Each team's lineup if season started today

Each team's lineup if season started today

January 15th, 2019

We're less than a month away from Spring Training, so it's a good time to project what each club's Opening Day lineup will look like, or at least what it would look like if the season started today. With the help of all 30 MLB.com beat writers, here's a roundup of how they might shake out.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Blue Jays
Initially, the Jays will be looking for a healthy, bounce-back year from second baseman and continued growth from shortstop Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and left fielder to support a lineup anchored by first baseman , right fielder and designated hitter . But at some point soon, the real fun begins when the next wave of Jays stars reach Toronto -- outfielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr., infielder Bo Bichette and catcher are all expected to arrive in 2019. Jansen likely will start the season with the Jays, and the other two won't be far behind. -- Gregor Chisholm
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Devon Travis, 2B
2. Justin Smoak, 1B
3. Kendrys Morales, DH
4. Randal Grichuk, RF
5. Teoscar Hernandez, LF
6. , CF
7. , 3B
8. Danny Jansen, C
9. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., SS

Orioles
For years, the Orioles were anchored by a core group of positions players who Buck Showalter would regularly arrange into one of baseball's most powerful offensive units. Now with the O's fully in rebuilding mode, the only guarantee about new manager Brandon Hyde's first lineup is that it will look very different.
Seven of the nine members of last year's Opening Day lineup are out of the organization, but the fact that dozens of free agents remain on the market gives the Orioles ample time to bolster a roster that, as of now, projects to be only a fraction as productive as it was a year ago. The current group could receive a boost if recovers from offseason knee surgery in time for late March. Top prospects Yusniel Diaz or Ryan Mountcastle could also play their way into the mix, should they impress enough in camp to crack the club's Opening Day roster. -- Joe Trezza
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , CF
2. , 2B
3. , DH
4. Chris Davis, 1B
5. , RF
6. , 3B
7. Joey Rickard, LF
8. , SS
9. , C
Rays
Due to the team's versatility, manager Kevin Cash will have a lot of quality options with his lineup card. , who had a .357 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot in 2018, was traded to Seattle in November, which creates a hole at the top of the lineup for the Rays. With Smith gone, outfielder could be the first in line to get a crack at the leadoff spot. Kiermaier struggled at the plate to begin last season and then was sidelined for two months with a torn ligament in his right thumb. The 28-year-old outfielder finished the season with a .217 batting average, but had an encouraging end to his season, posting a .306/.371/.597 slash line in September.
In this lineup, Tommy Pham would hit third with designated hitter hitting cleanup. In just 25 at-bats in the cleanup role last season, Choi posted a .450/.520/.850 slash line. and provide a good combination of contact and power in the fifth and sixth spots, while Meadows, who hit .250 in 10 games with the Rays last season, provides some power from the left-hand side in the seventh slot. Mike Zunino and Joey Wendle (or Daniel Robertson, depending on the pitcher) would round out the team's lineup. -- Juan Toribio
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Kevin Kiermaier, CF
2. , 3B
3. Tommy Pham, LF
4. Ji-Man Choi, DH
5. Willy Adames, SS
6. Yandy Diaz, 1B
7. , RF
8. Mike Zunino, C
9. Joey Wendle, 2B
Red Sox
The World Series champs are in the enviable position of returning their entire allotment of position players, except for . But there's good news on that front also, as the hope is that second baseman and veteran leader can return to the lineup after missing all but three games last season due to a left knee injury.
This lineup is deep and balanced, with power and speed, and has the ability to put the ball in play consistently. and J.D. Martinez should again present major headaches to the opposition on a near nightly basis. and Betts will be flip-flopped from their spots from a year ago, with the hope it will create more RBI opportunities for the latter. This could be a big growth year for the 22-year-old . -- Ian Browne
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Andrew Benintendi, LF
2. Mookie Betts, RF
3. J.D. Martinez, DH
4. , SS
5. Mitch Moreland, 1B
6. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
7. Rafael Devers, 3B
8. , CF
9. , C
Yankees
One year after the Yankees became the first team to have a dozen players reach double digits in the home run department, the Bronx Bombers again appear primed to boast impressive power, even without adding a megastar like Manny Machado or . The projected order skews heavily toward right-handed bats, which is odd considering Yankee Stadium's configuration, but most have the ability to power the ball to right-center field. will have first crack at shortstop, but DJ LeMahieu provides a capable option at second base, shortstop and third base. -- Bryan Hoch
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , LF
2. , RF
3. , CF
4. , DH
5. , C
6. , 3B
7. , 2B
8. , 1B
9. Troy Tulowitzki, SS

