For as much as I love the famous “defense/pitching wins championships” mantra, when it really comes down to it, you need to be able to score runs to win baseball games. Earlier this month, I ranked the top five teams in the MLB in terms of their projected starting rotation. This time around, I decided to get real creative and rank the top five teams in the MLB based solely on their projected starting lineup and that lineup’s ability to produce runs. Be easy on me; it’s still the offseason. Alright, let’s get into it.
5. New York Yankees
Trent Grisham, OF, L
Aaron Judge, OF, R
Cody Bellinger, OF, L
Ben Rice, 1B, L
Giancarlo Stanton, DH, R
Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B, L
Ryan McMahon, 3B, L
Jose Caballero, SS, R
Austin Wells, C, L
While this might not be the best lineup the Yankees have ever put together, it is still without a doubt potent. The reigning MVP is doing a lot of heavy lifting, making this squad a top five lineup, but regardless, the sheer potential for HRs is enough to give the Bronx Bombers a nod.
4. Seattle Mariners
Brendan Donovan, 3B, L
Cal Raleigh, C, S
Julio Rodriguez, OF, R
Josh Naylor, 1B, L
Randy Arozarena, OF, R
Dominic Canzone, DH, L
J.P. Crawford, SS, L
Victor Robles, RF, R
Cole Young, 2B, L
This Mariners lineup is very similar to the one they had in the back end of the season in 2025 (Brendan Donovan notably replacing Eugenio Suarez at 3B), which is a pleasant sight for Seattle fans considering the 2025 Mariners finished top five in the MLB in OPS+. This lineup is a balanced attack of right- and left-handed hitters right in the prime of their careers (most players in the projected lineup are between 28 and 31 years old).
3. New York Mets
Francisco Lindor, SS, S
Juan Soto, LF, L
Bo Bichette, 3B, R
Jorge Polanco, 1B, S
Marcus Semien, 2B, R
Brett Baty, DH, L
Francisco Alvarez, C, R
Luis Robert Jr., OF, R
Carson Benge, OF, L
It is hard to deny the star power that the Mets will be deploying this season; however, it is equally as hard to deny their potential holes. Lindor, Soto, and Bichette are a very solid top three; however, the hitters in the middle of the lineup, such as Baty and Alvarez, worry me. Ultimately, I think this team will be very good in 2026, but I am not nearly as optimistic as some Mets fans are.
2. Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuna Jr., OF, R
Drake Baldwin, C, L
Matt Olson, 1B, L
Jurickson Profar, DH, S
Austin Riley, 3B, R
Ozzie Albies, 2B, S
Mike Yastrzemski, OF, L
Michael Harris II, L
Maurico Dubon, SS, R
This Braves lineup is really stacked, in my opinion. While the Mets might be slightly better in the top half of the order, the Braves are as well-rounded as they come. Dubon is certainly a weak spot, but Ha-Seong Kim is expected to fill his spot once he becomes healthy.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani, DH, L
Kyle Tucker, OF, L
Mookie Betts, SS, R
Freddie Freeman, 1B, L
Will Smith, C, R
Max Muncy, 3B, L
Teoscar Hernandez, OF, R
Andy Pages, OF, R
Hyeseong Kim, 2B, L
Was there really any doubt in your mind who would round out this list at number one? Anytime there is a team that has fans’ diapers full complaining that the sport of baseball itself is being “ruined” by how talented one club’s roster is, then that team is typically going to be number one on most power ranking lists. Enough said.
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