Predicting Every MLB Team's 2027 Opening Day Lineup

The 2026 MLB season has arrived at its stretch run. While contenders are gearing up for the postseason, a long list of also-rans have already shifted their focus to the 2027 season.

The lingering question is what the offseason will look like amid an expiring CBA and an expected lockout, but for the sake of this exercise, we're operating as if baseball will be on time and on schedule in 2027.

It's time for way-too-early predictions for every team's Opening Day starting lineup.

In order to accurately reflect the 2027 landscape, we've assigned all of the top upcoming free agents to logical landing spots, with a mix of re-signings and new homes for the top players set to test the free-agency waters.

We used veterans under contract, established young talent, and up-and-coming prospects, along with recent lineup construction and projected future performance, to craft each team's potential 2027 go-to lineup.

Note: Names in bold indicate a projected free-agent signing.

ARI | ATH | ATL | BAL | BOS | CHC | CIN | CLE | COL | CWS | DET | HOU | KC | LAA | LAD | MIA | MIL | MIN | NYM | NYY | PHI | PIT | SD | SEA | SF | STL | TB | TEX | TOR | WSH

SS Geraldo Perdomo RF Corbin Carroll C Gabriel Moreno 1B Ketel Marte DH Lars Nootbaar 3B Nolan Arenado CF Jordan Lawlar LF Ryan Waldschmidt 2B Demetrio Crisantes (R)

Quick Thoughts: Top prospect Demetrio Crisantes is knocking on the door after reaching Triple-A in July. With incumbent second baseman Ketel Marte signed through 2030, a defensive shift is likely coming at some point. The alternative to shifting Marte to first base would be to make him the full-time DH, but that creates a logjam in the outfield. Ryan Waldschmidt and Jordan Lawlar would then compete for one spot. They would still need to sign a first baseman.

CF Henry Bolte 1B Nick Kurtz C Shea Langeliers DH Brent Rooker LF Tyler Soderstrom SS Jacob Wilson RF Lawrence Butler 2B Zack Gelof 3B Edmundo Sosa

Quick Thoughts: A bounce-back season from Zack Gelof should lock him into a starting spot at second base or third base. Whichever position he doesn't fill will be the storyline heading into spring training. Top prospect Leo De Vries had a shot at winning an Opening Day roster spot before undergoing shoulder surgery that will sideline him into next year, leaving someone like Edmundo Sosa or Amed Rosario as a logical low-cost target to bolster the infield.

DH Drake Baldwin RF Ronald Acuña Jr. 1B Matt Olson CF Michael Harris II 3B Austin Riley SS J.P. Crawford 2B Ozzie Albies C Sean Murphy LF Mike Yastrzemski

Quick Thoughts: The Braves have patched together the shortstop position with a combination of Mauricio Dubón, Ha-Seong Kim and Jim Jarvis. With both Dubón and Kim headed to free agency, that won't be a viable option in 2027. There is always the possibility of a splash to acquire someone like Zach Neto, but a reasonable free-agent deal for J.P. Crawford feels much more on brand.

2B Jackson Holliday 1B Pete Alonso SS Gunnar Henderson C Samuel Basallo DH Coby Mayo 3B Jordan Westburg RF Tyler O'Neill LF Dylan Beavers CF Colton Cowser

Quick Thoughts: Has Christian Encarnacion-Strand won a spot somewhere? The third base job likely goes right back to Jordan Westburg once he's healthy. He's not going to push Pete Alonso or Coby Mayo to the bench. That said, he can still carve out a semi-regular role as a 1B/3B/DH option, similar to the 1B/RF/DH flexibility that Ryan O'Hearn provided.

DH Roman Anthony CF Ceddanne Rafaela RF Wilyer Abreu 1B Willson Contreras C Adley Rutschman 3B Caleb Durbin LF Jarren Duran SS Trevor Story 2B Franklin Arias (R)

Quick Thoughts: After hitting .321/.399/.558 with 27 doubles, 23 home runs and 81 RBI in 108 games between Double-A and Triple-A, Franklin Arias should get a long look for an Opening Day roster spot. Unless the front office decides to outright release Trevor Story and cut their losses, expect him to ease into the big leagues at second base before ultimately serving as Story's replacement.

CF Pete Crow-Armstrong 3B Alex Bregman 1B Michael Busch RF Seiya Suzuki 2B Nico Hoerner DH Pedro Ramírez LF Matt Shaw C Carson Kelly SS Dansby Swanson

Quick Thoughts: The Cubs have some decisions to make with Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ both ticketed for free agency, along with catcher Carson Kelly's mutual option. The safe bet right now is that they will retain one, but not both, of those outfielders, while also working out a new two-year pact to keep Kelly around.

