Ranking all 30 MLB lineups ahead of 2026 Opening Day

Opening Day is just around the corner, so to help kick off The Athletic’s extensive opening week coverage, let’s debate, discuss and analyze each team’s lineup, from the best (the Dodgers once again) to the worst (the Rockies). We’ll do the same thing with starting rotations tomorrow.

Here’s how I rank the Opening Day lineups for all 30 teams as the 2026 season gets underway.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

2025 runs scored: 825 Rank: 2nd
Key additions: Kyle Tucker, RF (free agent)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidate: Andy Pages, OF
Prospect watch: Josue De Paula, OF; Zyhir Hope, OF

The back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers have an All-Star caliber lineup, led by three future Hall of Famers, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. They added the No. 1 free agent, Kyle Tucker, who has been an All-Star for four consecutive seasons while winning two Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove.

This is the deepest lineup in the game with power throughout, including the emerging Andy Pages, who belted 27 homers last year, and Teoscar Hernández, who added 25. Will Smith and Max Muncy — both known for their clutch hitting — top off the game’s best lineup. The Dodgers also have two elite outfield prospects (Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope) in the pipeline; De Paula will likely be ready to help the big-league team sometime this summer, if needed.

2. New York Yankees

2025 runs scored: 849 Rank: 1st
Key additions: None
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Ben Rice, 1B/C; Austin Wells, C; Anthony Volpe, SS
Prospect watch: Spencer Jones, OF; George Lombard Jr., SS

The Yankees are led by captain Aaron Judge, the best overall hitter in the sport. To continue to protect him in the lineup, their top priority this offseason was bringing back free agent Cody Bellinger. Once they re-signed Bellinger, they were assured of running back the same team that won 94 games in 2025.

This team and lineup have a chance to be even better than last year. Three young players are ready to have breakout seasons: Ben Rice, Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe, though Volpe’s start to the season will be delayed as he recovers from offseason surgery on his left shoulder. He’s expected to start playing rehab games in mid-April. In addition, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is playing for a contract extension after he joined the 30-30 club last year while contributing high energy, enthusiasm and fun to the clubhouse. He is looking for a $300 million-plus contract and will need another banner season to get it.

Trent Grisham returns after a career-best season that came after making mechanical adjustments at the plate. Giancarlo Stanton’s workload will need to be managed, but he can still hit for power. Third baseman Ryan McMahon — besides playing elite third base — is starting to make his own mechanical adjustments at the plate, which could lead to Grisham-like offensive improvement.

The Yankees have two top prospects nearing the big leagues — Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. — as well as youngster Jasson Domínguez, who will begin the season in Triple A but is ready for any opportunity in the Yankees’ outfield. All three would add offensive upside and athleticism to the Yankees’ lineup if they reach their potential.

3. Baltimore Orioles

2025 runs scored: 677 Rank: 24th
Key additions: Pete Alonso, 1B (free agent); Taylor Ward, LF (trade)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Adley Rutschman, C; Jackson Holliday, 2B; Colton Cowser, CF
Rookie watch: Samuel Basallo, C/DH; Dylan Beavers, OF
Prospect watch: Enrique Bradfield Jr., CF

The Orioles will have one of the best lineups in baseball this year despite coming off a season in which they were a below-average team offensively. They made game-changing moves, adding significant right-handed power when they inked Pete Alonso in free agency and traded for Taylor Ward. Not only will that duo bring more power, but their presence should also alleviate a lot of the pressure on the Orioles’ young core of hitters.

Gunnar Henderson remains their best overall player. Even in a down year, he still hit 17 homers, stole 30 bags and reached base at a 35 percent clip last season. However, the key to this offense will be whether Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday and Colton Cowser can reach their ceilings. The lineup should also be bolstered by two of the best rookie hitters in the league: Samuel Basallo, who hits the ball as hard as anyone, and Dylan Beavers, who really turned heads in spring training. They also have legitimate power coming off the bench in Coby Mayo, Ryan Mountcastle and Tyler O’Neill.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

2025 runs scored: 798 Rank: 4th
Key additions: Kazuma Okamoto, 3B (free agent/NPB posting); Jesús Sánchez, OF (trade)
Key losses: Bo Bichette, SS
Breakout candidates: Addison Barger, RF
Prospect watch: JoJo Parker, SS; Arjun Nimmala, SS

The defending American League champion Blue Jays built an elite offense by combining high contact rates with power. Superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and veteran George Springer, who is coming off one of the best years of his career at age 36, lead the group.

This lineup did lose Bo Bichette in free agency, which is a significant blow. Bichette led the league in hits twice, and his close relationship with Guerrero was a special part of this team’s identity. The Jays replaced his bat with Japanese free agent Kazuma Okamoto, who fits the Jays’ profile with his contact skills and power but has below-average range at third base. The key to this offense could be Addison Barger, who has the potential to hit 30 homers as early as this season.

