The MLB offseason has officially commenced, with anticipation building as fans await major developments in free agency and potential trades. The annual winter meetings scheduled for early December are expected to serve as a pivotal moment for team executives and agents, potentially leading to significant roster changes. In the meantime, projections have been made regarding where top free agents may land and how trades could reshape team lineups, culminating in predictions for each MLB team's Opening Day roster for the 2025 season.
For the Arizona Diamondbacks, the projected starting lineup features outfielder Corbin Carroll, alongside Jake McCarthy in left field and Ketel Marte at second base. The infield is bolstered with Christian Walker at first base and Eugenio Suárez at third, while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. serves as the designated hitter. Catcher Gabriel Moreno and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo will contribute defensively, with Alek Thomas manning center field and Zac Gallen slated as the starting pitcher. The D-backs have already taken steps to strengthen their roster by picking up Suárez’s $15 million club option and are expected to prioritize re-signing Walker to retain offensive potency from a unit that led MLB with 886 runs scored last season.
On the other hand, the Oakland Athletics are building a promising core with Lawrence Butler, Brent Rooker, JJ Bleday, and Shea Langeliers, who are all coming off strong seasons. The projected lineup includes Tyler Soderstrom at first base, Miguel Andujar in left field, and Yoán Moncada at third base, showcasing the team’s intent to address past lineup inconsistencies, especially at the hot corner, where ten players started at least one game in 2024. A potential acquisition of Moncada could provide a vital upgrade, given his youth and prior production when healthy.
The Atlanta Braves' projected lineup features Michael Harris III in center field, supported by Ozzie Albies at second base and Austin Riley at third. With Matt Olson at first and Marcell Ozuna as the designated hitter, the Braves look to maximize offensive output. Following a significant trade of Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels, Ramón Laureano and Jarred Kelenic are expected to fill the corner outfield spots until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns to the lineup. The stability of incumbent shortstop Orlando Arcia's contract may prompt the Braves to explore upgrades if deemed necessary.
In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles’ lineup includes Cedric Mullins in center field, Adley Rutschman behind the plate, and Gunnar Henderson at shortstop. Ryan Mountcastle is expected at first base, while Ryan O’Hearn serves as the designated hitter. The Orioles may explore trades involving Mullins or Mountcastle, especially for pitching support following their attempts to retain ace Corbin Burnes.
The Boston Red Sox are anticipating significant contributions from Triston Casas and Trevor Story, while they rely on promising talents like Kristian Campbell to provide depth at second base after a standout minor league season. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs see a crowded outfield situation with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, especially given Cody Bellinger’s decision to remain with the team. Finding upgrades at catcher, potentially through a platoon partnership with Miguel Amaya and top prospect Moises Ballesteros, may be on the Cubs' agenda.
The Chicago White Sox are projected to make low-cost acquisitions to fill gaps, similar to their previous offseason strategy. Candidates like Thairo Estrada and Amed Rosario could provide value if they can’t secure everyday roles elsewhere. In Cincinnati, the Reds are looking to maximize output with a lineup featuring Jonathan India and potential acquisitions to ensure consistent run production. Similarly, the Detroit Tigers are expected to benefit from signing veteran hitters like J.D. Martinez, helping to solidify their younger offensive core.
As for the Houston Astros, they are looking to re-sign Alex Bregman while also exploring potential upgrades among their first base options. The Kansas City Royals, meanwhile, seek additional power threats to support their core players. The Los Angeles Angels have made headlines by acquiring slugger Jorge Soler, potentially reshaping their lineup dynamics moving forward.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a unique position, with efforts to retain Teoscar Hernández after an elite offensive season. The Mariners aim to enhance their middle-of-the-order run production and could be active in the market seeking impactful bats. A similar approach is expected from the Miami Marlins, who may add veterans to support a young roster. Lastly, the New York Mets are poised for an overhaul, focusing on addressing their starting rotation while potentially retaining core player Pete Alonso, who has become an integral part of their lineup.
Throughout the offseason, teams are expected to evaluate their rosters closely, with an emphasis on trading and signing key free agents to ensure competitiveness for the 2025 season. As speculation continues, fans are eager to see how the landscape of Major League Baseball transforms in anticipation of Opening Day.