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
Indians
The Indians' lineup will feature plenty of new names in 2019, but one familiar face will be back with the Tribe. After spending last season with the Phillies, was traded to the Mariners briefly before coming back home to Cleveland in exchange for .
Despite the team's high turnover rate, and will return to the Indians' infield, providing leadership to the young roster. Both Ramirez and Lindor are coming off standout seasons, placing third and sixth in American League MVP voting, respectively. -- Mandy Bell
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Francisco Lindor, SS
2. , 2B
3. Jose Ramirez, 3B
4. Carlos Santana, DH
5. , 1B
6. , RF
7. , CF
8. , LF
9. , C

Royals
Of course, the big question regarding the batting order is where manager Ned Yost will fit in speedster , who primarily hit toward the bottom of the order while with the Reds. Yost could go for the speed trifecta at 9-1-2 with Hamilton hitting ninth, and then Whit Merrifield and at the top. -- Jeffrey Flanagan
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Whit Merrifield, 2B
2. Adalberto Mondesi, SS
3. , LF
4. , DH
5. , C
6. ,1B
7. , 3B
8. , RF
9. Billy Hamilton, CF
Tigers
The Tigers have work to do before they can put together a lineup of young talent to go with their promising pitching prospects. But their 2019 lineup shows some promise. With at third base and Christin Stewart likely in left field, Detroit has a pair of young run producers. On the flip side, the Tigers get veteran back after he missed most of last season due to biceps surgery. If isn't traded, Detroit has a decent core to the batting order if it can identify another run producer for the fifth spot. -- Jason Beck
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Jeimer Candelario, 3B
2. Christin Stewart, LF
3. Nick Castellanos, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Niko Goodrum, 2B
6. , DH
7. , C
8. , CF
9. , SS
Twins:
Minnesota finished 23rd in the Majors with 166 homers in 2018, but added a trio of right-handed sluggers with 30-homer power -- C.J. Cron, and -- to address the power concerns and fill the needs at first base, second base and designated hitter on manager Rocco Baldelli's first Twins roster. -- Do-Hyoung Park
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , SS
2. , LF
3. , 3B
4. Nelson Cruz, DH
5. C.J. Cron, 1B
6. Max Kepler, RF
7. Jonathan Schoop, 2B
8. , C
9. , CF
White Sox
This lineup on Jan. 15 could change by the end of the month or the end of the week or even the end of the day, as the White Sox continue their strong pursuit of premium free agent infielder Machado and possibly even premium free agent outfielder Harper. If they get one, let alone fulfill the long shot of reaching a deal with both, their lineup immediately looks quite different. Even if they miss out on both, the White Sox still have made significant changes to balance their lineup with the additions of left-handed hitting and . They also brought in catcher , who probably won't split time with , but will get more than backup playing time. -- Scott Merkin
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Jon Jay, RF
2. , 2B
3. , 1B
4. Yonder Alonso, DH
5. Welington Castillo, C
6. , LF
7. , SS
8. , 3B
9. , CF

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
Angels
The Angels are expected to be without designated hitter to begin the season, as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, which means will open the year as DH. Manager Brad Ausmus said he'd like to see hit No. 2 in the lineup, while Zack Cozart served as leadoff hitter early last season until suffering a season-ending labrum tear in his left shoulder. There remains a competition in the infield among , and and it'll be determined in Spring Training. -- Rhett Bollinger
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Zack Cozart, 3B
2. Mike Trout, CF
3. , LF
4. , 1B
5. Albert Pujols, DH
6. , SS
7. , RF
8. David Fletcher, 2B
9. , C
Astros
The Astros made a huge addition to their lineup last month when they signed free agent outfielder , who brings a much-needed presence from the left side of the plate while being difficult to strike out. The core of Houston's powerful lineup is all right-handed --, , and -- and the addition of Brantley gives them a top five in the lineup that's perhaps the deepest in baseball, when healthy. -- Brian McTaggart
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. George Springer, CF
2. Alex Bregman, 3B
3. , 2B
4. Carlos Correa, SS
5. Michael Brantley, LF
6. Yuli Gurriel, 1B
7. , RF
8. , DH
9. , C

