All 30 MLB starting lineups, ranked

The annual reload of the Dodgers offense got a major boost with the signing of star first baseman Freddie Freeman. He joins a long list of offensive stars that include Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Max Muncy, Will Smith, and Justin Turner. A.J. Pollock rebounded with good health last season, and their pairing of Chris Taylor and Gavin Lux provides the defensive versatility that the team covets. The wild card in the lineup remains center fielder Cody Bellinger, who has seen his numbers miraculously plunge since winning MVP three years ago.

How do you replace a former MVP like Freddie Freeman? On-base and power machine Matt Olson is a nice consolation prize. The team has also seen great development from Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Dansby Swanson, while superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. is expected to return from ACL surgery in May. The returns of Eddie Rosario, Marcell Ozuna, and Adam Duvall to the outfield provide plenty of power, and Travis d’Arnaud is usually a plus hitter at the catcher spot. With good health, the Braves are highly capable of challenging the Dodgers for most runs in the NL again.

Replacing shortstop Carlos Correa will be no small feat, but the lineup that led MLB in runs last season remains mostly intact. It’s hard to find a more difficult top six in the order than Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, Yuli Gurriel, and Kyle Tucker. That group could be even better this season if Bregman is able to stay healthy and regain the MVP-level ability he showed in past seasons. Centerfield could be a timeshare, as it was late last season after Myles Straw was traded. Jeremy Pena is an intriguing shortstop prospect who is the best candidate to replace Correa, while Martin Maldonado and Jason Castro are more of a defensive group to man catcher and the ninth spot in the order.

Toronto finished third in runs scored last year, and looks primed for another huge year. The loss of Marcus Semien is somewhat offset by the addition of power hitter Matt Chapman at third base, and the team also hopes for a rebound season from Cavan Biggio. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, George Springer, and Teoscar Hernandez are capable of MVP seasons, while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is an above-average hitter in left field. The team is bullish on Alejandro Kirk, who will share time between catcher and DH, and Danny Jansen also made some progress offensively last season.

The combination of great player development and financial flexibility has made Boston one of the elite lineups in baseball. Last year’s core remains, including superstars Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, and J.D. Martinez, and the Red Sox made a very notable addition by signing former Rockies shortstop Trevor Story to a massive deal. Enrique Hernandez, Alex Verdugo, and Bobby Dalbec remain league-average hitters for their positions, at worst. Boston is hoping for rebounds from Christian Vazquez and Jackie Bradley Jr. to complete the lineup, but Kevin Plawecki and Jarren Duran are fine fallback options.

The Yanks made some significant changes to their lineup this spring, and it remains to be seen if they are for the better. Gone are Gary Sanchez, Luke Voit, and Gio Urshela, but the team has added Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Ben Rotvedt. The team will be offensively challenged at catcher if they don’t make another move, but they look strong at every other spot. Anthony Rizzo was brought back to play first base, and he’s just an appetizer for the main course that is Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo, and Giancarlo Stanton in the middle of the order. Gleyber Torres is hoping to get back on track after hitting 38 home runs in 2019, and he’s still only 25. Aaron Hicks should rove around the outfield when he’s healthy, while two-time Batting Champ DJ LeMahieu will down the same around the infield.

Mets owner Steve Cohen clearly isn’t shy about spending money, and he opened his wallet to sign Starling Marte, Mark Canha, and Eduardo Escobar this offseason after bringing in Francisco Lindor and James McCann last year. Brandon Nimmo remains an on-base machine atop the lineup when he’s healthy, and former Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso is one of the top power hitters in MLB. The team is hoping for rebound seasons from Robinson Cano and Jeff McNeil to complete the lineup, but they have fine fallback options with J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith.

The White Sox return most of last year’s core that produced the fifth most runs in the AL and have higher hopes if Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez can stay healthy. The team also has other superstar offensive players like Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, Yasmani Grandal, and Yoan Moncada, Andrew Vaughn, and Gavin Sheets as potential assets, as well. Chicago brought in veteran Josh Harrison to shore up second base, even as his .741 OPS last season was sub-par for the position. The White Sox lineup could easily join the elite with some better luck this season.

