The 2025 MLB season has started with a burst of offense, and the rules changes of recent seasons have made lineups even more athletic. Through the first two months of the season, here's a look at the lineups in the game from best to worst.
No Juan Soto, no problem for the Yankees, who are off to a remarkable start in 2025 despite losing the superstar. Aaron Judge's unbelievable start to the season is a big reason, starting the year hitting .398-18-47 with a 1.248 OPS through 53 games played. The addition of former MVP Paul Goldschmidt has also been a boost, and Ben Rice has done an outstanding job filling in for Ben Rice at DH. Trent Grisham's start is likely unsustainable given his track record, but the team has plus offensive players with Jasson Dominguez, Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Austin Wells.
The Dodgers offense continues to stroke, though they have been challenged by injuries and age in the early going of 2025. Missed time from Teoscar Hernandez, Freddie Freeman, and Tommy Edman hurt, while Max Muncy and Michael Conforto are off to particularly slow starts. Catcher Will Smith led the NL in OBP in the early going, and Shohei Ohtani continues to hit at an elite level (191 OPS+ through 52 games played) while he gets his arm in shape. The team also hopes Mookie Betts' bat gets going, and has seen early positives from Andy Pages and Hyeseong Kim.
The Cubs have become the elite offense they envisioned when they acquired Kyle Tucker in the offseason. The boost from Tucker has been clear, with a .912 OPS through 54 games played, but the supporting cast has been nearly as impressive. Carson Kelly has been one of the offseason moves of the year with an OPS above 1.000, while Pete Crow-Armstrong is arguably the early NL MVP with a 2.9 WAR and 40/40 pace through Memorial Day. Seiya Suzuki is in contention for the league RBI lead, and Michael Busch is off to a strong start. Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson have also been offensive assets.
The surprising D'Backs lineup from 2024 has continued to rake despite the loss of Christian Walker, with Corbin Carroll, Pavin Smith, Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Eugenio Suarez off to excellent starts. Josh Naylor has also done a fine job filling Walker's shoes offensively, and the bench appears strong with contributions from Randal Grichuk and Tim Tawa.
The high-priced Mets lineup hasn't hit its stride yet, mainly because Juan Soto is off to a slow start. His .771 OPS as of May 27 is well below his career norm, but his excellent plate discipline remains intact. Fellow stars Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor have held up their end, and the team has seen progress from Brett Baty after an early minor league demotion. Francisco Alvarez is still finding his bat after injury, and Mark Vientos hasn't found his 2025 hot streak yet. Brandon Nimmo's numbers slowed in May after a hot start, but the team knows what to expect from him by the end of the season.
There have been fears the high-priced Phillies lineup would fall off a cliff suddenly, but most of their stars have pushed off Father Time so far. That includes the big power of Kyle Schwarber, with 18 homers through 53 games, as well as athletic infielders Trea Turner and Bryce Harper. The outfield has shown offensive inconsistency between Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, and Max Kepler, while hot corner Alec Bohm is digging out from a slow start. Catcher J.T. Realmuto has started to become an offensive liability with a 90 OPS+ through Memorial Day, and second baseman Bryson Stott has been slotted into a platoon role.
After the lineup struggled last season, Seattle's offense has rebounded early in 2025. Cal Raleigh is a low-key MVP candidate, with 17 home runs through Memorial Day. Despite fighting injury, Jorge Polanco is also looking like his old self with an OPS near .900. 2024 addition Randy Arozarena is getting on base and showing some pop. Julio Rodriguez is off to a slow start, similar to last season, but he's consistently played better late in the year. Rowdy Tellez and J.P. Crawford are also showing signs of a rebound while Luke Raley recovers from injury.
The offensive contributions Detroit fans have been waiting for have arrived this year, with a much deeper lineup thanks to early rebounds from Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres, and Javier Baez. The team has also enjoyed strong offense from new starting catcher Dillon Dingler, while mainstays Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter has been solid. The team has produced in spite of missing Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling for most of the year, who could help make the lineup even deeper.
The Athletics makeshift home in Sacramento was advertised as a hitter's haven, and Sutter Health Park has been just that so far. Though the depth of the A's lineup shouldn't be overlooked, with seven of nine regulars sporting above-average OPS, and young players Jacob Wilson and Tyler Soderstrom particularly productive. As usual, the team is also getting big power production from Brent Rooker and Shea Langeliers, while Nick Kurtz showed why he was a top prospect before going on the IL after Memorial Day. The lineup isn't without blemishes, as Lawrence Butler is off to a slow start after a breakout 2024 season and JJ Bleday was demoted to the minors after two months of struggles.
