MLB 2026: Dodgers, Braves, and Mets lead the most feared lineups

In the world of baseball, the wait for the season is a ritual. The legendary Rogers Hornsby, known for his toughness, left a romantic phrase that still resonates: “People ask me what I do in the winter when there’s no baseball. I tell them what I do. I look out the window and wait for spring.” Following that tradition, many fans analyze the projected lineups, an exercise that intensifies with the start of spring training. Here’s an analysis of MLB team lineups, with a look at how they’re shaping up for the season.

Contents

1. Los Angeles Dodgers 2. Atlanta Braves 3. New York Mets 4. Seattle Mariners 5. Toronto Blue Jays 6. Athletics 7. Chicago Cubs 8. New York Yankees 9. Philadelphia Phillies 10. San Diego Padres 11. Arizona Diamondbacks 12. Baltimore Orioles 13. Houston Astros 14. Kansas City Royals 15. Milwaukee Brewers

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Base Alignment:

Shohei Ohtani
Kyle Tucker
Mookie Betts
Freddie Freeman
Will Smith
Max Muncy
Teoscar Hernandez
Tommy Edman
Andy Pages

A team with power, patience, and cunning on the bases. With depth and, for the most part, durable. They stand out for being the best against left-handed and right-handed pitchers, with few weaknesses. A long season is expected for the Dodgers’ opponents.

2. Atlanta Braves

Base Alignment:

Ronald Acuña Jr.
Drake Baldwin
Matt Olson
Jurickson Profar
Austin Riley
Ozzie Albies
Michael Harris II
Mike Yastrzemski
Ha-Seong Kim

Durability ratings are based on playtime projections and depth is a point to improve. If the alignment stays healthy, it’s an order with a lot of potential and no gaps.

3. New York Mets

Base Alignment:

Francisco Lindor
Juan Soto
Bo Bichette
Jorge Polanco
Marcus Semien
Brett Baty
Francisco Alvarez
Luis Robert Jr.
Carson Benge

The Mets have revamped their lineup, seeking greater aggressiveness and balance. The team’s success will largely depend on how the central part of the lineup performs.

4. Seattle Mariners

Base Alignment:

Brendan Donovan
Julio Rodriguez
Cal Raleigh
Josh Naylor
Randy Arozarena
Dominic Canzone
Luke Raley
Cole Young
J.P. Crawford

Despite a good offensive performance last season, the Mariners could be underestimated. The key will be how the possible absence of Raleigh is covered.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

Base Alignment:

George Springer
Addison Barger
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Alejandro Kirk
Daulton Varsho
Jesus Sanchez
Kazuma Okamoto
Ernie Clement
Andres Gimenez

The Blue Jays will seek to repeat their success with an aggressive offensive strategy. Okamoto will have to fill the void left by Bo Bichette.

6. Athletics

Base Alignment:

Nick Kurtz
Shea Langeliers
Tyler Soderstrom
Brent Rooker
Jeff McNeil
Jacob Wilson
Lawrence Butler
Max Muncy
Denzel Clarke

A team with a slow and powerful game strategy. Patience could be an area of improvement for the young Athletics hitters.

7. Chicago Cubs

Base Alignment:

Michael Busch
Alex Bregman
Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Nico Hoerner
Moises Ballesteros
Dansby Swanson
Carson Kelly

Durability and depth are key for the Cubs. Despite potential injuries, the team has options to maintain a stable lineup.

8. New York Yankees

Base Alignment:

Trent Grisham
Aaron Judge
Cody Bellinger
Ben Rice
Giancarlo Stanton
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Ryan McMahon
Anthony Volpe
Austin Wells

Despite the low batting averages, the Yankees excel in power and patience. The team’s health will be crucial to their performance.

9. Philadelphia Phillies

Base Alignment:

Trea Turner
Kyle Schwarber
Bryce Harper
Alec Bohm
Brandon Marsh
Adolis Garcia
Bryson Stott
J.T. Realmuto
Justin Crawford

The Phillies excel on the bases, with Turner leading the way. Crawford will seek to integrate as a starter.

10. San Diego Padres

Base Alignment:

Xander Bogaerts
Jackson Merrill
Manny Machado
Fernando Tatis Jr.
Jake Cronenworth
Ramon Laureano
Gavin Sheets
Miguel Andujar
Freddy Fermin

The Padres seek to combine their aggressiveness with an increase in power. Merrill and Bogaerts’ performance will be key.

11. Arizona Diamondbacks

Base Alignment:

Geraldo Perdomo
Ketel Marte
Corbin Carroll
Gabriel Moreno
Nolan Arenado
Carlos Santana
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Jordan Lawlar
Pavin Smith

The Diamondbacks will look to maintain their dangerous offense, despite the changes. The team’s health will be an important factor.

12. Baltimore Orioles

Base Alignment:

Gunnar Henderson
Taylor Ward
Adley Rutschman
Pete Alonso
Jordan Westburg
Jackson Holliday
Dylan Beavers
Samuel Basallo
Colton Cowser

With the additions of Ward and Alonso, the Orioles are looking for a “take and give” approach. Health, especially of Holliday and Westburg, will be crucial.

13. Houston Astros

Base Alignment:

Jeremy Pena
Jose Altuve
Yordan Alvarez
Carlos Correa
Yainer Diaz
Christian Walker
Joey Loperfido
Zach Cole
Jake Meyers

An alignment that depends on the health of Pena and Alvarez. The Astros are expected to seek to improve their aggressiveness and rely less on batting average.

14. Kansas City Royals

Base Alignment:

Maikel Garcia
Bobby Witt Jr.
Vinnie Pasquantino
Salvador Perez
Jac Caglianone
Jonathan India
Carter Jensen
Isaac Collins
Kyle Isbel

The Royals have implemented changes to their batting program to improve discipline. They have also modified the fences in their stadium to increase offensive power.