Phillies baseball head Dave Dombrowski wasn’t messing around this spring, adding big boppers Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber to a lineup that already included reigning MVP Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Rhys Hoskins. It’s realistic to expect 150-plus home runs from that group, and second baseman Jean Segura remains a fine offensive contributor. However, the back one-third of the lineup is somewhat of a question mark. Alec Bohm struggled both offensively and defensively last season and showing well in his 2020 rookie season. Didi Gregorius was in clear decline last year and has top prospect, Bryson Stott, breathing down his neck. The center field job could be musical chairs all year, with Matt Vierling, Adam Haseley, Mickey Moniak, and Odubel Herrera vying for the job.

The Rays sport one of the deepest lineups in baseball, and also one of the cheapest. The top four in the lineup are usually some combination of Randy Arozarena, Brandon Lowe, Wander Franco, and Austin Meadows, a quartet that can hit for power and steal bases. Ji-Man Choi has done just enough to hold the first base job, while Yandy Diaz is an on-base machine who looks like he could hit more power than has actually been the case thus far. Mike Zunino returned to offensive asset last year, hitting 33 home runs, while outfielders Kevin Kiermaier and Manuel Margot provide more defensively than offensively. As usual, the Rays’ farm system makes the team much more capable later in the year with top prospects Vidal Brujan, Xavier Edwards, and Josh Lowe knocking on the door.

If only the Angels could stay healthy. They got an MVP season out of Shohei Ohtani last season, but injuries to high-priced stars Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon prevented the lineup from being elite. Jared Walsh has gone from minor league veteran to elite power hitter at first base, and Max Stassi has seen a similar development track. You outfield corners Brandon Marsha and Jo Adell bring huge upside, with veteran Justin Upton providing the occasional long ball. Contact hitters Tyler Wade, Matt Duffy, and David Fletcher shore up the middle but are below average offensively.

After trading Jose Berrios and losing Kenta Maeda to injury, the thought was that Minnesota would rebuild in 2022. Instead, they look primed to compete again after signing Byron Buxton to an extension and giving Carlos Correa a record-breaking contract. The Twins employ big power potential around them with Miguel Sano, Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, Alex Kirilloff, and Gary Sanchez, with Luis Arraez and Gio Urshela also showing formidable offensive ability. There isn’t a clear hole in the lineup, and prospects Jose Miranda, Trevor Larnach, and Royce Lewis have the potential to make it even deeper.

Milwaukee pieced together a lineup that finished above average with 738 runs scored last season despite major struggles from the outfielders, including Christian Yelich. After two years of struggles, the former MVP can’t be counted on for middle-of-the-order production. He does get ample support from Kolten Wong, Willy Adames, Rowdy Tellez, and Luis Urias to make up for the decline. The team added big power with Hunter Renfroe and Andrew McCutchen during the offseason, and Keston Hiura remains a wild card who has 30 home run potential if he can show his rebound early in Spring Training is real.

The Padres lineup could struggle in the first half of the season after superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. suffered a wrist injury, but there are still quality hitters from top to bottom. Manny Machado is the centerpiece of the lineup without Tatis, and he’s supported well by Trent Grisham, Jake Cronenworth, and Luke Voit. Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers have been disappointments relative to their massive contracts, but neither hitter is a free-out. Austin Nola and Jurickson Profar are buying time for top prospects Luis Campusano and Robert Hassell.

The Giants rode platoons and veteran resurgences to finish second in the NL in runs scored last season, but a repeat will be very difficult following Buster Posey’s retirement. The team is hoping Evan Longoria, Brandon Belt, and Brandon Crawford continue their positive momentum, and they’ve added some power to support them with Joc Pederson. The DH is an excellent development to get Darin Ruf in the lineup regularly, and Mike Yastrzemski still provides plus power in the outfield. Tommy La Stella is capable of mashing against right-handers if he’s healthy, and is in a solid platoon with Wilmer Flores. The catcher spot is an obvious downgrade with rookie Joey Bart, but he’s shown big power in the minors.

It’s not a great sign for the Cardinals that they scored only 706 runs last season despite strong seasons from Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Tyler O’Neill, and Dylan Carlson. The team hasn’t been able to get reliable production from Paul DeJong or Harrison Bader up the middle, while Yadier Molina has seen better days offensively. Tommy Edman’s hold on the leadoff spot is shaky after his OBP hovered around .300 last season, as the team could certainly use big seasons from top prospects, Nolan Gorman and Juan Yepez.