A big reason the Blue Jays won the pennant last season was the depth of their lineup, as Ernie Clement, Alejandro Kirk, Daulton Varsho and Andrés Giménez left no soft spots for opposing pitchers to attack. All are returning this season.

The Jays did suffer a setback this spring when Anthony Santander needed shoulder surgery to repair a labrum tear, but they pivoted well by trading for Jesús Sánchez, who should provide league-average production. This lineup moves the chains extremely well, but to maximize their potential, the Blue Jays will need more homers from Guerrero, Barger and Okamoto.

5. Atlanta Braves

2025 runs scored: 724 Rank: 13th
Key additions: Mike Yastrzemski, LF/DH (free agent); Mauricio Dubón, SS (trade)
Key losses: Marcell Ozuna, DH; Jurickson Profar, LF
Breakout candidates: Michael Harris II, CF
Prospect watch: Tate Southisene, SS/OF; Alex Lodise, SS

It’s hard to believe that an entire lineup could underachieve in the same season, but that is what happened in Atlanta last year. I’m predicting that won’t occur two years in a row. The leader of this offense, Ronald Acuña Jr., is further away from his most recent ACL surgery and should be healthy enough to return to his MVP-caliber production. Matt Olson, who hit only 29 homers each of the past two seasons, and Austin Riley, who has battled injuries each of the past two years, both should get back to their normal 35-40 home run range.

Michael Harris II shook off a dreadful first half to hit well in the second half and join the 20-20 club last year. He should be able to build off that strong finish and put up even better (and more consistent) production this year. Ozzie Albies needs to get his game back on track in his free-agency walk year. Drake Baldwin will try to duplicate his NL Rookie of the Year season and he’ll get the majority of the reps behind the plate as Sean Murphy works his way back from hip surgery.

In addition to Murphy, who could return by May, the Braves are dealing with a couple of significant setbacks to the lineup. Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim — whom they re-signed to a one-year deal this offseason after acquiring him last September — will miss the start of the season after having surgery in January to repair his right middle finger tendon. Atlanta will be without left fielder Jurickson Profar all season after he received a 162-game suspension for a second PED positive test.

6. New York Mets

2025 runs scored: 766 Rank: tied for 9th
Key additions: Bo Bichette, 3B (free agent); Jorge Polanco, 1B/DH (free agent); Luis Robert Jr., CF (trade); Marcus Semien, 2B (trade)
Key losses: Pete Alonso, 1B; Jeff McNeil, 2B; Brandon Nimmo, OF; Starling Marte, RF
Breakout candidates: Brett Baty IF/OF; Francisco Alvarez, C; Mark Vientos 1B/3B
Rookie watch: Carson Benge, RF
Prospect watch: Ryan Clifford, 1B/OF; A.J. Ewing, 2B/OF; Jacob Reimer 1B/3B

The Mets rebuilt their lineup this offseason in a controversial manner, parting with several fan favorites. When the dust settled, however, they’d built a much better lineup to grind out at-bats, put the ball in play and produce more runs.

The biggest pickup was adding Bo Bichette, who will bring his power and contact skills to the National League for the first time while also moving to third base. He’ll be part of a strong top of the lineup, with Francisco Lindor leading off, Juan Soto hitting second and Bichette picking up plenty of RBIs batting third. Lindor broke his hamate bone in early spring but shouldn’t miss much (if any) regular-season time. He had a 30-30 season last year, though the hamate injury could impact his power early in the season. Soto is still the leader of the offense, as he showed his worth last season, accumulating 6.2 bWAR.

Other additions to the lineup include Jorge Polanco, who hit 26 homers last year, Luis Robert Jr., who is looking to get back to his All-Star form from 2023 with help from Soto specifically on his plate discipline, and second baseman Marcus Semien, who is declining offensively but still puts together tough at-bats and is a plus in the field.

The Mets have a trio of breakout candidates: Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos. If two of the three can figure it out, the Mets will be in good shape. I also think rookie right fielder Carson Benge will surprise people and be in the running for NL Rookie of the Year.

7. Chicago Cubs

2025 runs scored: 793 Rank: 5th
Key additions: Alex Bregman, 3B (free agent)
Key losses: Kyle Tucker, RF; Owen Caissie, RF
Rookie watch: Moisés Ballesteros, C/DH/1B
Prospect watch: Ethan Conrad, OF; Kevin Alcántara, OF; Jefferson Rojas, 2B/SS

The Cubs lost right fielder Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers, but pivoted perfectly by landing third baseman Alex Bregman. In addition to his strong bat, Bregman gives the Cubs a significant clubhouse presence who is willing to help other players and should be a positive influence on this deep lineup.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is working to be more consistent this year after seeing his second-half performance fall off considerably following a very strong first half. Even with the second-half struggles, however, he was worth 6.0 bWAR thanks to his power, speed and excellent center-field defense.

Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki will try to replicate their 30-plus homer seasons, though Suzuki won’t start the season on time after suffering a knee injury in the World Baseball Classic. Nico Hoerner is looking to put up his best season in his free-agent walk year. His double-play partner, the consistent Dansby Swanson, will try to repeat his 20-20 season. Rookie designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros should be a strong platoon power bat against right-handed pitching and could be a key to the bottom third of this lineup.

The Cubs will try to win the division with pitching, elite defense and this well-balanced offense.

8. Milwaukee Brewers

2025 runs scored: 806 Rank: 3rd
Key additions: David Hamilton, INF (trade); Luis Rengifo, INF (free agent); Gary Sánchez, C/DH (free agent)
Key losses: Isaac Collins, OF; Caleb Durbin, INF; Andruw Monasterio, INF
Breakout candidates: Jackson Chourio, OF
Rookie watch: Jett Williams, INF/OF
Prospect watch: Jesús Made, SS; Luis Peña, INF; Cooper Pratt, SS; Andrew Fischer, 3B; Jeferson Quero, C

The Brewers won the most games during the regular season last year and have one of the best minor-league systems in the sport, led by top prospect Jesús Made. Their lineup is one of the most athletic in the game and includes six hitters coming off double-digit stolen base seasons and six hitters coming off double-digit home run seasons.

Jackson Chourio hit 21 homers and stole 21 bases despite battling injuries last season and he still hasn’t reached his immense potential. Brice Turang is arguably the best overall second baseman in the game and Christian Yelich, 34, is hitting for power and running well now that his back is finally healthy. William Contreras is one of the best offensive catchers in the game, while speedy outfielders Sal Frelick and Garrett Mitchell are winning players who run and defend well.

The Brewers made one big move this offseason, dealing away ace Freddy Peralta to the Mets, but got a strong return that included the versatile Jett Williams, who will be competing for playing time in the infield and outfield.

9. Boston Red Sox

2025 runs scored: 786 Rank: 7th
Key additions: Willson Contreras, 1B (trade); Caleb Durbin, 2B/3B (trade); Andruw Monasterio, 1B/3B (trade); Isiah Kiner-Falefa, INF (free agent)
Key losses: Alex Bregman, 3B
Breakout candidates: Roman Anthony, LF; Ceddanne Rafaela, CF; Marcelo Mayer, 2B
Prospect watch: Franklin Arías, SS; Justin Gonzales, OF; Dorian Soto, SS

The Red Sox lost Alex Bregman in free agency, which hurts the team both on the field and in the clubhouse. They did replace much of his offensive production by trading for Willson Contreras, who finally brings stability to the first-base position. They also added third baseman Caleb Durbin in a trade with the Brewers. He’s a solid player who performs above his tools and his power should be helped by the Green Monster.

The key to the Red Sox’s lineup will be the development of young star Roman Anthony, who looks like he could become one of the best players in the sport. The rest of the outfield is also elite with center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela and right fielder Wilyer Abreu, two plus defenders who hit for power and run well.

Jarren Duran is currently their best overall hitter with his strong power and speed combination. Shortstop Trevor Story is finally healthy and coming off his best season with the Red Sox, while second baseman Marcelo Mayer continues to develop at a rapid pace. This offense is much better than people give it credit for.

10. Philadelphia Phillies

2025 runs scored: 778 Rank: 8th
Key additions: Adolis García, RF (free agent)
Key losses: Nick Castellanos, RF
Rookie watch: Justin Crawford, CF
Prospect watch: Aidan Miller, SS; Francisco Renteria, OF

The Phillies’ biggest offseason move was bringing back Kyle Schwarber, whose bat and leadership skills are both irreplaceable for this club. This allowed Philadelphia to basically run back the same lineup as last year.

Leadoff hitter Trea Turner continues to age well at the plate, as shown by his .304 average, 15 homers and 36 steals last year. Bryce Harper had a down year last season by his standards, but still hit 27 homers and seems determined to have an even better 2026 season.

The Phillies will have a new right fielder after they released Nick Castellanos and replaced him with Adolis García. García is a much better defender than Castellanos but is coming off a down year with the Rangers. The Phillies will also have a new face in center field, rookie Justin Crawford, who will be given the runway to be their long-term solution there. He has great speed and range in the outfield, but will need to get on base and steal bases from the bottom of the lineup for the Phillies to be better offensively this year.

Veterans Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott and J.T. Realmuto have all plateaued offensively, though Stott had an impressive spring and could surprise. The X-factor could be rookie shortstop Aidan Miller, who dealt with a back injury this spring but may be an in-season upgrade in the infield at some point this season. Overall, it’s still a postseason-caliber lineup.

