Ranking all 30 MLB lineups ahead of 2026 Opening Day
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Dodgers are ranked as having the best Opening Day lineup for the 2026 MLB season, bolstered by key addition Kyle Tucker and led by stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, making them the deepest lineup in baseball.
- The New York Yankees, ranked second, retained their core lineup including Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, with breakout candidates like Ben Rice and Anthony Volpe expected to contribute despite some injury concerns.
- The Baltimore Orioles made significant improvements by adding Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward, transforming their lineup into one of the best despite a previously below-average offensive season, with young players like Adley Rutschman poised to break out.
- The Toronto Blue Jays, defending AL champions, remain strong despite losing Bo Bichette, replacing him with Kazuma Okamoto, and relying on stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger to provide power and depth.
- The Colorado Rockies rank near the bottom (29th), having made minimal offensive improvements and relying on young talents like Ezequiel Tovar and Charlie Condon, but are projected to struggle offensively again despite playing at hitter-friendly Coors Field.
