Projected MLB Lineups: Every Team's 2023 Starting Nine

As the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the projected starting lineups for all 30 teams. With the offseason filled with blockbuster trades and high-profile free agent signings, the upcoming season promises a thrilling mix of veteran experience and youthful exuberance. Let's delve into the projected starting lineups for each team, highlighting key changes and notable players.

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

Before we dive into the team-by-team breakdown, it's essential to remember that projected lineups are subject to change due to injuries, performance fluctuations, and managerial decisions. However, these projections provide a solid foundation for what we can expect come Opening Day.

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 East

The AL East remains one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays expected to battle it out for the division title once again.

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 Yankees have bolstered their lineup with the addition of free agent outfielder Aaron Judge, who is projected to bat leadoff. Judge's power and on-base skills will provide a significant boost to the Yankees' offense. Elsewhere in the lineup, Gleyber Torres is expected to return to his second base role after spending time at shortstop last season, with Oswaldo Cabrera and Isiah Kiner-Falefa rounding out the infield.

New York Yankees

the san francisco giants baseball team has signed for their 2013 - 16 season and is currently in line up
the san francisco giants baseball team has signed for their 2013 - 16 season and is currently in line up

The Yankees' projected starting lineup features a balanced mix of power hitters and contact batters, with DJ LeMahieu expected to bat second and Anthony Rizzo providing protection for Judge in the cleanup spot. Behind the plate, Jose Trevino is projected to start after a strong 2022 campaign, with Kyle Higashioka serving as his backup.

In the outfield, Judge will be joined by Aaron Hicks in left field and Joey Gallo in right field. Gallo struggled in his first season with the Yankees but has the potential to bounce back and provide valuable production in the heart of the lineup.

Tampa Bay Rays

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 Rays' lineup is built on speed, contact, and plate discipline, with Wander Franco expected to bat leadoff after a strong rookie campaign. Franco's ability to make consistent contact and work counts in his favor will be crucial for the Rays' success in 2023.

Behind Franco, the Rays have a plethora of contact hitters, including Brandon Lowe, Randy Arozarena, and Manuel Margot. Lowe and Arozarena provide power from the left side of the plate, while Margot's speed and on-base skills make him an ideal fit for the No. 2 spot in the lineup. The Rays' infield is expected to feature Yandy Diaz at first base, Isaac Paredes at second base, and Taylor Walls at shortstop, with Harold Ramirez and David Peralta rounding out the outfield.

American League Central

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 AL Central is expected to be a more competitive division in 2023, with the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins leading the way.

The Guardians have a balanced lineup that features a mix of contact hitters and power hitters. Jose Ramirez is projected to bat third after another MVP-caliber season in 2022, with Steven Kwan and Myles Straw expected to bat at the top of the lineup. Kwan's ability to make consistent contact and work counts will be crucial for the Guardians' success, while Straw's speed and on-base skills provide value at the leadoff spot.

The lineup for today’s game against the Cubs
The lineup for today’s game against the Cubs
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
MLB Stadium Bucket List | All 30 Ballparks | Printable Checklist | Instant Download
MLB Stadium Bucket List | All 30 Ballparks | Printable Checklist | Instant Download
the 2012 mlb starting lineup poster
the 2012 mlb starting lineup poster
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
the yankees all time starting lineup
the yankees all time starting lineup
a baseball player throwing a ball on top of a field in front of a line up sign
a baseball player throwing a ball on top of a field in front of a line up sign
an advertisement for a baseball game with a man holding a bat and wearing a hat
an advertisement for a baseball game with a man holding a bat and wearing a hat
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
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
an advertisement for the starting line up at a baseball game
an advertisement for the starting line up at a baseball game
the mlb attendance and capacity chart for each team
the mlb attendance and capacity chart for each team
a printable baseball lineup card
a printable baseball lineup card
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
Ranking Every MLB Team's Projected 2020 Opening Day Starting Lineup
Ranking Every MLB Team's Projected 2020 Opening Day Starting Lineup
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
Jess Smith (@WarJessEagle) on X
Jess Smith (@WarJessEagle) on X
the top 20 mlb career bj leaders are shown in this page, which includes information
the top 20 mlb career bj leaders are shown in this page, which includes information
the all - star final roster for the 2012 season
the all - star final roster for the 2012 season
a baseball player holding a bat on top of a magazine cover in front of a crowd
a baseball player holding a bat on top of a magazine cover in front of a crowd

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians' infield is expected to feature Andrus Urshela at first base, Ramirez at second base, and Amed Rosario at shortstop. Behind the plate, Austin Hedges is projected to start after a strong 2022 campaign, with Will Benson and Oscar Gonzalez rounding out the outfield.

The Twins have a powerful lineup that features several sluggers, including Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Luis Arraez. Buxton's ability to hit for power and average makes him an ideal fit for the No. 3 spot in the lineup, while Correa's contact skills and plate discipline provide value at the leadoff spot. Arraez's ability to make consistent contact and spray the ball to all fields makes him an excellent fit for the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

Minnesota Twins

The Twins' infield is expected to feature Joey Gallo at first base, Jorge Polanco at second base, and Carlos Correa at shortstop. Behind the plate, Gary Sanchez is projected to start after a strong 2022 campaign, with Ryan Jeffers serving as his backup. In the outfield, Buxton will be joined by Max Kepler in left field and Trevor Larnach in right field.

As the 2023 MLB season approaches, fans can expect to see a thrilling mix of veteran experience and youthful exuberance on display in the projected starting lineups for all 30 teams. With the offseason filled with blockbuster trades and high-profile free agent signings, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack, and get ready for a summer filled with baseball action!