11. Seattle Mariners

2025 runs scored: 766 Rank: tied for 9th
Key additions: Brendan Donovan, 2B/3B (trade); Rob Refsnyder, OF (free agent); Andrew Knizner, C (free agent)
Key losses: Jorge Polanco, 2B/DH; Eugenio Suárez, 3B
Breakout candidates: Cole Young, 2B; Victor Robles, RF
Prospect watch: Colt Emerson, SS; Lazaro Montes, OF; Michael Arroyo, 2B

AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh leads the Mariners’ offense after becoming the first catcher in MLB history to belt 60 homers in a single season. Julio Rodríguez will try to get off to a fast start, something he hasn’t been able to do in his career. More consistency in April/May could lead to an MVP season for Rodríguez.

The Mariners’ main offseason goal was to bring back Josh Naylor and add a leadoff hitter, and they were able to accomplish both. Naylor, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal, brings power, on-base skills and the ability to hit for average to first base. They landed their leadoff hitter in a three-team trade with the Cardinals and Rays, adding Brendan Donovan, who will create plenty of RBI opportunities for the middle of their order.

Randy Arozarena should add his normal 20 homers and 20 steals, while Victor Robles will try to stay healthier than he was last season. J.P. Crawford, a strong defender, is in his free-agency walk year and is looking for more consistent production at the plate. He has been dealing with a right shoulder injury this spring and could miss Opening Day. Top Mariners prospect Colt Emerson, also one of the top prospects in baseball, won’t take Crawford’s place to start the season but he will be closely watched all year. Another promising infield talent, Cole Young, has the runway to be their everyday second baseman.

12. Athletics

2025 runs scored: 733 Rank: 12th
Key additions: Jeff McNeil, 2B (trade)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Lawrence Butler, RF
Prospect watch: Leo De Vries, SS; Henry Bolte, OF

The Athletics are building a strong core and are trying to sign as many of them as possible to extensions as they get ready to move to Las Vegas in 2028. AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz has quickly become one of the best offensive first basemen in the game, while left fielder Tyler Soderstrom found a defensive home in the outfield and had his breakout season last year.

Last season, Jacob Wilson made the All-Star team and hit .311, Shea Langeliers finished behind only Cal Raleigh in homers by a primary catcher and Brent Rooker had another 30-homer All-Star season. Lawrence Butler posted a 20-20 season, but it was a bit of a down year for him after a strong 2024 season. He played through a knee injury and had offseason surgery. If healthy, he could be a breakout player. Trade acquisition Jeff McNeil should give the team much better production from second base. (A’s second basemen had a .550 OPS last season.)

It’s a strong lineup that’s going to be together for years to come and is only going to get better.

13. San Diego Padres

2025 runs scored: 702 Rank: 18th
Key additions: Nick Castellanos, 1B/OF/DH (free agent); Miguel Andujar, OF/DH (free agent); Sung-Mun Song, INF (free agent/posting KBO)
Key losses: Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/OF; Luis Arraez, 2B; Martín Maldonado, C
Breakout candidates: Jackson Merrill, CF
Prospect watch: Ethan Salas, C; Jorge Quintana, SS; Ty Harvey, C; Ryan Wideman, OF

The Padres have a strong lineup core, led by speed-power threat Fernando Tatis Jr., clubhouse leader Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill, who is coming off an injury-plagued season but still has the upside of being an impact player.

Veterans Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth sandwich their elite trio, adding both depth and leadership. The Padres have been trying to cobble together the bottom of their lineup with veteran players like Ramón Laureano, Miguel Andujar, Gavin Sheets and Nick Castellanos. How that group produces could be the key.

It’s a lineup that’s good enough to make it back to the playoffs as a wild-card team.

14. Detroit Tigers

2025 runs scored: 758 Rank: 11th
Key additions: None
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Kerry Carpenter, OF; Colt Keith, INF
Rookie watch: Kevin McGonigle, SS
Prospect watch: Max Clark, CF; Bryce Rainer, SS; Josue Briceño, C/1B; Max Anderson, INF

The Tigers get the power in their lineup primarily from Riley Greene, who has improved his power numbers every year he’s been in the big leagues, and Spencer Torkelson, who matched his career-high in homers with 31 last season. Breakout candidate Kerry Carpenter is one of the best hitters in the league against right-handed pitching and is starting to improve against lefties as well.

Kevin McGonigle could have a huge impact on the Tigers if he spends the majority of the season in the big leagues. (Bryan Bennett / Getty Images)

Kevin McGonigle will be my preseason pick for AL Rookie of the Year. In my opinion, he has the best hit tool of any prospect in baseball and is solid defensively and on the base paths. Gleyber Torres creates traffic at the top of the lineup. Colt Keith and Dillon Dingler haven’t come close to reaching their potential offensively. This offense has a lot of upside.