Injuries are beginning to ravage a talented Red Sox lineup, as Triston Casas (knee) is out for the year and third baseman Alex Bregman (quad) could miss all of June. The team is now leaning on Rafael Devers more than ever, and he's been up to the challenge after a slow start. Young players like Kristian Campbell and Ceddanne Rafaela have taken their lumps, but corner outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu are continuing hot 2024 performances. Catcher Carlos Narvaez has been a revelation offensively and defensively, and the team hopes top prospect Marcelo Mayer's arrival provides a similar boost with Trevor Story struggling again. Elite outfield prospect Roman Anthony is also waiting in the wings.
Expectations were low in St. Louis with a stagnant roster, but good health and a deeper-than-expected lineup have spurred the Cardinals into contention. Brendan Donovan and Ivan Herrera have been the stars of the show offensively, though Masyn Winn, Lars Nootbaar, Alec Burleson, and Victor Scott II have also displayed prowess at the plate. Moving from catcher to first base, Willson Contreras is still digging out from a slow start, and Nolan Arenado is continuing to show signs of age. The team is also trying to figure out what they have in former top prospects Nolan Gorman and Jordan Walker.
The Padres lineup has taken a stars and scrubs approach, with mild additions Elias Diaz, Jason Heyward, and Jose Iglesias playing major roles in support of the team's high-priced regulars. Fortunately, stars Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Luis Arraez were strong of the gate, and Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth have also hit when healthy. There is concern for Xander Bogaerts, off to another slow start, but Gavin Sheets has been a nice boost with big early power.
The Braves have struggled for a second straight year, as Ronald Acuna Jr. has worked his way back from injury and Jurickson Profar was suspended for PEDs. Strong early contributions from Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna have failed to offset slow starts from Michael Harris and Ozzie Albies. Shortstop continues to be a blackhole offensively, with Nick Allen mainly playing due to his defense. A better second half should be expected if Acuna and company and stay on the field.
Possibly the most disappointing lineup of the first two months, the O's youngsters have struggled to match their elite talent. Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, in particular, are off to slow starts, while Colton Cowser and Tyler O'Neill have been sidelined. Jackson Holliday is making strides as the leadoff man, and Cedric Mullins was having a strong season before going on the IL in late May. There is some optimism that the cream will rise to the top, especially with the potential of young prospects Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad, along with the continued success of Ryan O'Hearn.
Tampa Bay's lineup took a big hit on Opening Day when star right fielder Josh Lowe suffered an oblique injury that left him out until mid-May. Finding consistent outfield production without him and the injured Jonny DeLuca has been a task, though Jake Mangum and Chandler Simpson have provided sparks. Jonathan Aranda is finally echoing his minor league production with a 150 OPS+ through Memorial Day, and the team is also getting expected power contributions from Junior Caminero and Brandon Lowe. The streaky Danny Jansen is seeing his bat wake up in May, and the offense should get a spark when shortstop Ha-Seong Kim returns from shoulder surgery in June. Solving the early struggles of Yandy Diaz and Christopher Morel would help propel the Rays to one of the league's elite offenses.
Toronto entered the season at a crossroads, with uncertain futures for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Vlad signed long-term and has continued to rake, while Bichette has been league-average. Rebound performances from George Springer, Alejandro Kirk, and Daulton Varsho, now back from injury, have made the lineup longer. Addison Barger is getting settled at third base, but big offseason acquisitions Andres Gimenez and Anthony Santander have held the offense back between anemic hitting and injuries.
The offseason losses of Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman have been compounded by the struggles of stars Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, and Yainer Diaz, turning the formerly elite Astros lineup into mediocrity. The hope is that the trio will regain their old form, but meanwhile, Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes, Jake Meyers, and Cam Smith have supported the offense. Big offseason acquisition Christian Walker has been a major disappointment, but his power finally started to pick up in late May.
The Twins entered 2025 with a deep lineup, and they've needed every bit of it as Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner, and Byron Buxton have missed time to injuries. Carlos Correa and Ryan Jeffers got off to slow starts, and young infielders Brooks Lee and Edouard Julien have tried to find their strokes. The addition of Ty France has balanced out the lineup, but the team clearly misses Carlos Santana from last year's roster.