GM Jerry Dipoto outdid himself with the additions of Adam Frazier, Jesse Winker, and Eugenio Suarez to a lineup that already included impressive hitters Ty France and Mitch Haniger. Shortstop J.P. Crawford is finally starting to come into his own as a regular, hitting .273 last season, and Abraham Toro showed plus power after being added from Houston. The catcher duo of Tom Murphy and Luis Torrens has been plus offensively in spurts. The X-factor could be young Jarred Kelenic, a former elite prospect who finally came on late last season. Fellow top outfield prospect Julio Rodriguez isn’t far behind.

The Cubs enter the season with only two of the same players from last year’s Opening Day lineup. Those two players, Willson Contreras and Ian Happ are in the middle of the order, but there is some potential around them. Minor league veterans Rafael Ortega, Frank Schwindel, and Patrick Wisdom impressed last season, and will hopefully build on their breakouts. Big-money Japanese signing Seiya Suzuki adds high hopes in the outfield, while young contact hitters Nick Madrigal and Nico Hoerner should be able to hold their own in the infield. The depth has also been helped by the additions of Andrelton Simmons, Jonathan Villar, Yan Gomes, and Clint Frazier. There aren’t many sure things in Chicago, but the team doesn’t lack upside.

Losing franchise players Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story in the last two offseasons has plagued Colorado’s lineup, but they have made an effort to fill those holes by adding Kris Bryant and Randal Grichuk. The infield is also formidable with C.J. Cron, Brendan Rodgers, Ryan McMahon, and Jose Iglesias around the diamond. Elias Diaz’s 18 home runs last season were a pleasant surprise, and Charlie Blackmon started to rebound in the second half of last season after a slow start. The right field position is likely to be a battle between Sam Hilliard and Connor Joe, who could complement each other with different offensive skillsets, and Garrett Hampson is a capable utilityman who could play almost anywhere on the field. Corner infield prospect Elehuris Montero could add a jolt with his big power at some point this season.

Reds ownership has faced criticism for cutting costs, including the recent trades of Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez. That move certainly hurt the lineup, but the Reds should still be able to score their fair share of runs this season with Jonathan India, Joey Votto, and Tyler Stephenson among the top offensive threats at their positions. The Reds also have formidable veterans like Mike Moustakas, Tommy Pham, and Colin Moran, who have been strong offensive producers at their best. Cincinnati is able to play platoons in the outfield with Tyler Naquin, Nick Senzel, Jake Fraley, and Aristides Aquino, and they likely have a similar plan at DH (Colin Moran) and shortstop (Kyle Farmer and Donovan Solano) until youngster Jose Barrero returns from a wrist injury. The lack of overall power is a major concern that could hold the Reds back in 2022.

The development and arrival of KC’s top prospects could determine the quality of the offense this season. In particular, Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Pratto, and M.J. Melendez have a chance to make up the middle of the order for years to come. In the meantime, Salvador Perez emerged as the premier power-hitting catcher in baseball last season, and Whit Merrifield is a game table-setter in the leadoff spot. Andrew Benintendi got back on track after getting traded out of Boston, and fellow outfielder Kyle Isbel has interesting power and speed. The Royals are hoping rebound seasons from Adalberto Mondesi, Carlos Santana, and Hunter Dozier can complete the lineup.

The Diamondbacks lineup had an influx of youth last season, and that should continue this year with Seth Beer, Alek Thomas, and Corbin Carroll eventually adding to Daulton Varsho and Pavin Smith. Ketel Marte remains the centerpiece of the lineup, while David Peralta, Christian Walker, and Nick Ahmed are in decline. While still likely a bottom 10 run production lineup, the young players do give Arizona some hope.

Cleveland has remained very quiet this offseason, which is a concern for a lineup that was well below league average last season. Jose Ramirez remains a 30/30 capable superstar at third base, and power hitters Franmil Reyes and Bobby Bradley are capable of 30-plus homers. The Guardians also have athleticism atop the order with Myles Straw and Amed Rosario. It’s the bottom four hitters in the lineup there that are a concern, with Andres Gimenez still cutting his teeth offensively and the outfield corners shaky with Bradley Zimmer, Josh Naylor, Oscar Mercado, and Steven Kwan. Catcher is also a huge issue with Austin Hedges posting a futile .249 on-base percentage for his career.