15. Houston Astros

2025 runs scored: 686 Rank: 21st
Key additions: Joey Loperfido, OF (trade); Nick Allen, SS (trade)
Key losses: Jesús Sánchez, OF
Breakout candidates: Cam Smith, OF
Rookie watch: Zach Cole, OF
Prospect watch: Brice Matthews, 2B/OF; Kevin Alvarez, OF; Lucas Spence, OF; Ethan Frey, OF; Xavier Neyens, SS; Walker Janek, C

The straw that stirs the drink offensively for the Astros is Yordan Alvarez, who had an injury-plagued 2025 season but should be one of the game’s best hitters and run producers if he can stay healthy.

The Astros do have some age and decline risks on the right side of the infield, as first baseman Christian Walker and second baseman Jose Altuve will be playing most of the season at age 35. Third baseman Carlos Correa is also an injury risk, but they have depth with Isaac Paredes. Shortstop Jeremy Peña, currently recovering from a broken tip of his right ring finger, has become their best overall player, hitting for average and power, stealing bases and playing well defensively. Catcher Yainer Diaz is coming off a 20-homer season, which is repeatable for him.

Ultimately, how well the Astros hit this season will come down to what they get from their outfield, which has a lot of potential with young players like Cam Smith, Zach Cole and Joey Loperfido. Their farm system features some ready-to-contribute prospects, as well, including Brice Matthews and Lucas Spence.

16. Kansas City Royals

2025 runs scored: 651 Rank: 26th
Key additions: Isaac Collins, OF (trade); Lane Thomas, OF (free agent); Starling Marte, OF (free agent)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Jac Caglianone, RF/1B
Rookie watch: Carter Jensen, C
Prospect watch: Blake Mitchell, C; Sean Gamble, OF/2B

The Royals moved the Kauffman Stadium fences in by 10 feet and now expect the ballpark to play more fairly. This is obviously great news for Royals hitters, who are led by my pick for AL MVP this year, Bobby Witt Jr. He has the potential to someday join the 50-50 club, and we all were reminded how good his defense is during the WBC.

WBC MVP Maikel Garcia made the first of what will be many All-Star teams last season, while Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez are both coming off 30-homer seasons. Jac Caglianone suffered through a rough rookie season but has 25-plus homer potential and should be better his second time through the league.

The Royals’ offseason pickups — Lane Thomas, Isaac Collins and Starling Marte — give the team a better right-left balance and platoon opportunities for Kyle Isbel and Caglianone in the outfield. The key to the offense could be catcher Carter Jensen, who’s going to hit for power and will be one of the top rookies in the AL this year. This is a quietly strong lineup that’s only going to get better.

17. Arizona Diamondbacks

2025 runs scored: 791 Rank: 6th
Key additions: Nolan Arenado, 3B (trade); Carlos Santana, 1B/DH (free agent)
Key losses: Jake McCarthy, OF
Breakout candidates: Jordan Lawlar, CF; Gabriel Moreno, C
Prospect watch: Ryan Waldschmidt, OF; Kayson Cunningham, SS; Slade Caldwell, OF

The Diamondbacks dealt Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez at the trade deadline last year and have yet to replace that power, which is why they’ve dropped so much in this ranking. However, I still love the top of their lineup. Corbin Carroll broke his hamate bone in spring training, but he is already back and hitting homers. When healthy, he remains one of the best overall players in the game with speed and power to burn, though like with Lindor, his power could be down early on as he continues to recover from the injury.

Geraldo Perdomo, fourth in the NL MVP voting last year, and Ketel Marte form a strong trio with Carroll. Marte was a rumored trade candidate all winter, but it’s a good thing for the lineup that he’s still on the team, as he’s been the D-Backs’ best overall hitter over the past five seasons.

It’s the rest of the lineup beyond those three that concerns me, as they’re counting on declining veterans to pick up the slack, including 39-year-old Carlos Santana and 34-year-old Nolan Arenado. Catcher Gabriel Moreno still has more upside and is a breakout candidate. Another potential breakout player to monitor is Jordan Lawlar, who has been moved from the infield to center field, and I still think he has the potential to develop into an All-Star if given the opportunity.

18. San Francisco Giants

2025 runs scored: 705 Rank: 17th
Key additions: Luis Arraez, 2B (free agent); Harrison Bader, CF (free agent)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Heliot Ramos, LF; Jung Hoo Lee, RF
Rookie watch: Bryce Eldridge, 1B/DH
Prospect watch: Josuar Gonzalez, SS; Luis Hernández, SS; Jhonny Level, SS; Gavin Kilen, INF

The Giants’ offense is led by Rafael Devers and Willy Adames, who both reached the 30-homer plateau last season. Devers joined the Giants midway through last season via trade, so this will be the first time San Francisco gets to benefit from his bat for a full year. Heliot Ramos and Matt Chapman also add power to the lineup, while Jung Hoo Lee and new addition Luis Arraez bring elite contact skills. Arraez, in particular, should add traffic from the top of the lineup. The Giants also added Harrison Bader — who had his best offensive season last year — to the mix, lengthening the lineup.

The key to their offense could be rookie Bryce Eldridge, who has elite power but also holes in his swing that he needs to minimize. He’ll begin the season in Triple A but figures to get significant playing time with the Giants this year.

19. Cincinnati Reds

2025 runs scored: 716 Rank: 14th
Key additions: Eugenio Suárez, DH/1B (free agent); JJ Bleday, OF (free agent); Dane Myers, OF (trade)
Key losses: Gavin Lux, INF/OF
Breakout candidates: Noelvi Marte, RF; Matt McLain, 2B
Rookie watch: Sal Stewart, 1B
Prospect watch: Alfredo Duno, C; Steele Hall, SS; Tyson Lewis, SS/3B; Héctor Rodriguez, OF; Cam Collier, 3B; Edwin Arroyo, SS

The Reds’ offense is led by Elly De La Cruz, who played hurt all last year but still managed to produce 22 homers and 37 steals while hitting .264. He hasn’t touched his potential as a hitter yet. The Reds added much-needed power behind De La Cruz when they landed free agent Eugenio Suárez. They are hoping T.J. Friedl and Matt McLain can take their games to the next level and get on base enough to give the middle of the lineup plenty of RBI opportunities.

Elly De La Cruz hasn’t touched his full potential as a hitter yet and could put up a monster season for the Reds after playing through injury last year. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

The key to the lineup, however, will be rookie Sal Stewart, who hits the ball hard consistently and should produce from the outset, and one of my top breakout candidates in the league, Noelvi Marte. Both players are future All-Star caliber hitters.

20. Texas Rangers

2025 runs scored: 684 Rank: 22nd
Key additions: Brandon Nimmo, RF (trade); Danny Jansen, C (free agent); Andrew McCutchen, OF (free agent)
Key losses: Marcus Semien, 2B; Adolis García, RF
Breakout candidates: Evan Carter, OF
Prospect watch: Sebastian Walcott, 3B (Injured); Gavin Fien, INF

The Rangers’ offense was one of the biggest disappointments of the 2025 season, as veterans Adolis García and Marcus Semien both slumped enough that Texas moved on from them this offseason and veteran free-agent pickups Jake Burger and Joc Pederson were complete busts.

Texas’ hitters are led by two-time World Series MVP Corey Seager and emerging superstar Wyatt Langford. The Rangers picked up Brandon Nimmo and his 28 home runs from the Mets in the Semien trade and are hoping that a healthy Evan Carter can develop into an All-Star caliber player.

Rangers top prospect Sebastian Walcott had Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow and is out for the year, which is a real setback for his development.

21. Pittsburgh Pirates

2025 runs scored: 583 Rank: 30th
Key additions: Brandon Lowe, 2B (trade); Ryan O’Hearn, 1B/DH/OF (free agent); Marcell Ozuna, DH (free agent); Jhostynxon Garcia, OF (trade); Jake Mangum, OF (trade)
Key losses: Andrew McCutchen, OF
Rookie watch: Konnor Griffin, SS; Jhostynxon Garcia, OF
Prospect watch: Edward Florentino, OF/1B; Termarr Johnson, 2B; Wyatt Sanford, SS

After finishing last in baseball in runs scored last year, the Pirates did something about it for the first time in a long time. They were extremely aggressive in trades and free agency and greatly improved their lineup. They look well-positioned to post their first winning record since 2018.

In trades, they landed 30-home-run second baseman Brandon Lowe from the Rays and top outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia from the Red Sox. In free agency, they signed Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna, adding more run producers to the middle of the lineup.

Though he didn’t make the team out of camp, Konnor Griffin, the top prospect in baseball, could still be a major factor for the Pirates this season, as could Garcia, who will also begin the year in the minors. This offense is much improved and makes the Buccos relevant again.

22. Miami Marlins

2025 runs scored: 709 Rank: 16th
Key additions: Owen Caissie, OF (trade); Christopher Morel, 1B (free agent); Dillon Lewis, CF (trade); Esteury Ruiz, OF (trade)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Agustín Ramírez, C
Rookie watch: Owen Caissie, OF; Joe Mack, C
Prospect watch: Aiva Arquette, SS; Cam Cannarella, OF; Kemp Alderman, OF; Dillon Lewis, OF; Andrew Salas, INF/OF; Brandon Compton, OF; Santiago Solarte, SS

The Marlins have been building their lineup mostly through trades, but it’s a work-in-progress. Jakob Marsee and Xavier Edwards are atop the lineup and combined to steal 41 bases last year, with the potential for much more this year. The middle of the lineup includes Kyle Stowers and Agustín Ramírez, who combined to hit 36 homers with the potential to get to 60 this year.