Athletics 
One of baseball's most potent offenses will feature many of the same bats that helped the A's into the postseason last year. Homer-happy isn't the only power hitter residing in this lineup: , , and also routinely hit the ball out of the park, and they're flanked by productive complementary pieces, including on-base machine Nick Martini and the dynamic . -- Jane Lee
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Nick Martini, LF
2. Matt Chapman, 3B
3. Matt Olson, 1B
4. Khris Davis, DH
5. Stephen Piscotty, RF
6. , 2B
7. Ramon Laureano, CF
8. Marcus Semien, SS
9. Chris Herrmann, C
Mariners
Only four of last season's Opening Day position starters are still on the roster, though it's likely that a fifth -- -- will be added before the season begins. But gone are Seattle stalwarts , Cruz and , who batted in the 2-3-4 spots in the lineup in last year's 2-1 Opening Day win over the Indians. Also gone is 2018 Opening Day catcher Mike Marjama, who was filling in for an injured Zunino, who has also been traded.
That leaves returning starters Dee Gordon -- who is shifting from center field to second base -- along with right fielder Mitch Haniger, third baseman and first baseman . -- Greg Johns
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Mallex Smith, CF
2. Dee Gordon, 2B
3. Mitch Haniger, RF
4. Edwin Encarnacion, DH
5. Kyle Seager, 3B
6. , LF
7. Ryon Healy, 1B
8. , C
9. , SS
Rangers
The Rangers are loaded with young left-handed power with , Joey Gallo, and , but are still susceptible to the strikeout. They could also use more help from the right side and depth at both catcher and third base. They also need a full and healthy season from in the leadoff spot. -- T.R. Sullivan
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Delino DeShields, CF
2. , SS
3. , DH
4. Nomar Mazara, RF
5. Joey Gallo, LF
6. Rougned Odor 2B
7. Ronald Guzman 1B
8. 3B
9. Jeff Mathis C
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Braves
The Braves feel good about having three MVP candidates at the top of their lineup, but uncertainty about who will be the third outfielder leaves a glaring hole in the cleanup spot. If an outfielder is not acquired and is given a starting spot, manager Brian Snitker could address the top-heavy nature of his lineup by moving to the leadoff spot and dropping either or Josh Donaldson to the fourth spot. The offense's success will be influenced by ' adjustments against left-handers and Dansby Swanson's attempt to expand his plate coverage. -- Mark Bowman
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., LF
2. Josh Donaldson, 3B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. TBD
5. Tyler Flowers, C
6. Ozzie Albies, 2B
7. Ender Inciarte, CF
8. Dansby Swanson, SS
Marlins
The Marlins continue to explore the market for a left-handed power bat to play either first base or a corner outfield spot, and there is the on-going saga of whether All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto will be traded or not. With so much up in the air, projecting the Marlins' Opening Spring Training lineup remains highly speculative. But based on how the roster is constructed as of now, there are a number of directions the organization can go. A year ago, was the Opening Day leadoff hitter, and unless a more traditional table-setter is added, Brinson again could get a look at the top of the order, in hopes of getting him on track. -- Joe Frisaro
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Lewis Brinson, CF
2. J.T. Realmuto, C
3. , 2B
4. , RF
5. , 1B
6. , 3B
7. , LF
8. JT Riddle / SS
Mets
The addition of gives the Mets an obvious No. 2 hitter, though they'll skew left-handed at the top of the order for as long as remains sidelined. A greater issue is where Lowrie fits on defense; given his lack of experience at first base, he may push to that position early in the season. -- Anthony DiComo
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , RF
2. Jed Lowrie, 3B
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
4. C
5. , LF
6. Todd Frazier, 1B
7. , CF
8. , SS

Nationals
There is still so much speculation about whether Harper will ultimately wind up back in the middle of this batting order, but the Nationals feel confident in this lineup even without their homegrown star at the center. Thanks to a boost at catcher, a new second baseman and the infusion of rookie , this new-look Nats lineup has a chance to remain one of the most productive in the National League. -- Jamal Collier
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , RF
2. , SS
3. , 3B
4. Juan Soto, LF
5. , 1B
6. , 2B
7. Victor Robles, CF
8. / , C
Phillies 
The Phillies have upgraded their lineup from 2018, with the additions of outfielder and shorstop Segura. But they hope to make one more major move before Opening Day. If the Phillies sign Harper or Machado to a multiyear contract, it changes everything. -- Todd Zolecki
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , 2B
2. Jean Segura, SS
3. Andrew McCutchen, LF
4. , 1B
5. , CF
6. , 3B
7. , RF
8. , C
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Brewers
The Brewers are returning the bulk of the roster that played to within one game of the World Series in 2018, with second base representing the only real hole after the team signed catcher . Right now, a Hernan Perez/Cory Spangenberg platoon is possible, though general manager David Stearns is likely to either sign or trade for a player to fill that position, or find a third baseman and move to second. -- Adam McCalvy
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , CF
2. , RF
3. , LF
4. Travis Shaw, 3B
5. , 1B
6. Yasmani Grandal, C
7. / , 2B
8. , SS

