-handed starters.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP

is due to return from left elbow surgery in late April or early May, while 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. , LF
2. , RF
3. José Ramírez, 3B
4. , 1B
5. , C
6. , SS
7. , CF
8. , DH
9. , 2B

Manager Stephen Vogt could stack his Opening Day lineup with lefties against the Mariners, whose rotation is full of right-handers. could be an option at DH or right field to balance things a bit more. In this projection, would be opening the season with Triple-A Columbus -- though he will be heavily in the mix for Cleveland’s Opening Day roster. He would be a prime candidate to bat second and play right field or DH if he makes the team out of camp.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP

The Opening Day starter assignment will come down to Bibee and Williams, who emerged as a force atop the rotation in 2025. Allen or Cantillo could slot in third to break up the string of righties. (who had a strong first stint in the Majors last year, but has Minor League options remaining) will also compete for a rotation spot.

ROYALS

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

Facing lefty Chris Sale on Opening Day is not an easy assignment, especially with a lot of left-handed batters on the roster. That’s the reason we’re predicting Thomas, a right-hander who hits lefties well, to be in there instead of lefty batter . We’ve kept Jensen, another lefty, in there, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see a right-hander slot in at DH. Isbel’s defense in center will be nice to have, despite the other left-on-left matchup against Sale.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , LHP

Assuming health, these are the five best starters on the Royals’ roster, and it remains likely Ragans gets the nod for Opening Day once again. Kansas City will have a lot of starters in camp, though, so there will be some competition among , , and others.

TIGERS

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

Carpenter showed his ability to hit lefties last year, but he and Meadows could find themselves in an outfield timeshare with Vierling, and possibly as manager A.J. Hinch tries to accommodate Vierling’s return from injury. Vierling could split time with .

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

After the Valdez signing, and are bumped to depth starters or possible bullpen arms. If Olson looks rusty following last summer’s season-ending shoulder strain, Anderson or Melton could slide into the fifth spot.

TWINS

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

Until we see Derek Shelton’s first lineup card, this is a guess on the order. But the names are probably pretty close. and will be candidates for playing time on the corners, will get plenty of time at DH, first, and catcher, and will play all over the place.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

If everyone’s healthy, the Twins have more starters than spots. , and will all compete for spots, and they’ll be taken seriously. With a wide-open bullpen, probably at least one of the runners-up will transition to pitching in relief.

WHITE SOX

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

Murakami will have his first big league camp interrupted by competition for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, but he arrived with pitchers and catchers to get an early start. could be the center fielder on Opening Day, while manager Will Venable will rotate players through the designated hitter spot.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3 , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP

Smith is the early top candidate for Opening Day starter, which would put the All-Star against his former team in Milwaukee. Newcomb could end up as a solid bullpen force, but will stretch out as a starter, as will right-hander . Keep a close watch on left-handers and , the team’s top two pitching prospects.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

ANGELS

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

The Angels still need to work out how they’ll look in the outfield defensively, where will also see action. Moore still needs to earn the job at second base.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

Rodriguez and Manoah didn’t pitch in the Majors in 2025 due to injury while Detmers pitched in relief, so they’ll have to count on other internal options like , , and .

ASTROS

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

The lineup gets deeper if they can find a way for to get some at-bats, though the pull-power slugger could still get traded. He was on pace to push 40 homers last year before a hamstring injury cost him two months.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
6. , RHP

The Astros are likely to use a six-man rotation early in the season, and there’s plenty of competition for the final few spots, including McCullers, Arrighetti, , , and .

ATHLETICS

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

The A’s are set with established starters at every position outside of third base, which could see Muncy, and all factor in until one of those three seizes the everyday role. and could also see matchup-based opportunities in the outfield.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP

The A’s are still looking to add another veteran starter. If successful in that pursuit, Ginn, who enters spring as the current favorite to land the fifth starter job, would likely shift to a bullpen role.

MARINERS

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

There are a lot of names here, but that’s due to platoons at right field and designated hitter, as well as the position battle between two of the club’s recent first-round Draft picks: Young (2022) and Emerson (2023). Young, who debuted last year, has the leg up on the second-base gig, but Emerson, MLB Pipeline’s No. 9 overall prospect, will be given every chance to make the team. That tandem comprises their long-term infield, and Donovan, who was just acquired from St. Louis, will be its bridge, and he’s expected to play all over.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

Keeping this group as healthy as possible could be the difference of whether the Mariners run away with the division. Gilbert, Kirby and Miller were each on the IL for significant stretches in 2025, and Woo missed a full month leading into the playoffs. The depth behind them, at least on paper, isn’t as strong entering camp. That said, at its ceiling, the rotation could be among the sport’s best.

RANGERS

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

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 question remains if Carter can hit left-handers well enough to remain in the lineup every day.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

The final spot in the rotation likely comes down to Rocker and . 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. , RF
2. , DH
3. , 1B
4. , 3B
5. Drake Baldwin, C
6. , 2B
7. , CF
8. , LF
9. , SS

With the Royals expected to start the left-handed Ragans, will likely be available off the bench in the season opener.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

López is returning from shoulder surgery and Holmes’ elbow has structural concerns. The rotation’s depth could be tested immediately.

MARLINS

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

At least half of the Marlins' projected lineup should start on a regular basis regardless of the opposing pitcher's arm side. But Miami isn't afraid to platoon, and that’s likely to happen at the DH spot and perhaps even at third base between Norby and .

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP

Alcantara and Pérez are locks, while Meyer and Garrett appear to be all-go this spring returning from surgery. Paddack, who reportedly reached a one-year agreement on a MLB deal, likely has the edge over fellow righties Janson Junk, Adam Mazur, Ryan Gusto and Bradley Blalock.