LF Sam Antonacci 1B Munetaka Murakami 3B Miguel Vargas DH Andrew Benintendi SS Colson Montgomery RF Braden Montgomery CF Tristan Peters C Kyle Teel 2B Chase Meidroth

Quick Thoughts: With Tristan Peters (438 PA, 126 OPS+, 4.3 WAR) and Sam Antonacci (497 PA, 113 OPS+, 2.0 WAR) shoring up a pair of glaring holes in the outfield this season, the focal point for the White Sox is likely going to be the pitching staff. In theory, they could target a second baseman and use Chase Meidroth in a utility role, but that won't be a top priority.

RF Héctor Rodríguez SS Elly De La Cruz 1B Sal Stewart LF JJ Bleday DH Spencer Steer 2B Matt McLain CF Dane Myers C Jose Trevino 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes

Quick Thoughts: Has Héctor Rodríguez done enough to secure his spot in the 2027 outfield? The 22-year-old is hitting .266/.324/.457 for a 114 OPS+ with five home runs and 12 RBI in 102 plate appearances since making his MLB debut on Aug. 4. He has settled in as the primary leadoff hitter. Expect another series of low-cost fliers similar to the JJ Bleday and Dane Myers pickups to provide some depth, but there's probably not a splashy outfield signing on the horizon.

CF Steven Kwan RF Chase DeLauter 3B José Ramírez LF Joe Adell 1B Ralphy Velazquez (R) DH Travis Bazzana 2B Angel Genao C Patrick Bailey SS Brayan Rocchio

Quick Thoughts: The Guardians have multiple areas they could look to upgrade, but history tells us they're not going to spend in free agency. A year removed from a 27-homer season, Kyle Manzardo has been relegated to Triple-A in favor of veteran Nathaniel Lowe. With Lowe departing in free agency, top prospect Ralphy Velazquez has a clear path next spring.

LF Jake McCarthy CF Cole Carrigg C Hunter Goodman 1B TJ Rumfield RF Mickey Moniak DH Charlie Condon (R) 3B Kyle Karros 2B Willi Castro SS Ezequiel Tovar

Quick Thoughts: The Rockies did some great work on the margins last offseason, buying low on Jake McCarthy, acquiring TJ Rumfield in an under-the-radar deal in January and signing versatile veteran Willi Castro to a modest two-year deal. All three have produced. That leaves the Rockies with far fewer lineup question marks than they've had in years.

SS Kevin McGonigle 2B Gleyber Torres RF Kerry Carpenter LF Riley Greene C Dillon Dingler 1B Spencer Torkelson DH Colt Keith 3B Alec Bohm CF Max Clark

Quick Thoughts: The versatility of Kevin McGonigle means they could put him at the hot corner and continue to give regular playing time to an underperforming Javier Báez, but why? Alec Bohm is not going to break the bank. He offers some upside as a change-of-scenery player in his prime. Another Gleyber Torres reunion would solidify the infield and allow Zach McKinstry and Hao-Yu Lee to stay in utility roles.

SS Jeremy Peña LF Yordan Alvarez DH Isaac Paredes 2B Jose Altuve 3B Carlos Correa 1B Christian Walker CF Luis Robert Jr. C Yainer Diaz RF Cam Smith

Quick Thoughts: The infield logjam discussed last offseason still exists in Houston; it just hasn't been an issue because of all the time Carlos Correa has missed. Even though it says "LF" next to his name, Yordan Alvarez will still see the bulk of his work as the primary DH. This is just the logical alignment when everyone is healthy. A reunion with Daulton Varsho or a flier on someone like Luis Robert Jr. looks like a must to shore up center field.

3B Maikel Garcia SS Bobby Witt Jr. RF Jac Caglianone DH Salvador Perez C Carter Jensen 1B Vinnie Pasquantino LF Taylor Ward 2B Michael Massey CF Kyle Isbel

Quick Thoughts: The cast-a-wide-net approach of adding Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas and Starling Marte last offseason has resulted in a lackluster .233/.325/.344 line from Royals left fielders in 2026. Collins is the only one returning, as he would fit nicely in a fourth outfielder role if they wanted to aim a bit higher with someone like Taylor Ward this time around. He would also give a lefty-heavy lineup another right-handed bat.

SS Zach Neto CF Mike Trout 1B Nolan Schanuel 3B Vaughn Grissom LF Wade Meckler RF Josh Lowe C Tyler Stephenson DH Moisés Ballesteros 2B Christian Moore

Quick Thoughts: Vaughn Grissom (401 PA, 10 HR, 60 RBI) and Wade Meckler (273 PA, 119 OPS+) have done enough this season to secure a role for next year. Grissom gives them some flexibility with 20-plus starts at first base, second base and third base. Unless they trust bat-first Moisés Ballesteros to handle the bulk of catching duties, an outside addition is likely.