The bottom of the lineup has questions, specifically at first base, where Christopher Morel, Liam Hicks, Graham Pauley and Griffin Conine are fighting for playing time, and at third, where Connor Norby is penciled in but is probably a better fit at second. Norby could also see time in the outfield. One of the keys to their lineup could be Owen Caissie, who was the headliner in the return for Edward Cabrera this offseason.

23. Tampa Bay Rays

2025 runs scored: 714 Rank: 15th
Key additions: Cedric Mullins, CF (free agent); Jacob Melton, OF (trade); Gavin Lux, INF (trade); Jake Fraley, OF (trade); Ben Williamson, 3B (trade)
Key losses: Brandon Lowe, 2B; Josh Lowe, RF; Jake Mangum, OF
Breakout candidates: Chandler Simpson, LF
Rookie watch: Carson Williams, SS; Jacob Melton, OF
Prospect watch: Theo Gillen, OF; Daniel Pierce, SS; Slater de Brun, OF

The Rays made a lot of offseason trades, but most of them will be more impactful beyond 2026. The Rays will return to Tropicana Field this year, which should benefit the lineup. They signed veteran Cedric Mullins, who will help more defensively than offensively, and acquired Gavin Lux, who never developed with the Dodgers or Reds. Their best acquisition was probably rookie Jacob Melton, but he didn’t make the Opening Day roster.

The key to their offense is Junior Caminero, who is one of the top young power hitters in baseball. Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Díaz both profile as potential .300 hitters. Speedster Chandler Simpson will try to become the everyday left fielder — if he gets the gig, he will probably lead the league in stolen bases. He just needs to improve at getting on base with the long-term goal of being their leadoff hitter.

24. Washington Nationals

2025 runs scored: 687 Rank: 20th
Key additions: Harry Ford, C (trade); Abimelec Ortiz, 1B (trade)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: James Wood, LF; Dylan Crews, RF; Brady House, 3B
Rookie watch: Harry Ford, C; Abimelec Ortiz, 1B
Prospect watch: Eli Willits, SS; Gavin Fien, INF; Seaver King, SS; Luke Dickerson, SS/2B

The Nationals have a strong core of young hitters to build around, led by burgeoning star James Wood and power-and-speed threat CJ Abrams. Outfielder Daylen Lile will try to take his game to the next level, as will third baseman Brady House, who is making strides in his development thanks to the new technology and analytics the front office provided him this offseason.

Catcher Keibert Ruiz will have strong competition from Harry Ford this year for the starting job. Ford will begin the season in Triple A but could factor heavily in the Nationals’ catching rotation this year. Outfielder Dylan Crews, the No. 2 pick in 2023, will begin the season in Triple A. If he can figure out the issues that have hindered his production in the majors, he still has the talent to be an impact player for Washington.

25. Cleveland Guardians

2025 runs scored: 643 Rank: 28th
Key additions: Rhys Hoskins, 1B/DH (free agent)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Kyle Manzardo, 1B
Rookie watch: Chase DeLauter, RF; George Valera, LF
Prospect watch: Travis Bazzana, 2B; Angel Genao, SS; Ralphy Velazquez, 1B/OF; Cooper Ingle, C

The Guardians’ offense is led by future Hall of Famer José Ramírez, who is coming off a 30-home run, 44-stolen base season. Leadoff hitter Steven Kwan is Cleveland’s other top offensive player. The rest of the lineup is dependent on young players such as Kyle Manzardo and George Valera taking the next step. I believe that rookie Chase DeLauter will be their second-best hitter behind Ramírez by season’s end, while the addition of veteran Rhys Hoskins gives them much-needed right-handed power at first base, designated hitter or off the bench.

26. Minnesota Twins

2025 runs scored: 678 Rank: 23rd
Key additions: Josh Bell, 1B/DH (free agent); Victor Caratini, C (free agent)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Royce Lewis, 3B; Luke Keaschall, 2B
Prospect watch: Walker Jenkins, OF; Kaelen Culpepper, SS; Eduardo Tait, C; Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF

The Twins’ lineup always seems to depend on the health of Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis, and this year is no different. Buxton played in 126 games last season and hit 35 homers with 24 stolen bases, but Lewis had trouble staying on the field and posted his worst offensive season (83 OPS+).

Luke Keaschall got his feet wet last season with an impressive rookie campaign. He possesses a strong hit tool, though he, too, has had trouble staying healthy. Newly acquired first baseman Josh Bell and outfielders Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner all provide at least 15-20 home run power. Top prospect Walker Jenkins could be major-league ready sometime this summer.