METS

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

While Carlos Mendoza’s batting order will remain an open question all spring, the real uncertainties here lie with the personnel in left field, first base and at DH. The Mets hope No. 2 prospect will push to make the team as the starting left fielder. Baty could play that position as well, or first base, while Polanco can man either first or DH.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , LHP
6. , RHP

The Mets haven’t been shy about using a six-man rotation in the past, particularly early in the season, though it likely only makes sense here if Senga makes the team. Others who will compete for jobs in camp include , and .

NATIONALS

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

The 6-foot-7 Wood drives the Nationals' offense with his dominant power. There also is a solid option of him batting leadoff. The Nats will have to determine the best lineup around Wood while they take advantage of their athleticism on the basepaths.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP

The Nationals' starting rotation is in flux after they traded ace Gore to the Rangers last month. There will be a competition in camp with multiple pitchers vying for the fifth spot, including , and . Another factor that could impact the rotation is if is cleared to return from Tommy John surgery.

PHILLIES

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

Manager Rob Thomson said this offseason that he has considered some tweaks to the batting order for 2026. That could mean flipping Harper and Schwarber to give the former a bit more lineup protection. As for the rest of the lineup, the Phillies figure to deploy Marsh against right-handed pitchers, and a right-handed hitter -- perhaps -- against lefties.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

has been doing well in his rehab from thoracic outlet decompression surgery on Sept. 23, but he's not expected to be ready by Opening Day. With the Phillies likely to be extra cautious, it’s possible that both Walker and Painter will begin the season in the rotation. It could be an opportunity for Painter to secure a permanent spot moving forward.

BREWERS

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

Manager Pat Murphy toyed with the idea of batting Yelich leadoff late last season, and Chourio, Turang and Frelick also made many starts in the top spot. However the hitters are ordered, this is mostly the same group that ranked second in the Majors last season in on-base percentage and third in runs scored.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP

Woodruff is the Brewers’ only rotation candidate with two-plus years of Major League service, but there’s a ton of upside for the likes of Misiorowski and other prospects like , and newly acquired , and Harrison. They’ll all start games for Milwaukee this year.

CARDINALS

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

Wetherholt, the Cards' top prospect and MLB's No. 5 overall, is primed to win a starting job with Brendan Donovan traded. If Nootbaar starts the season on the IL as he recovers from offseason heel surgeries, you could see someone like Winn in the leadoff spot and or in the lineup.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

St. Louis has about seven options for the starting rotation. Right-handers and , acquired from the Red Sox in the Gray and Contreras trades, respectively, are both in the mix for starting spots along with Leahy, who'll have a chance to convert from a reliever to a starter.

CUBS

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

The arrival of Bregman pushes into a super-sub role for multiple infield spots, the outfield and possible time as a DH. and Kelly will split time behind the plate, with Ballesteros offering a third option there. is likely to get at-bats vs. lefties at first base.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP

Imanaga took the ball on Opening Day a year ago, but that assignment is up for grabs. Horton has the potential to lead the staff after his breakout rookie showing in ‘25. Cabrera joined the staff via trade this winter. Behind these five, Chicago has depth in , , and , with (left elbow) looking to return in the first half.

PIRATES

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

Trading for Lowe and adding O'Hearn and Ozuna gives Pittsburgh three new sluggers for 2026. Fun question: Does MLB's No. 1 overall prospect, , have a shot to make the Opening Day roster?

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , 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 returns later in the year.

REDS

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

Adding Suárez, who tied a career high with 49 homers last season, will provide lineup protection behind De La Cruz 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. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

Only Singer did not spend time on the injured list last season but if healthy, the front four should be strong enough to make the Reds contenders again. The fifth spot will be a tight battle among Lowder, , and .

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

D-BACKS

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

The first four in the lineup are the way Torey Lovullo wrote out the lineup card for much of September last year. The DH position is still up for grabs during Spring Training and will get his fair share of starts at first against right-handed pitching in place of Santana.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , LHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

The rotation, if not the specific order, appears set heading into camp. The team expects to get right-hander back from Tommy John surgery around the All-Star Break. Arizona does have some depth at the top levels of the system in pitching thanks in part to last year’s Deadline deal that sent Kelly to the Rangers.

DODGERS

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

The Dodgers are still deciding where to insert Tucker, but it wouldn't be surprising if he batted as high as second. His addition significantly lengthens the lineup, down to Rojas, who would likely be part of the mix at second base if (right ankle surgery) begins the season on the IL.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP
6. , RHP

The biggest question mark is whether Snell will be fully ramped up in time for Opening Day. If not, then perhaps or would take his spot in the season-opening rotation. Even if Snell misses time, this has the potential to be one of the best rotations in franchise history.

GIANTS

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

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

Expect something resembling a platoon between newcomers and Andujar. But the Padres have the privilege of facing two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal on Opening Day. After struggling against lefties for much of last season, Andujar (who has always mashed lefties) gets an immediate chance to flip that narrative.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , LHP

In every offseason from 2022-25, the Padres added a starter to their rotation after the start of camp -- Sean Manaea, Michael Wacha, Dylan Cease and Pivetta, respectively. Once again, they’ll be active in their search for more starting pitching this spring.

ROCKIES

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

Goodman, Tovar and Beck are most likely daily presences in their positions; otherwise, the Rockies plan a multipositional roster with left-right options. The hope is that prospects and inexperienced players who were force-fed into the lineup last season will either earn their starts and playing time or continue their development in the Minors.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

Lorenzen joins Freeland to increase the experience level, Feltner could improve the group if healthy and Dollander has first-round pedigree. But experience and depth are still problems. Right-handers and debuted last season, and non-roster righty will compete. and are prospects that can show in camp how close they are to being ready.