One of last year's biggest surprise lineups is off to a less-than-stellar start. The team has remained patient with struggling young players like Jackson Chourio, Joey Ortiz, and Caleb Durbin, but the slow starts for William Contreras and Christian Yelich have been equally discouraging. Sal Frelick has been a clutch pure hitter early, and Rhys Hoskins looks fully recovered from 2023 ACL surgery.
The Nationals have the foundation of a strong lineup, but haven't put it all together quite yet. Former top prospects CJ Abrams, James Wood, Keibert Ruiz, and Dylan Crews have flashed, but only Wood has shown real consistency. Luis Garcia Jr. is working himself out of a slow start, and the powerful pair of Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Bell have been disappointments.
The Rangers have tried everything to shake their early slow start, but haven't found the solution yet. The fear is that the team is getting old quickly, with Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia, and Joc Pederson off to terrible starts. Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford have also missed time to injuries. Jake Burger's surge since returning from the minors as well as Josh Jung's good health do provide some optimism.
The Angels used some veteran patchwork in the offseason after a disappointing 2024 season, adding Jorge Soler and Yoan Moncada. Both players have shown power when in the lineup, while young talents Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel, and Logan O'Hoppe are off to blazing starts. Taylor Ward has been on a tear after a very slow start, which helped the team fill the void left by another injury for Mike Trout.
The 2025 season has been a struggle for the Reds at times as they get healthy. Significant time missed from the likes of Tyler Stephenson, Noelvi Marte, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jake Fraley, Austin Hays, and Matt McLain has put a damper on a promising young lineup. The Reds have been able to lean on young star Elly De La Cruz, on pace for a 30/30 season, as well as leadoff man TJ Friedl.
It's no big surprise to see the Giants lineup continue to struggle, but there have been positives. Heliot Ramos, Matt Chapman, Jung Hoo Lee, and Wilmer Flores have been strong in the middle of the order, while Mike Yastrzemski is off to a hot start, as well. The track records of Willy Adames and LaMonte Wade Jr. indicate they should continue to improve, and second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald continues to show promise.
Cleveland's lineup depth has been lacking this season, as the team tries to find consistent bats to support superstar Jose Ramirez. Kyle Manzardo and Daniel Schneeman are having relative breakout seasons, and Carlos Santana has found the fountain of youth of his plus on-base skills. Leadoff man Steven Kwan is also a great contributor, but the remainder of the outfield has lacked offense with Nolan Jones, Angel Martinez, Lane Thomas, and a host of others looking for answers. The power upside of catcher Bo Naylor is interesting, but he's struggled to hit for average like his older brother, former Guardian Josh Naylor.
Miami's top contributors have been surprises, with Kyle Stowers, Dane Myers, Liam Hicks, and Agustin Ramirez off to terrific starts. If the team can get last year's top contributors like Jesus Sanchez, Xavier Edwards, Otto Lopez, and Connor Norby back to their 2024 forms, the lineup could be at least league average. The early-season loss of Griffin Conine to injury was a big blow.
The Royals tried to address their offense in the offseason by adding Jonathan India, but he clearly wasn't enough. Speedy Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia have been the only consistent offensive performers, with Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino having problems getting on the board. The outfield production has been almost non-existent, and the arrival of top power prospect Jac Caglianone can't come soon enough.
The 2024 White Sox were historically bad, and this year's lineup hasn't been much better. The team has been encouraged by young players like Miguel Vargas, Edgar Quero, and Chase Meidroth, while Andrew Benintendi has been productive when healthy. However, veterans Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Vaughn have done nothing to strengthen their trade values with horrible starts.
The Pirates tried added to their offense with the additions of Spencer Horwitz and Tommy Pham in the offseason. Horwitz missed time with a wrist injury, and Pham is showing major signs of age. More troubling have been the slow start from star Bryan Reynolds, who has also been fighting injury. Oneil Cruz has shown excellent power and speed atop the lineup, but Andrew McCutchen and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are the only other regulars with an OPS above .700.
Given the offensive advantages of Coors Field, the start of the season for Colorado's lineup has been nothing short of embarrassing. While Brenton Doyle and Ezequiel Tovar have missed significant time, only Jordan Beck and Hunter Goodman have exceeded expectations as regulars. The team is set to get a boost from veteran Thairo Estrada, back from injury, but Michael Toglia was demoted after a poor start and Ryan McMahon is hitting well below his career norm.
Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!