2026 MLB Projected Starting Lineups: Team-by-Team Breakdown

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, fans and analysts alike are abuzz with speculation about the projected starting lineups for each team. With the offseason's flurry of trades and free agency signings, rosters have been reshaped, and new dynamics are emerging. Let's take a closer look at how each team's starting lineup is shaping up, divided into two main topics: the American League and the National League.

2026 mlb projected starting lineups by team
2026 mlb projected starting lineups by team

Before diving into the team-specific details, it's essential to note that these projections are based on current rosters and may change due to injuries, trades, or performance fluctuations during spring training. Now, let's explore the projected starting lineups team by team.

a baseball player is standing in front of a black and yellow poster that says starting lineup
a baseball player is standing in front of a black and yellow poster that says starting lineup

American League

The American League is stacked with powerhouse teams and talented players, making for an exciting 2026 season. Here are two standout teams from the AL East and West, along with their projected starting lineups.

the top 10 most recognizable mlb stadium features in each team's official game schedule
the top 10 most recognizable mlb stadium features in each team's official game schedule

New York Yankees

The Yankees have consistently fielded competitive lineups, and 2026 is no different. With the addition of slugger Aaron Judge and the continued development of young stars like Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andújar, the Bronx Bombers are poised to make another deep playoff run.

we are going to cook this season
we are going to cook this season

Projected Starting Lineup:

  • CF: Aaron Judge
  • SS: Gleyber Torres
  • 3B: Miguel Andújar
  • 1B: Luke Voit
  • RF: Aaron Hicks
  • DH: Giancarlo Stanton
  • C: Gary Sánchez
  • 2B: DJ LeMahieu
  • LF: Clint Frazier

Houston Astros

The Astros have been a model of consistency in recent years, and their 2026 lineup is no exception. With a mix of veteran stars like José Altuve and Carlos Correa, and young talent like Yordan Álvarez and Kyle Tucker, the Astros are primed to contend once again.

the mlb world series winners are shown in this graphic file, which includes each team's name and number
the mlb world series winners are shown in this graphic file, which includes each team's name and number

Projected Starting Lineup:

  • 2B: José Altuve
  • SS: Carlos Correa
  • DH: Yordan Álvarez
  • RF: Kyle Tucker
  • LF: Michael Brantley
  • CF: Myles Straw
  • 1B: José Abreu
  • C: Martín Maldonado
  • 3B: Alex Bregman

National League

The National League is filled with talented teams and exciting players, making for a thrilling 2026 season. Here are two standout teams from the NL East and West, along with their projected starting lineups.

the 2013 mlb all - star team roster
the 2013 mlb all - star team roster

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have been a force in the NL East, and their 2026 lineup is packed with talent. With the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. and the continued development of young stars like Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson, the Braves are poised to make another deep playoff run.

2026 mlb projected starting lineups by team
2026 mlb projected starting lineups by team
three different baseball players are shown in this screenshot from the game mlb star watch
three different baseball players are shown in this screenshot from the game mlb star watch
the mlb world series logo is shown in this graphic art work, which depicts major league baseball teams from all over the world
the mlb world series logo is shown in this graphic art work, which depicts major league baseball teams from all over the world
the baseball players are showing off their numbers for each team in this advertment
the baseball players are showing off their numbers for each team in this advertment
two baseball players are shown for the first time in their respective team's schedule
two baseball players are shown for the first time in their respective team's schedule
two baseball players are shown in this promotional poster for the game between their respective teams
two baseball players are shown in this promotional poster for the game between their respective teams
the 2012 mlb starting lineup poster
the 2012 mlb starting lineup poster
two baseball players are shown in this poster for the yankees'game 2 game 3
two baseball players are shown in this poster for the yankees'game 2 game 3
a baseball player holding a bat in front of a brick wall with the words starting lineup on it
a baseball player holding a bat in front of a brick wall with the words starting lineup on it
a baseball player holding a bat on top of a field in front of a crowd
a baseball player holding a bat on top of a field in front of a crowd
the new york yankees starting line up for their next game
the new york yankees starting line up for their next game
9/11 ☹️
9/11 ☹️
the baseball player is smiling for the camera
the baseball player is smiling for the camera
the major league baseball team's 2012 season bracket
the major league baseball team's 2012 season bracket
the baseball player is running to first base in his team's game against the dodgers
the baseball player is running to first base in his team's game against the dodgers
the major league baseball players are posing for a team photo with their names on them
the major league baseball players are posing for a team photo with their names on them
the baseball players are all lined up for their national league team photo shoot in front of an american flag
the baseball players are all lined up for their national league team photo shoot in front of an american flag
the baseball players are all wearing different hats and numbers on their uniform sheets in this poster
the baseball players are all wearing different hats and numbers on their uniform sheets in this poster
the baseball players are all wearing different hats and numbers on their uniforms for each team
the baseball players are all wearing different hats and numbers on their uniforms for each team
Vladimir Guerrero, Paul Ryan, Fox Sports, One Team, Mlb, Sports, Baseball
Vladimir Guerrero, Paul Ryan, Fox Sports, One Team, Mlb, Sports, Baseball

Projected Starting Lineup:

  • CF: Ronald Acuña Jr.
  • 2B: Ozzie Albies
  • SS: Dansby Swanson
  • RF: Marcell Ozuna
  • LF: Joc Pederson
  • 1B: Freddie Freeman
  • C: Travis d'Arnaud
  • 3B: Austin Riley

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have been one of the most consistent and successful teams in baseball, and their 2026 lineup is no exception. With a mix of veteran stars like Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger, and young talent like Gavin Lux and Will Smith, the Dodgers are primed to contend once again.

Projected Starting Lineup:

  • CF: Mookie Betts
  • SS: Corey Seager
  • RF: Cody Bellinger
  • 1B: Max Muncy
  • LF: A.J. Pollock
  • DH: Justin Turner
  • C: Will Smith
  • 2B: Gavin Lux

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, fans can expect to see these projected starting lineups take the field, filled with exciting talent and compelling storylines. With the season just around the corner, baseball enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the first pitch and the opportunity to witness the drama and excitement that the new season is sure to bring.