DH Shohei Ohtani CF Andy Pages 1B Freddie Freeman C Will Smith 3B Max Muncy SS Mookie Betts RF Kyle Tucker LF Teoscar Hernández 2B Tommy Edman

Quick Thoughts: The Dodg ers' projected lineup is made up of eight players who are under contract for a combined $215.9 million luxury tax hit next season, plus Andy Pages, who will be arbitration-eligible for the first time and has firmly secured his place in the long-term picture. In other words, barring injury or an unexpected trade, this will be the Dodgers lineup in 2027.

2B Xavier Edwards LF Heriberto Hernández SS Otto Lopez 1B Griffin Conine DH Kyle Stowers CF Jakob Marsee RF Owen Caissie 3B Javier Sanoja C Joe Mack

Quick Thoughts: The Marlins could build around Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards going forward, or they could shop them this offseason after some rumblings at the deadline. For now, let's assume they are staying put. There are some intriguing young bats around them. Griffin Conine (262 PA, 134 OPS+, 15 HR) has legitimate breakout potential if he can stay on the field for a full season.

2B Brice Turang DH Christian Yelich LF Jackson Chourio C William Contreras CF Garrett Mitchell 1B Andrew Vaughn RF Sal Frelick SS Cooper Pratt 3B Jesús Made (R)

Quick Thoughts: Expect Luis Lara to have a role in the Milwaukee outfield, whether it's as a platoon partner for Sal Frelick in right field or filling in for an injury, but his long-term extension secures his roster status. Speaking of long-term extensions, don't be surprised if Jesús Made becomes the latest top prospect to be inked to a pre-debut extension before claiming the third base job next spring.

RF Luke Keaschall 3B Brooks Lee DH Byron Buxton C Ryan Jeffers 2B Kody Clemens 1B Royce Lewis LF Trevor Larnach SS Kaelen Culpepper CF Walker Jenkins

Quick Thoughts: The Twins are letting the kids play down the stretch, with shortstop Kaelen Culpepper and center fielder Walker Jenkins both getting an extended look. They should have every opportunity to be part of the Opening Day roster now. A reunion with Ryan Jeffers is a real possibility on a short-term deal to bridge the gap to prized 2026 draft pick Vahn Lackey.

SS Francisco Lindor LF Juan Soto 3B Bo Bichette 1B Jake Bauers DH Mark Vientos RF Carson Benge CF A.J. Ewing 2B Marcus Semien C Francisco Alvarez

Quick Thoughts: At this point, Bo Bichette is probably best served opting into the final two years and $84 million of his contract, so pencil him in at third base for another year until he decides otherwise. Jake Bauers (145 OPS+, 24 HR, 78 RBI) is enjoying a career year for the Brewers, but they're probably not going to pay him for it. The Mets could be a great fit with a hole at first base.

DH Ben Rice LF Cody Bellinger RF Aaron Judge 1B Luis García Jr. CF Spencer Jones 3B Ryan McMahon 2B José Caballero SS George Lombard Jr. C Austin Wells

Quick Thoughts: Is Anthony Volpe just a utility infielder now? Don't be surprised if the Yankees try to find a taker on the trade market in a thin free agency class for shortstops. The other big question is what, if anything, can be expected of Giancarlo Stanton? For now, it makes sense to construct a lineup around his likely absence. That could make another one-year deal with Paul Goldschmidt attractive.

DH Kyle Schwarber SS Trea Turner 1B Bryce Harper LF Randy Arozarena RF Brandon Marsh C J.T. Realmuto 2B Bryson Stott 3B Mauricio Dubón CF Justin Crawford

Quick Thoughts: The Phillies are again in the market for a right-handed outfield bat. Randy Arozarena would slot perfectly into the middle of their lineup. If Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa both walk, they will also need to address third base and the utility role. Adding Mauricio Dubón to serve as the primary third baseman and Eugenio Suárez to spell him for a few starts per week when he plays elsewhere could be the dual-pronged solution.

SS Konnor Griffin 2B Brandon Lowe LF Bryan Reynolds RF Esmerlyn Valdez DH Ryan O'Hearn 3B Nick Gonzales CF Oneil Cruz 1B Spencer Horwitz C Rafael Flores

Quick Thoughts: The Pirates' trade to acquire Brandon Lowe (116 OPS+, 29 HR, 83 RBI) has been one of the best moves of the offseason. Given what is often a stagnant market for veteran second basemen, a quick reunion could make sense for both sides. Youngsters Konnor Griffin and Esmerlyn Valdez then become the X-factors for the 2027 offense. A veteran catcher like Jonah Heim would make sense to serve as a platoon option and fallback plan to Rafael Flores.

