Projected Opening Day lineups and rotations for every team

12:43 AM UTC

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, especially with Anthony Santander expected to miss most of the season following shoulder surgery.

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

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

With Bassitt signing a one-year deal on Feb. 13, the Orioles have six starters for five spots (unless they decide to go with a six-man rotation, which remains a possibility). Eflin, who underwent back surgery last August, will finish the spring having made only three Grapefruit League starts, so it's possible he could begin the season on the IL.

RAYS

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

The Rays should have three of the best hitters in baseball atop 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, so the Opening Day group should include right-handed-hitting options like Williamson, DeLuca and Fortes (and potentially ) against Cardinals southpaw Matthew Liberatore rather than lefty-hitting starters , and .

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. Martinez and Pepiot will be expected to contribute more significant workloads while the Rays ease McClanahan back into action, guide Matz back into a starting role and continue to monitor Rasmussen.

RED SOX

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

Manager Stephen Vogt could stack his Opening Day lineup with lefties against the Mariners, whose rotation is full of right-handers. The Guardians' skipper also noted that Kwan will see time in center this spring, so it wouldn't be a surprise if that winds up being the case on Opening Day. Hoskins signed a Minor League deal, but it would be shocking if he didn’t make the roster. That could push CJ Kayfus to Triple-A Columbus to begin the season, given Hoskins’ presence in the first-base mix along with the crowded outfield picture.

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 Ragans will start his third consecutive Opening Day, with the rest of the order not yet set. Kansas City had a lot of starters in camp, but the competition has narrowed with 's oblique injury and being optioned to Triple-A. The Royals still must decide how best to use on their pitching staff.

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 and Verlander signings, and are bumped to depth starters or possible bullpen arms. Reese Olson will miss the 2026 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery.

TWINS

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

Manager Derek Shelton is starting to show a few preferences in his lineup, but we really don’t know for sure until the games start counting. 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

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
2. , RF
3. , SS
4. , 1B
5. , 3B
6. , LF
7. , DH
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. Benintendi also will see time at designated hitter.

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

Trout said he prefers to play center this year after an experiment in right last season, so he'll be back at his former position.

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

Jeremy Peña's fractured right ring finger suffered in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game while playing for the Dominican Republic likely puts him out for Opening Day, meaning Correa will slide to shortstop. That paves the way for Paredes to open the season as the starting third baseman.

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

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. , 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. , LHP

The final spot in the rotation likely comes down to Latz and Kumar 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. , C
3. , 1B
4. , 3B
5. , 2B
6. , DH
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, Holmes’ elbow has structural concerns and will open the season on the 60-day IL with right elbow inflammation. The rotation’s depth could be tested immediately.

MARLINS

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

Since four of the club’s projected starters competed at the World Baseball Classic, the Marlins haven’t had a chance to roll out what their lineup could look like. With the Rockies sending lefty Kyle Freeland to the mound, Miami will likely roll with their right-handed-heavier order.

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. , C
9. , RF

While the Mets still haven't made a decision on No. 2 prospect Carson Benge, the rookie has done everything possible to win a starting job over Mike Tauchman. That's one positive development. The other is that Lindor appears healthy following Feb. 11 hamate surgery. He should be good to go on Opening Day.

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, and Senga's strong spring gives them reason to go to a six-man unit again. The biggest question here is Manaea, who is coming off a poor season and whose fastball velocity was stuck in the high 80s all spring.

NATIONALS

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

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-7 Wood drives the Nationals' offense with his dominant power. There also is a solid option of him batting leadoff. Look for second baseman García to see time at 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 begin the season in Triple-A building up in his return from Tommy John surgery, and will be a long reliever out of the bullpen.

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. , 3B
8. , CF
9. , SS

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. , LHP
5. , RHP

Woodruff is coming off a couple of injury-shortened seasons and ramping up cautiously, so if he's part of the opening rotation, it will be on the back end. , 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. , 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

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. , 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.

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

The first four in the lineup are the way Torey Lovullo wrote out the lineup card for much of September last year, though Carroll's recovery from a broken right hamate bone could keep him out for Opening Day. 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. , RHP
4. , LHP
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, but it looks like will not be ready to go for Opening Day.

DODGERS

Lineup
1. , DH
2. , RF
3. , SS
4. , 1B
5. , C
6. , LF
7. , 3B
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 should be part of the mix at second base with (right ankle surgery) beginning the season on the IL.

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

With both and set to begin the season on the IL due to shoulder injuries, the Dodgers have some decisions to make when it comes to the back end of their rotation. Given their early off-days and the fact that Ohtani may only be built up for two or three innings, they could choose to carry five traditional starters with length options in the bullpen instead of starting the season with a six-man rotation. Sheehan and could both fulfill a hybrid role, while seems more likely to only be used as a traditional starter and begin the season in Triple-A.

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. With Bryce Eldridge beginning the year in Triple-A, Encarnacion and Matos, who are both out of options, could make the roster and handle DH duties.

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

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 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 are the favorites for spots at the back end of the rotation.

ROCKIES

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

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 payers who improve the lineup. The addition of McCarthy gives manager Warren Schaeffer some speed, and the possibility of using him or Doyle at No. 1 or No. 9.

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

As camp enters its final days, the fifth spot is down to Dollander and RHP Ryan Feltner, with no clear leader. Both can be electric, with Dollander possessing a triple-digit fastball and Feltner holding a six-pitch mix.