27. St. Louis Cardinals

2025 runs scored: 698 Rank: 19th
Key additions: None
Key losses: Willson Contreras, 1B; Brendan Donovan, 2B; Nolan Arenado, 3B
Breakout candidates: Jordan Walker, RF; Nolan Gorman, 3B; Victor Scott II, CF
Rookie watch: JJ Wetherholt, 2B
Prospect watch: Rainiel Rodriguez, C; Joshua Baez, LF; Leonardo Bernal, C; Jimmy Crooks, C

The best hitter on the Cardinals is probably rookie JJ Wetherholt, who hasn’t played in the major leagues yet. The Cardinals are strong defensively up the middle with Masyn Winn at shortstop and Victor Scott II in center field. Alec Burleson won a Silver Slugger last season and will now be their everyday first baseman after they traded Willson Contreras to the Red Sox. Nolan Gorman will finally get to play at his natural position at third base after the Cardinals traded Nolan Arenado to the Diamondbacks.

Is this the year Jordan Walker finally reaches his potential as a hitter? (Tim Vizer / Imagn Images)

Jordan Walker will try to have a breakout season after three disappointing years in St. Louis. He has all the tools; now it’s time for him to make the adjustments and translate those tools into production. It’s a lineup of homegrown talent and by season’s end the front office should know which players to build around and which ones to move on from.

28. Chicago White Sox

2025 runs scored: 647 Rank: 27th
Key additions: Munetaka Murakami, 1B (free agent/NPB posting); Austin Hays, OF (free agent); Luisangel Acuña, 2B/OF (trade)
Key losses: Luis Robert Jr.
Breakout candidates: Kyle Teel, C; Colson Montgomery, SS
Rookie watch: Munetaka Murakami, 1B
Prospect watch: Braden Montgomery, RF; Caleb Bonemer, 2B/SS; Billy Carlson, SS

The White Sox jumped into free agency this offseason and landed Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, who will be their everyday first baseman. Murakami has plus power but also significant contact issues. He has drawn comparisons to a wide spectrum of players, from Joey Gallo and Dave Kingman to Max Muncy and Luke Voit to even Matt Olson and Kyle Schwarber. My guess is he lands the closest to Muncy, which would still mean he’s a strong player.

The rest of their lineup includes 2021 first-round pick Colson Montgomery’s power bat and one of the best up-and-coming catchers in Kyle Teel, who had a solid debut last season. The White Sox finally traded Luis Robert Jr. this offseason, but I’m not sure they got enough back in the deal.

One of my favorite prospects is Braden Montgomery, who came over from Boston in the Garrett Crochet trade along with Teel and others. He won’t make the team out of spring training, but I think he will get to the big leagues by the summer. The Sox have a ways to go before they have a contending lineup, but they are trending in the right direction.

29. Los Angeles Angels

2025 runs scored: 673 Rank: 25th
Key additions: Josh Lowe, RF (trade); Vaughn Grissom, INF (trade)
Key losses: Taylor Ward, RF
Breakout candidates: Christian Moore, 2B; Nolan Schanuel, 1B
Prospect watch: Nelson Rada, OF

The Angels traded one of their best power bats, Taylor Ward, to the Orioles in the offseason, a move that pushes them back a few spots in the rankings. Their offense is led by shortstop Zach Neto, who is rounding into a star player after being drafted in the first round in 2022. Mike Trout is now 34 and isn’t the player he once was. He still has power, but the holes at the top of the strike zone have grown for him. Jo Adell led the team with 37 homers last year and Nolan Schanuel hit .264 with 12 homers.

The only significant position player offseason pickup was Josh Lowe, who is more of a platoon player against right-handed pitching. One player to watch is Christian Moore, who struggled as a rookie but has the talent and make-up to succeed in the majors.

30. Colorado Rockies

2025 runs scored: 597 Rank: 29th
Key additions: Willi Castro, INF/OF (free agent); Jake McCarthy, OF (trade); Edouard Julien, IF (free agent)
Key losses: None
Breakout candidates: Ezequiel Tovar, SS; Brenton Doyle, CF; Edouard Julien, 2B
Rookie watch: Charlie Condon, 1B/RF
Prospect watch: Ethan Holliday, SS; Jared Thomas, OF; Roldy Brito, 2B/OF; Robert Calaz, OF

It’s hard to believe the Rockies play half their games at Coors Field and still finished 29th in runs scored last year. This offseason, they did very little to add to the offense, improving by inches rather than feet with their pickups of Willi Castro, Edouard Julien and Jake McCarthy.

Their best offensive player was their only All-Star last year: Hunter Goodman, who hit .278 with 31 home runs. Mickey Moniak had 24 bombs and Jordan Beck added 16. The Rockies are strong defensively at shortstop with Ezequiel Tovar and in center field with Brenton Doyle, but need more offense from both.

Charlie Condon, a first-rounder in 2024, looks like their long-term answer at first base with power from foul pole to foul pole, but he’ll start the year in the minors. Their first-round pick from last year, Ethan Holliday, also gives them long-term hope but he’s at least two to three years away.

It looks like another dismal summer in Colorado — this team could actually finish last in runs scored this year, despite their home ballpark