RF Fernando Tatis Jr. 2B Jake Cronenworth 3B Manny Machado CF Jackson Merrill SS Xander Bogaerts LF Ian Happ 1B Gavin Sheets DH Luis Campusano C Ethan Salas (R)

Quick Thoughts: With Ramón Laureano sidelined since May with a torn labrum in his hip, the Padres have used nine different starting left fielders this year. Will that be reason enough for them to prioritize stability at the position? If so, veteran Ian Happ is a Gold Glove defender with 20-homer pop who could be a great fit.

2B Luis Arraez DH Bryce Eldridge 3B Matt Chapman 1B Rafael Devers RF Jung Hoo Lee LF Casey Schmitt SS Willy Adames CF Daulton Varsho C Daniel Susac

Quick Thoughts: Luis Arraez proved to be a great fit for the Giants after signing a one-year, $12 million deal last offseason, providing his usual elite bat-to-ball skills while also proving he can play a solid second base. Why not pursue a reunion? Meanwhile, Daulton Varsho could be the center fielder they were hoping Harrison Bader would be before his tenure went sideways almost immediately.

3B Brendan Donovan RF Dominic Canzone CF Julio Rodríguez C Cal Raleigh 1B Josh Naylor DH Lazaro Montes LF Trent Grisham 2B Cole Young SS Colt Emerson

Quick Thoughts: The Mariners will likely let J.P. Crawford walk to hand shortstop duties over to Colt Emerson, despite a lackluster showing in his first big-league run. That gives them some financial room to make a play for an outfield upgrade, and assuming they let Taylor Ward walk, Trent Grisham could slot nicely into left field while also serving as an insurance policy in center if Julio Rodríguez misses time.

2B JJ Wetherholt DH Iván Herrera 1B Alec Burleson RF Jordan Walker LF Joshua Baez C Leo Bernal 3B Thomas Saggese SS Masyn Winn CF Nathan Church

Quick Thoughts: The youth movement is on in St. Louis, with JJ Wetherholt, Joshua Baez, Leo Bernal and Thomas Saggese all making a case to factor significantly into the 2027 plans. On the flip side, Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II might need a change of scenery at this point. If there's one area to potentially upgrade, it's center field, where Nathan Church might fit best as a fourth outfielder, and a veteran like Tyrone Taylor would at least give him a platoon partner.

DH Yandy Díaz 1B Jonathan Aranda 3B Junior Caminero C Liam Hicks LF Chandler Simpson RF Adolis García 2B Richie Palacios CF Jonny Deluca SS Taylor Walls

Quick Thoughts: The Rays could use some combination of Victor Mesa Jr., Jonny DeLuca and Ryan Vilade to fill out the outfield alongside speedster Chandler Simpson in left field, but an outside addition similar to last winter's Cedric Mullins signing also makes sense. A buy-low flier on Adolis García would be a similar upside play.

DH Joc Pederson SS Corey Seager LF Wyatt Langford RF Brandon Nimmo 3B Ezequiel Duran 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. 1B Jake Burger CF Evan Carter C Danny Jansen

Quick Thoughts: Veteran Joc Pederson looks like the rare candidate to actually have both ends of a mutual option exercised, and at the very least, a reunion with the Rangers makes sense. Finding a clean landing spot for Jazz Chisholm Jr. is not easy, but he would give the Rangers the boost in athleticism and left-handed pop they are lacking, albeit at a premium price.

CF Brett Bateman RF Nathan Lukes 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. C Alejandro Kirk 3B Kazuma Okamoto LF Jesús Sánchez DH Sean Keys (R) 2B Ernie Clement SS Andrés Giménez

Quick Thoughts: If the Blue Jays make a splash, it is likely going to be to find a frontline arm to pair with Dylan Cease and newcomer José Soriano atop the rotation. Keeping the DH spot open with the departure of George Springer creates a path for Anthony Santander if he's finally healthy, but also keeps the door open for an MLB-ready young player like Sean Keys to make his case.

DH James Wood SS CJ Abrams RF Dylan Crews LF Daylen Lile 1B Ty France 3B Brady House C Keibert Ruiz CF Jacob Young 2B Nasim Nuñez

Quick Thoughts: The Nationals rank second in the majors in home runs (197) and runs scored (754), so there's no need for sweeping changes offensively, but they could look for a bit more stability at first base. Ty France has put together a quietly awesome season for the Padres after signing a minor league deal last offseason, posting a 141 OPS+ with 20 home runs, 62 RBI and 4.1 WAR in 119 games.