MLB 2026 Starting Lineups: Team-by-Team Breakdown

As the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the starting lineups that will take the field for each team. The offseason has been filled with trades, free agency signings, and player developments, all of which have shaped the rosters and starting lineups for the upcoming season.

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

With the new season just around the corner, let's take a look at the projected starting lineups for all 30 MLB teams, highlighting key players and potential surprises.

Why These Rotations Still Keep Lineups Up at Night
Why These Rotations Still Keep Lineups Up at Night

American League East

The AL East is always a competitive division, and the 2026 season is expected to be no different. Here's a look at the projected starting lineups for each team in the division:

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 one of the most formidable lineups in baseball, with a mix of veteran stars and young talent. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton anchor the outfield, while Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu hold down the infield. Behind the plate, Gary Sánchez will look to build on his strong 2025 season.

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

On the mound, Gerrit Cole leads a deep rotation that also includes Luis Severino, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt. The Yankees' bullpen is stacked with high-leverage relievers, including Aroldis Chapman, Clay Holmes, and Michael King.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are known for their innovative approach to baseball, and their starting lineup is no exception. Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena headline the infield, while Manuel Margot and Harold Ramirez patrol the outfield. Behind the plate, Mike Zunino will look to continue his strong offensive production.

the major league baseball teams logos are shown in different colors and font styles, including white sox, new york mets, los angeles dodgerss, st
the major league baseball teams logos are shown in different colors and font styles, including white sox, new york mets, los angeles dodgerss, st

The Rays' rotation is led by Shane McClanahan and Tyler Glasnow, with Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs providing depth. Tampa Bay's bullpen is always a strength, with Diego Castillo, Andrew Kittredge, and Jason Adam leading the way.

American League Central

The AL Central is a wide-open division, with several teams vying for the top spot. Here's a look at the projected starting lineups for each team in the division:

two baseball players are posing for the cover of their magazine, starting at line up
two baseball players are posing for the cover of their magazine, starting at line up

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians have a balanced lineup with a mix of power and speed. Jose Ramirez and Andrés Giménez anchor the infield, while Myles Straw and Oscar Mercado patrol the outfield. Behind the plate, Austin Hedges will look to build on his strong defensive reputation.

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
the yankees all time starting lineup
the yankees all time starting lineup
Vladimir Guerrero, Paul Ryan, Fox Sports, One Team, Mlb, Sports, Baseball
Vladimir Guerrero, Paul Ryan, Fox Sports, One Team, Mlb, Sports, Baseball
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
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
a poster for the pittsburgh pirates baseball team, featuring players from different teams and numbers
a poster for the pittsburgh pirates baseball team, featuring players from different teams and numbers
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
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
the major league baseball teams are depicted in this poster
the major league baseball teams are depicted 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
MLB Stadium Bucket List | All 30 Ballparks | Printable Checklist | Instant Download
MLB Stadium Bucket List | All 30 Ballparks | Printable Checklist | Instant Download
the baseball player is running to first base and second baseman in his team's game
the baseball player is running to first base and second baseman in his team's game
Chris Paul, San Diego Padres, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, One Team, Baseball Starting Lineup Graphic, Baseball Team Lineup Infographic, José Altuve, Team Player
Chris Paul, San Diego Padres, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, One Team, Baseball Starting Lineup Graphic, Baseball Team Lineup Infographic, José Altuve, Team Player
MLB (@MLB) on X Baseball Starting Lineup Graphic, Mlb
MLB (@MLB) on X Baseball Starting Lineup Graphic, Mlb
the new york yankees starting line up for their next game
the new york yankees starting line up for their next game
the baseball players are playing in their respective teams'positions on the tv screen, with each player starting to throw the ball
the baseball players are playing in their respective teams'positions on the tv screen, with each player starting to throw the ball
a baseball player holding a bat on top of a blue and red poster with the names of his teams
a baseball player holding a bat on top of a blue and red poster with the names of his teams
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 2012 mlb starting lineup poster
the 2012 mlb starting lineup poster
the most mlb players in each major league team
the most mlb players in each major league team

The Guardians' rotation is led by Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie, with Aaron Civale and Cal Quantrill providing depth. Cleveland's bullpen is anchored by Emmanuel Clase and James Karinchak.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins have one of the most potent offenses in baseball, led by Byron Buxton and Luis Arraez. Jorge Polanco and Carlos Correa hold down the infield, while Max Kepler and Trevor Larnach patrol the outfield. Behind the plate, Ryan Jeffers will look to build on his strong 2025 season.

The Twins' rotation is led by Joe Ryan and Sonny Gray, with Griffin Jax and Bailey Ober providing depth. Minnesota's bullpen is anchored by Taylor Rogers and Jhoan Durán.

National League West

The NL West is always a competitive division, and the 2026 season is expected to be no different. Here's a look at the projected starting lineups for each team in the division:

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have one of the deepest rosters in baseball, with a talented starting lineup led by Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Trea Turner and Gavin Lux hold down the infield, while Chris Taylor and AJ Pollock patrol the outfield. Behind the plate, Will Smith will look to build on his strong offensive production.

The Dodgers' rotation is led by Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, with Julio Urías and Tony Gonsolin providing depth. Los Angeles' bullpen is anchored by Craig Kimbrel and Brusdar Graterol.

San Diego Padres

The Padres have a talented and balanced lineup, led by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Jake Cronenworth and Ha-Seong Kim hold down the infield, while Trent Grisham and Juan Soto patrol the outfield. Behind the plate, Austin Nola will look to build on his strong offensive production.

The Padres' rotation is led by Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove, with Yu Darvish and MacKenzie Gore providing depth. San Diego's bullpen is anchored by Josh Hader and Robert Suarez.

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, fans can expect to see exciting and competitive baseball across the league. With talented rosters and starting lineups, every team will have a chance to make a run at the postseason. Be sure to catch all the action as the new season gets underway!