Cardinals
The top of the Cardinals' order became instantly more formidable with the December acquisition of . He'll likely hit behind one of the best leadoff hitters in the game and ahead of the club's two biggest power threats. With an element of speed at the bottom of the order, the Cardinals' lineup is positioned to be more dynamic than it was a year ago. -- Jenifer Langosch
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Matt Carpenter, 3B
2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
3. , SS
4. , LF
5. , RF
6. , C
7. , 2B
8. , CF
Cubs
Cubs manager Joe Maddon cycled through 152 lineup variations in 2018, so this alignment is definitely written in pencil. At least 10 players appeared in each lineup spot for Chicago, which featured one of MLB's top offenses until a two-month slump to end last season. The Cubs are banking on a return to health from slugger , among other things, to help this group get back on track in '19. -- Jordan Bastian
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , 2B
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. , 1B
4. , SS
5. , LF
6. , C
7. , RF
8. Albert Almora Jr., CF
Pirates
The Pirates haven't officially settled on a shortstop, and it's unclear how they'll use and at third base. The look of their lineup will also change when right fielder , their most productive hitter last season, comes off the disabled list. Manager Clint Hurdle will look for the right configuration, but it's fair to assume that , and Corey Dickerson will be involved atop the order with Josh Bell getting another shot in the cleanup spot. -- Adam Berry
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Adam Frazier, 2B
2. Starling Marte, CF
3. Corey Dickerson, LF
4. Josh Bell, 1B
5. , C
6. Colin Moran/Jung Ho Kang, 3B
7. , RF
8. / , SS
Reds
The front office has signaled more improvements to the club are coming in the final month before Spring Training. There is still a need for a regular center fielder and the team has an overload of corner outfielders that will need to be sorted out. A fluid situation, it does not account for how the Reds will utilize another acquisition in corner outfielder Matt Kemp. And then there is Nick Senzel. The organization's No. 1 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, will be competing for the opening in center field but could also be a lineup regular in a utility role, playing up to five positions. -- Mark Sheldon
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , LF
2. , SS
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. , 3B
5. Scooter Gennett, 2B
6. , RF
7. , CF
8. , C
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
D-backs
The D-backs still have work to do in order to complete their lineup for Opening Day with one big piece still unknown. They are looking to either move to center and acquire a second baseman or acquire a center fielder and leave Marte at second. How that plays out could will reshape this lineup. One thing to note about the catching spot: while figures to get a lot of time behind the plate, the D-backs also like to rotate their catchers, so Alex Avila and John Ryan Murphy will also play. -- Steve Gilbert
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Ketel Marte, 2B
2. , 3B
3. , LF
4. Steven Souza Jr., RF
5. , 1B
6. Nick Ahmed, SS
7. Alex Avila, C
8. , CF
Dodgers
There's plenty of time left for trades and free-agent signings and a host of mutations depending on matchups and platoons. figures to challenge for the starting catching job. All that aside, what does the Dodgers' starting lineup for 2019 look like today? Some variation of this. -- Ken Gurnick
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Chris Taylor, 2B
2. , SS
3. , 3B
4. , CF
5. , 1B
6. , RF
7. , LF
8. Austin Barnes, C
Giants
The Giants' current projected lineup is comprised of holdovers from 2018, but they are hoping to add a couple of new faces to the starting outfield by Opening Day to help boost an offense that struggled to consistently score runs last year. -- Maria Guardado
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , CF
2. Joe Panik, 2B
3. , C
4. , 1B
5. , 3B
6. , SS
7. , RF
8. Chris Shaw, LF
Padres
, and are currently fighting for two corner outfield spots (and, presumably, the No. 4 and 5 spots in the lineup). The Padres have a clear logjam in their outfield, and it's possible one of those three big boppers is dealt before the season. Meanwhile, it seems unlikely that Ty France actually starts on Opening Day. General manager A.J. Preller remains in search of third-base help, and it's a near certainty he adds someone before the start of camp. -- AJ Cassavell
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. , CF
2. , SS
3. , 1B
4. Franmil Reyes, RF
5. Wil Myers, LF
6. Ian Kinsler, 2B
7. , C
8. Ty France, 3B
Rockies
The addition of puts some left-handed pop in the lineup behind home run threats and . The lineup still could use one more right-handed threat. Another idea could be to lead off with , followed by Story, Charlie Blackmon and Arenado to separate the left- and right-handed hitters through the early portion. -- Thomas Harding
LINEUP IF SEASON STARTED TODAY
1. Charlie Blackmon, LF
2. David Dahl, RF
3. Nolan Arenado, 3B
4. Trevor Story, SS
5. Daniel Murphy, 1B
6. , CF
7. , 2B
8. Chris Iannetta, C