Washington has arguably the best hitter in the world in Juan Soto, but the lineup is up and down around him. The clear pluses on offense include Josh Bell, Nelson Cruz, and Keibert Ruiz, but the lineup is far from established around them. Cesar Hernandez is coming off a down year, particularly in the second half, and Alcides Escobar probably wouldn’t be playing regularly on the other 29 teams. Outfielders Victor Robles and Lane Thomas might not be long-term regulars, but they should see their fair share of playing time in Washington. The Nats are still waiting on third baseman Carter Kieboom to develop, but he’s fighting injury this spring.

The Tigers scored more runs than only three AL teams last season, but they have reason to expect better in 2022. They started their offensive off right by signing shortstop Javier Baez, who doesn’t provide much on-base ability but makes a difference with power and speed. Akil Baddoo and Robbie Grossman impressed as regulars last season, and Jeimer Candelario is a keeper after leading the team with a .794 OPS last season. Miguel Cabrera and Jonathan Schoop remain 20-plus home run threats, and the lineup could get an influx of youth when elite prospects Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene arrive sooner than later. Tucker Barnhart is a defensive specialist behind the plate, and Eric Haase showed off plus power that could fill in at catcher or the outfield when someone needs a day off.

Miami’s 623 runs scored last season was only better than Pittsburgh. They’ve made strides to help by adding outfielders Avisail Garcia and Jorge Soler in free agency, who should join Garrett Cooper, Jesus Sanchez, and Jesus Aguilar to provide plus power in the middle of the batting order. No player on the team has more upside than Jazz Chisholm, but he did very little offensively last season after April. Brian Anderson and Miguel Rojas are trying to rebound from injury-plagued seasons, and new catcher Jacob Stallings is more of a defensive player.

The Rangers made huge headlines by signing middle infielders Marcus Semien and Corey Seager to huge contracts in the offseason, but the lineup remains incomplete. Nathaniel Lowe did establish himself as a fine regular last year, and Mitch Garver can say the same behind the plate. Adolis Garcia struggled to get on base despite showing great athleticism in center field last season. Veterans Kole Calhoun, Brad Miller, and Willie Calhoun have been shaky regulars recently, and the third base position is up for grabs after top prospect Josh Jung suffered a major shoulder injury.

The Orioles lineup looks slightly better than it did entering last season after breakout years from Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle, but there remain too many holes for the rebuilding team. The back half of the lineup has its fair share of questions, with Ramon Urias, Rougned Odor, Robinson Chirinos, and Kelvin Gutierrez showing themselves as fringe major leaguers who have much bigger roles on a bad team. Trey Mancini, Anthony Santander, and Austin Hays do provide proven power, but their power could take a big hit with Camden Yards moving the fences back.

The Pirates finished dead last in runs last season, and there haven’t been many changes entering Opening Day. Bryan Reynolds and Ke’Bryan Hayes remain the highest upside players, but the rest of the lineup is filled with veterans who could only find opportunities in Pittsburgh or raw young players. Daniel Vogelbach and Yoshi Tsutsugo are capable power hitters, while the back half of the lineup that includes Ben Gamel, Roberto Perez, Kevin Newman, and Cole Tucker leaves much to be desired offensive. Fans are anxiously awaiting the arrival of top prospect Oneil Cruz, who is a natural shortstop with 20/20 upside and is now getting work in the outfield.

Oakland’s lineup is a mess after their spring firesale, and the team might not be done. They lost Mark Canha in free agency and traded corner infielders Matt Olson and Matt Chapman this spring. The A’s are left without any clear offensive assets, though a few players like Sean Murphy, Seth Brown, Kevin Smith, and Cristian Pache provide intrigue. Veterans Elvis Andrus, Eric Thames, and Jed Lowrie could see regular at-bats despite being on their last leg. Oakland could also give regular playing time to on-base asset Tony Kemp up the middle, along with lefty masher Chad Pinder.