Opening Day lineups and rotations for every team

March 27th, 2026

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. , DH
2. , LF
3. , 1B
4. , RF
5. , C
6. , CF
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, especially with Anthony Santander expected to miss most of the season following shoulder surgery.

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

Toronto will need to lean on its rotation depth early in the year. That group was already weathering the absence of (forearm fatigue) and (stress fracture in right elbow), but now they are also without rookie phenom (right shoulder impingement).

ORIOLES

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

(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. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , 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. , DH
2. , LF
3. , 1B
4. , 3B
5. , 2B
6. , RF
7. , C
8. , CF
9. , 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 , and . Williams will be the team's regular shortstop while (right oblique strain) is on the IL.

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

YANKEES

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

Manager Stephen Vogt stacked his Opening Day lineup with five lefties and two switch-hitters against Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , 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. , 3B
2. , SS
3. , CF
4. , C
5. , 1B
6. , RF
7. , 2B
8. , LF
9. , 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 and Marte in right field for .

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , 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 in the bullpen as a long reliever. In Triple-A, the depth is solid with leading the group there.

TIGERS

Lineup ^

1. , RF
2. , 2B
3. , DH
4. , LF
5. , 1B
6. , 3B
7. , C
8. , CF
9. , 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. , LHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , 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. is well-positioned to be the insurance starter or occasional sixth starter, particularly while remains sidelined until the end of May with elbow inflammation.

TWINS

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

will also play a good bit at all three outfield spots, Caratini will play regularly at catcher, first and DH and will play all over the place.

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

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

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

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

With the Royals starting 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. , LHP

(left oblique strain) (right elbow surgery), (right elbow surgery) and (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. , RF
2. , C
3. , CF
4. , SS
5. , 1B
6. , LF
7. , 2B
8. , DH
9. , 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. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

Junk won the final spot over left-hander Braxton Garrett, who was returning from a second elbow surgery.

METS

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

A player notably not in this lineup is , 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 to see time at second and first base this season.

Rotation
1. , RHP
2. , LHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , 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. will be a long reliever out of the bullpen.

PHILLIES

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

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

After the announcement early on Thursday that 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. , RHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , RHP

Woodruff is coming off a couple of injury-shortened seasons and ramping up cautiously, hence a position at the back of the rotation. , 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. , 2B
2. Iván Herrera, DH
3. , 1B
4. , SS
5. , 3B
6. , RF
7. , LF
8. , C
9. , CF

Wetherholt, the Cards' top prospect and MLB's No. 5 overall, has officially made the team with Brendan Donovan traded. With 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. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , RHP
5. , RHP

The Cardinals' Opening Day rotation is set. 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. , 1B
2. , 3B
3. , LF
4. , CF
5. , 2B
6. , C
7. , DH
8. , SS
9. , RF

With (right knee) missing Opening Day, and 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. and Kelly are expected to split time behind the plate.

Rotation
1. , LHP
2. , RHP
3. , RHP
4. , LHP
5. , 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 , and , with Justin Steele (left elbow) looking to return in the first half.

PIRATES

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

Trading for Lowe and adding O'Hearn and Ozuna gives Pittsburgh three new sluggers for 2026. MLB's No. 1 overall prospect, , began the season in the Minors.

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

The rotation appears set after the D-backs brought back Gallen for 2026. The team expects to get right-hander back from Tommy John surgery around the All-Star break, while right-hander will be ready to join the starting five sometime after Arizona’s first homestand.

DODGERS

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

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