Title: Unveiling the Future: What Every Baseball Fan Needs to Know about MLB’s 2026 Opening Day Lineups
The MLB offseason has been a whirlwind of activity with free agency and trades shaking up rosters across the league. As we approach the 2026 season, there are still impact players waiting to find new homes, including big names like Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger.
Beyond the headline-grabbing free agents, players like Eugenio Suárez, Harrison Bader, J.T. Realmuto, and Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto are also on the lookout for new teams. Using lineup data from Baseball Reference and roster data from FanGraphs, we’ve put together projections for each team’s potential Opening Day lineup, taking into account speculation on where free agents might land.
Keep in mind that these predictions were last updated on Nov. 24, so there have likely been changes since then as teams continue to make moves to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.
Let’s take a closer look at a few teams and what their potential lineups could look like come Opening Day:
Arizona Diamondbacks:
The Diamondbacks have been fielding offers for Ketel Marte, but it seems he may stay put rather than being traded. Adding a proven run producer like Marcell Ozuna could significantly boost their offense, especially in the cleanup spot.
Oakland Athletics:
With Jeff McNeil at second base and a competitive battle for the third base position, the Athletics have quietly assembled a lineup with strong potential for above-average production. Keep an eye on Denzel Clarke in center field and the upside offered by their third base options.
Atlanta Braves:
The Braves have made moves to solidify their lineup, with the addition of Mike Yastrzemski likely shifting Jurickson Profar to the designated hitter role. This adjustment should help keep their catchers fresh and maintain a strong defensive presence behind the plate.
As the offseason progresses, teams will continue to shape their rosters in preparation for the 2026 season. Keep an eye on the remaining free agents and potential trades as Opening Day draws nearer. The landscape of baseball is ever-evolving, and the excitement of a new season is just around the corner.
Atlanta Braves v Washington Nationals – Game One2025 MLB All-Star Game: Red CarpetDivision Series – Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees – Game 3
