Top 10 MLB lineups for 2023

So far this offseason, I’ve covered the top 10 players at each position. I’ve also broken down the top 10 pitching duos. Now, let’s evaluate the entire body of work for each team, beginning with lineups. Next up will be rotations, which will wrap up this series. If you missed any of the previous editions to this series, follow the links below.

• Top 10 Pitching Duos 
• Starting Pitchers
• Right Field
• Center Field 
• First Base 
• Second Base
• Third Base
• Shortstop
• Catcher
• Left Field
• Relief Pitchers

Top 10 MLB Lineups for 2023

1. Houston Astros
2. Atlanta Braves
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Los Angles Dodgers
5. San Diego Padres
6. St. Louis Cardinals
7. Philadelphia Phillies
8. New York Yankees
9. New York Mets
10. Milwaukee Brewers

—

The Astros actually finished 8th in runs scored last season, but they led the league in the category the year before and only got better this offseason with the addition of Jose Abreu. Jeremy Peña also looks like a budding superstar following his postseason run last year. I almost went with the Braves here, but I like the Astros lineup a smidge better.

Everyone expects Ronald Acuña Jr. to be a different player in 2023. He’s followed in the order by three other legitimate MVP candidates in Michael Harris II, Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. The Braves did lose Dansby Swanson in free agency, but as far as offense goes, there might not be much of a drop off between him and Vaughn Grissom. If Atlanta can get anything out of Marcell Ozuna and Eddie Rosario, they are going to be a juggernaut offensively.

The Blue Jays clock in at #3, and their offense is why they’re my favorite team to watch in the American League. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is one of the best offensive talents in the league. Bo Bichette is another young player that is among the best bats at his position. Georgie Springer remains an All-Star talent, but it’s the depth of this group that is so impressive. Alejandro Kirk, Daulton Varsho, Brandon Belt, Matt Chapman, and Whit Merrifield give this group the potential to score the most runs in the league this season.

I keep saying this but don’t count out the Dodgers. I know they were quiet this offseason, but they still boast an embarrassment of riches, led by Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Will Smith. I think Max Muncy will bounce back and have a much better season in 2023. This team led the league in scoring last year, and it wouldn’t shock me if they did it again.

The Padres were league average in most offensive categories last season, but things will look a little different this year. They acquired Xander Bogaerts in the offseason, and Fernando Tatis Jr. — arguably the most talented player in baseball — returns. Combine that with a full season of Juan Soto, and the Padres are poised to have one of the most threatening offenses in the game.

The Cardinals are an offense to watch out for this year. They are led by Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, but they are another deep group that will be scary for opposing pitchers to face. The addition of Willson Contreras is a tremendous upgrade from Yadier Molina, and guys like Tyler O’Niell, Juan Yepez, , and Lars Nootbaar round out an ultra-talented group.

At 7th, I have the Philadelphia Phillies. When healthy, this group can flat out rake, which baseball fans got a first-hand taste of last postseason. The addition of Trea Turner makes this lineup even scarier, but they’ll have to wait a bit to be fully healthy, as Bryce Harper underwent surgery on his UCL this offseason.

I’m not as high on the Yankees as most, but they belong inside the top 10. We all know about Aaron Judge, but if this group what’s to be any higher than this, they are going to need past All-Stars — Josh Donaldson and Giancarlo Stanton — to have much better seasons.

The Mets offense isn’t nearly as powerful as the others on this list, but they finished in the top-five in runs last year for offense for a reason. They are a pesky bunch that make pitchers work and hit for a high average. I still think their offense will be their Achilles heel when talking about World Series aspirations, but they are a top-ten group.

I didn’t really know where to go for the final spot, but the Brewers finished inside the top-ten in runs last season, and I love their addition of William Contreras. He may not be a great defensive catcher, but offensively, he’s an All-Star. He adds even more pop to a potent Milwaukee offense. They are my sleeper this season from an offensive perspective.

—

Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire