Baseball’s back!! As is usually the case with the start of a new season, hope springs eternal and every team believes they have a chance to win. Of course, we know that is not true – sorry Oakland. But in order to be considered a true contender, a team needs to be built solidly on both sides of the ball. Since we’ve already examined all 30 MLB teams starting outfields, let’s see where the infields rank.
Join us, as we rank all 30 teams starting infields from worst to first.
30. Oakland Athletics
Shea Langeliers (C), Ryan Noda (1B), Zach Gelof (2B), Darell Hernaiz (SS), Abraham Toro (3B)
Shea Langeliers is probably the best player on the A’s. The catcher hit 22 HRS in 2023 and has a rocket for an arm. Ryan Noda is coming off a rookie season that he played at the tender age of 27, but his low contact/high strikeout combination would portend that he’s not long for the job. At 24 years of age, Zach Gelof might be the position player with the most upside. In 69 games last year, he played great defense and showed some power and speed at the plate. Abraham Toro is a light hitting third baseman that hasn’t shown much over his career. Finally, Darell Hernaiz is a rookie that has shown promise in the minors but is ultimately an unknown commodity.
29. Chicago White Sox
Martin Maldonado (C), Andrew Vaughn (1B), Nicky Lopez (2B), Paul DeJong (SS), Yoan Moncada (3B)
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The White Sox signed Paul DeJong as a reclamation project, hoping to rediscover his power stroke and steady defense of several years ago. At 37, Martin Maldonado provides a steady veteran presence in the clubhouse. Yoan Moncada has not lived up to his 5-year, $70 million deal that expires after this season, and expect Chicago to move him at the trade deadline, if they can. Nicky Lopez showed promise when he was with Kansas City but has been dreadful over the last two seasons. Andrew Vaughn is the bright spot in the lineup. He blossomed after being moved back to 1B, and at 25, the Sox hope there is more in the tank.
28. Detroit Tigers
Jake Rogers (C), Spencer Torkelson (1B), Colt Keith (2B), Javier Baez (SS), Gio Urshela (3B)
Colt Keith is the Tigers top prospect, and was signed to a 6-year, $28.6 million extension that, with options, bonuses, and incentives, could turn into a 9-year, $82 million deal. And that’s before he’s ever played a game in the majors! Spencer Torkelson is young and has power, but he needs to improve his plate patience and defense. Gio Urshela is a placeholder, but he will provide excellent defense at third base. What happened to Javier Baez? He has not come close to living up to the 6-year, $140 million contract he signed. Both his offensive and defensive production has declined. Jake Rogers has some pop in his bat, but his primary value comes with handling the Tigers pitching staff.
27. Pittsburgh Pirates
Henry Davis (C), Rowdy Tellez (1B), Liover Peguero (2B), Oneil Cruz (SS), Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B)
Oneil Cruz followed up his stellar rookie season by missing 2023 with a leg injury. His youth and skill set (speed and power) should result in a comeback season for the shortstop. Ke’Bryan Hayes is one of the best defensive third basemen in the game, but he will need to show that 2023 wasn’t an offensive fluke to remain the starter. Second base was an open competition this spring and Liover Peguero did enough to earn the start, but since he’s not a solid bat questions exist about how long he will hold the job. Rowdy Tellez has some power, but if he doesn’t hit the ball over the fence his poor speed will clog the basepaths. Factoring in his low average and poor defense, Tellez might not last the year. Henry Davis is a young, unproven commodity behind the plate.
26. Washington Nationals
Keibert Ruiz (C), Joey Menesis (1B), Luis Garcia Jr. (2B), C.J. Abrams (SS), Nick Senzel (3B)
The Nationals have one of the worst starting infields in today’s game. Joey Meneses didn’t make his MLB debut until he was 30 years old. Having won the starting assignment at 32, it remains to be seen what production he will contribute. Luis Garcia Jr. showed promise as a rookie in 2020 but has not developed the way the Nats hoped he would. C.J. Abrams is a bright spot at shortstop. He is a plus defender and has good speed on the basepaths. Nick Senzel was a bit of a disappointment in Cincinnati but will be hoping a change of scenery can resurrect his career. Finally, Keibert Ruiz’s torrid second half in 2023 gives Washington the confidence that, at 25, he is ready to be the full-time starting catcher.
25. Los Angeles Angels
Logan O’Hoppe (C), Nolan Schanuel (1B), Luis Rengifo (2B), Zach Neto (SS), Anthony Rendon (3B)
Logan O’Hoppe has the potential to be a star in this league, but injuries and inconsistency have hampered him so far. Can he put it all together in 2024? Nolan Schanuel impressed enough in a 22-game debut last season to earn the starting nod at first base. A good batting eye and power should make him a staple of the Angels lineup for years. Luis Rengifo has been a solid utility player for LA, but will the pressures of starting be too much for him to handle? Zach Neto is another young player that has dealt with injury issues that have hampered his development. Is he fully healthy and ready to take the next step? Anthony Rendon is a huge question mark in the lineup. When healthy he is a solid player, but he has rarely been healthy, as he has never played more than 58 games a season in his 4 years in LA.
24. Colorado Rockies
Elias Diaz (C), Kris Bryant (1B), Brendan Rodgers (2B), Ezequiel Tovar (SS), Ryan McMahon (3B)
Elias Diaz earned his first All-Star nod last year but slumped badly in the second half of the season. He is 33 years old and started a career-high 116 games last year. With a solid defensively minded prospect behind him, will Diaz last the season? Brendan Rogers proved in 2022 that he could handle the starting second base job, but injuries derailed his 2023. If he’s healthy, Rogers will provide Gold Glove caliber defense. Ryan McMahon provides 20+ HR power and Gold Glove defense at the Hot Corner. At 22 years of age, Ezequiel Tovar is a defensive wizard at shortstop. If his offense catches up to his defense, he will be a star. Kris Bryant was a star with the Cubs, but injuries have derailed a once-promising career. Will the move to 1B keep him healthy and productive?
23. San Francisco Giants
Patrick Bailey (C), LaMonte Wade Jr. (1B), Thairo Estrada (2B), Marco Luciano (SS), Matt Chapman (3B)
Patrick Bailey might be a light hitting catcher, but he is one of the best statistical catchers in the game and the Giants pitching staff has an ERA that is almost a full run lower when he’s behind the dish. Thairo Estrada is a steady presence that can move around the infield if needed. LaMonte Wade Jr. starts the season as the first baseman, but since the Giants have other options, seeing him moved into a utility role wouldn’t be surprising. Marco Luciano enters his first full season at short, so it will be interesting to see if he can handle the pressures of the position. Late in Spring Training, San Francisco signed Matt Chapman to play third. He is a multi-Gold Glove winner that deepens the lineup.
22. Chicago Cubs
Yan Gomes (C), Michael Busch (1B), Nico Hoerner (2B), Dansby Swanson (SS), Nick Madrigal (3B)
Dansby Swanson is a 2x Gold Glove winner and one of the better shortstops in the league. Nico Hoerner only has 1 Gold Glove, but it’s almost certain that he’ll win more. Together they make one of the best middle infielder tandems in the game today. The questions lie with the corner infielders and behind the plate. Third, Nick Madrigal is a solid glove with a light bat. Yan Gomes has an impressive resume (former All-Star, Silver Slugger, World Series title) but is 36 years old. How much does he have left? Michael Busch is the first baseman, for now. Should he stumble, there’s always the chance the Cubs will move Cody Bellinger to first, in which case we’d need to re-evaluate Chicago’s ranking.
21. Miami Marlins
Christian Bethancourt (C), Josh Bell (1B), Luis Arraez (2B), Tim Anderson (SS), Jake Burger (3B)
Jake Burger showed his power potential in 2023 when he smacked 34 HRs. The biggest issue with the third baseman has always been injuries, as he was 26 during his breakout 2023 season. Across the diamond Josh Bell will be looking to build upon the success he had after being acquired from Cleveland. Which Tim Anderson are the Marlins getting this year? The former All-Star and batting champ or the guy that was statistically the worst offensive player in baseball in 2023. Christian Bethancourt disappeared for 5 years before re-emerging in 2022. The time away did not improve the catcher’s offensive production. He remains a very light hitting backstop. The shining light of the Miami lineup is Luis Arraez. The 2x batting champ is a hitting machine that finished 2023 with a .354 batting average.
20. Seattle Mariners
Cal Raleigh (C), Ty France (1B), Jorge Polanco (2B), J.P. Crawford (SS), Luis Urias (3B)
The Mariners are hoping to contend in 2024. They need to hope for a “best case scenario” when it comes to their infield, because they have some issues. Cal Raleigh is a dual threat at catcher. He led all catchers in home runs in 2023 and threw out almost 30% of base stealers. Not only did J.P. Crawford lead the American League in walks last year, but also added 39 doubles and 19 HRs. Jorge Polanco is an average player that has shown some promise but has failed to “put it together”. Luis Urias gets the starting nod at third, but in all probability, he will wind up platooning with Josh Rojas. After solid seasons in 2021-22, Ty France struggled to duplicate that success in 2023. Can he rebound in 2024?
19. Tampa Bay Rays
Rene Pinto (C), Yandy Díaz (1B), Brandon Lowe (2B), José Caballero (SS), Isaac Paredes (3B)
They are usually one of the most fundamentally sound organizations in the league, however questions exist. Yandy Diaz provides contact, some pop, and a great eye. An MVP is in his future. Isaac Paredes is a future MVP waiting to happen as well. He slugged 31 HRs in 2023 along with playing great defense. Jose Caballero’s glove is up for the defensive challenges of shortstop, but will his bat be up for the offensive task? Brandon Lowe has dealt with recent injury issues that have hindered his playing time and ability. Is he fully healthy and can he contribute at a high level? Rene Pinto is 27 years old with 63 games of experience, that’s enough to understand the Rays’ catching situation.
18. Cincinnati Reds
Tyler Stephenson (C), Jeimer Candelario (1B), Matt McLain (2B), Elly De La Cruz (SS), Noelvi Marte (3B)
Cincinnati has the potential to end the season with a top-10 defense, but right now there are just too many questions that need to be answered first. Tyler Stephenson had an impressive rookie season, was on pace for a better second year until injuries derailed his season and had a subpar 2023. Which version will the Reds get in 2024? Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz finished 5th and 7th respectively, in the Rookie of the Year voting, will there be a “Sophomore Slump” this year for one or both of them? Noelvi Marte, who impressed in 35 games last year, will man the Hot Corner. Can the rookie live up to expectations?
17. Kansas City Royals
Salvador Perez (C), Vinnie Pasquantino (1B), Michael Massey (2B), Bobby Witt Jr. (SS), Maikel Garcia (3B)
Salvador Perez has had a stellar career behind the plate in Kansas City. He is an 8x All-Star and has won 5 Gold Gloves, but he is 33 years old, and time is not typically kind to catchers. After signing an 11-year deal, Bobby Witt Jr. is now the face of the organization. He has the offensive chops to support that designation, but his defense could use improvement. Maikel Garcia won the third base job last year after playing superb defense. Michael Massey showed promise in 2021-22 before taking a step back last year. The Royals have seen enough to be comfortable with him starting the season at second base. Vinnie Pasquantino was viewed as a promising rookie in 2023 before succumbing to injury.
16. Milwaukee Brewers
William Contreras (C), Rhys Hopkins (1B), Brice Turang (2B), Willy Adames (SS), Joey Ortiz (3B)
Rhys Hoskins has averaged 24 HRs a season in his young career. After missing 2023 with an ACL injury, will he be able to return to his pre-injury form? William Contreras is a future star. He’s excellent at pitch framing and can hit for average. There is no question regarding Brice Turang’s defense, but there are plenty of questions as to whether he can hit enough to remain the starting second baseman. Joey Ortiz is a 25-year-old prospect that has upside on both sides of the ball. Willy Adames is still a 20+ HR threat but his batting average took a tumble in 2023. He’ll be looking to rebound in an important contract year.
15. Boston Red Sox
Connor Wong (C), Triston Casas (1B), Vaughn Grissom (2B), Trevor Story (SS), Rafael Devers (3B)
Rafael Devers is not the greatest defensive third baseman but when you hit 98 HRs with 301 RBIs over the last three seasons, not including 2024, you can get away with a lot. Trevor Story was once a star, hitting 123 HRs in his first 4 seasons. The last couple of years have not been as kind, as the shortstop has dealt with injuries and subpar play. Can he recover his old form? There is a lot of hype over Vaughn Grissom, but as with any rookie (he only has 64 games of experience), there are always questions. As a rookie, Triston Casas excelled in the second half of 2023. If Boston gets that production, they’ll be happy. Connor Wong offers a strong defensive game but little else.
14. New York Yankees
Lee Trevino (C), Anthony Rizzo (1B), Gleybar Torres (2B), Anthony Volpe (SS), DJ LeMahieu (3B)
The Yankees infield is filled with questions? Is Rizzo fully recovered from last year’s concussion? Can LeMahieu rediscover his stroke or is he on the decline? Will Volpe improve on his rookie campaign? Does free agency motivate Torres to have a solid season? While Lee Trevino provides Gold Glove quality defense behind the plate, he will split time with rookie Austin Wells, which brings a whole new set of issues. They have too many questions to be ranked higher, but too many veterans to be lower. If the Yankees enjoy good health and the young players continue to progress, they could have a top 10 defense.
13. Toronto Blue Jays
Alejandro Kirk (C), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B), Davis Schnieder (2B), Bo Bichette (SS), Isiah Kiner-Falefa (3B)
Isiah Kiner-Falefa replaces the departed Matt Chapman, and while he cannot replace Chapman’s offensive production, IKF is an above-average defender, winning a Gold Glove in 2020. There’s no question that Bo Bichette is one of the better offensive players in the AL, but he has steadily improved his defensive prowess as well. Vlad Guerrero Jr. hit a career-high 48 HRs in 2021, and fans have expected that production yearly, despite hitting 32 and 26 HRs the last two seasons while continuing to earn All-Star nods. Davis Schneider, a rookie who has 35 games of experience, needs to show he can handle Major League pitching. Alejandro Kirk is a Gold Glove-caliber receiver, but like many other young players, needs to make adjustments against quality pitching.
12. Baltimore Orioles
Adley Rutschman (C), Ryan O’Hearn (1B), Jordan Westburg (2B), Jorge Mateo (SS), Gunnar Henderson (3B)
The Orioles are a team on the rise and their infield is a big reason why. After only two seasons catcher Adley Rutschman is turning into a star. The face of the franchise is a rock behind the plate. Gunnar Henderson was the unanimous Rookie of the Year in 2023 and is another young star for the Orioles. As if they don’t have enough talent, Jordan Westburg is a 25-year-old who is a solid defensive player. Ryan O’Hearn is an adequate first baseman that will spend most of his playing time in a platoon situation. As for shortstop, it really doesn’t matter who it is now. What matters is who it will be. Jackson Holliday is another young promising player on the cusp of making his MLB debut.
11. Minnesota Twins
Ryan Jeffers (C), Carlos Santana (1B), Edouard Julien (2B), Carlos Correa (SS), Royce Lewis (3B)
Ryan Jeffers showed enough in 2023 to earn himself a share of the starting catching job. His offensive and defensive breakthrough will allow him to platoon with Christian Vazquez, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jeffers take over as the full-time starter in 2024. Carlos Santana is still a productive first baseman, but at 37 years old, how much can be expected of him? The Twins saw enough of Edouard Julien in his rookie season to turn over the starting second base job to him, but as with many younger players, will he be able to adjust to Major League pitching? Royce Lewis has been limited to 118 games over the last two seasons, but if he can remain on the field, he has the potential to be one of the league’s best third basemen. Carlos Correa had a subpar 2023 but he is still just 29 years old and one of the best shortstops in the game. It is not unreasonable to expect a bounce-back season from Correa.
10. Cleveland Guardians
Bo Naylor (C), Kyle Manzardo (1B), Andrés Giménez (2B), Brayan Rocchio (SS), José Ramírez (3B)
Let’s start with the big question, what can the Guardians expect from rookies Kyle Manzardo and Brayan Rocchio? Manzardo has shown promise, but he’s battled injuries and had a disappointing 2023 season in the minors. Rocchio is another youngster that has upside but did not impress in a 23-game audition last year. Ramirez and Gimenez are both terrific defenders, with the second baseman being a multi-Gold Glove winner. Bo Naylor has had an up-and-down start to his career but has been handed the starting reins this year, making three rookies in the starting infield.
9. St. Louis Cardinals
Willson Contreras (C), Paul Goldschmidt (1B), Nolan Gorman (2B), Masyn Winn (SS), Nolan Arenado (3B)
The Cardinals seem comfortable with Willson Contreras behind the dish. The now full-time catcher has had five seasons with 20+ HRs. Nolan Gorman has the potential to be a consistent middle-of-the-order threat, but it remains to be seen if his defense is Major League-ready. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, perennial All-Stars (15 combined), Gold Glove winners (14 combined), and MVP (Goldschmidt), have the corner infield spots locked up. Masyn Winn is the big question for St. Louis. There are no issues with his defense, but he underwhelmed with the bat during a 37-game audition in 2023.
8. Arizona Diamondbacks
Gabriel Moreno (C), Christian Walker (1B), Ketel Marte (2B), Geraldo Perdoma (SS), Eugenio Suarez (3B)
Ketel Marte is an all-world talent at second base. He’s one of the best second basemen in the game and has proven to not wilt under postseason pressure. At only 24 years old, Gabriel Moreno is already one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, with the offensive ability to be a star. It appears that Christian Walker is a late bloomer, having his best seasons, offensively and defensively, at age 31 and 32. Can that trend continue? Eugenio Suarez provides good power from the Hot Corner, but a ton of strikeouts. Geraldo Perdomo slumped badly in the second half of 2023, and with poor offensive metrics, he seems to be the one with the shortest leash.
7. San Diego Padres
Luis Campusano (C), Jake Cronenworth (1B), Xander Bogaerts (2B), Ha-Seong Kim (SS), Manny Machado (3B)
Luis Campusano has the potential to be a high-impact player, but the key word there is potential. Despite being a top prospect, injuries and poor defense have prevented his ascent to the Major Leagues. There are no offensive worries when it comes to Machado and Bogaerts, and since Machado is a Gold Glove-caliber defender, the defense shouldn’t be an issue either. Kim is a sure-handed defender up the middle that provides some production from the bottom of the order. If there is a hole in the lineup, it’s Cronenworth. He doesn’t provide a ton of offensive production, but he should be able to handle the move to first.
6. New York Mets
Francisco Alvarez (C), Pete Alonso (1B), Jeff McNeil (2B), Francisco Lindor (SS), Brett Baty (3B)
From an offensive standpoint, the Mets’ infield is stacked. Pete Alonso is a consistent 50 HR threat, Francisco Lindor was a 30/30 player in 2023, Francisco Alvarez hit 25 HRs in his rookie season, and while Jeff McNeil might not hit the heights of his 2022 season, he provides a solid bat at second base. Brett Baty has a lot of upside but has yet to live up to his potential. Defensively, Alvarez is probably the best of the group. That’s not to say that the rest of the infield is bad, as Lindor has won two Gold Gloves, but those were with Cleveland.
5. Houston Astros
Yainer Diaz (C), José Abreu (1B), Jose Altuve (2B), Jeremy Peña (SS), Alex Bregman (3B)
The Astros’ order revolves around Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman for a reason, they are both superstar players. Altuve is building a Hall of Fame career and Bregman is one of the most productive third basemen in the game. Houston is hoping that Abreu can have a bounce-back season, contact-wise, to earn his 3-year, $58.5 million deal. Jeremy Pena provides elite defense with an inconsistent bat. Yainer Diaz showed enough promise during his rookie season, both at and behind the plate to win the starting catcher’s job.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Will Smith (C), Freddie Freeman (1B), Mookie Betts (2B), Gavin Lux (SS), Max Muncy (3B)
Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts are both perennial All-Stars and two of the best players in Major League Baseball. The right side of the Dodgers infield might just be the best in the game. Max Muncy is a DH/1B who has been moved to 3B, which presents a problem for LA because he is a poor defender. Lux returns after missing last season with an injury. Can he return to his breakout 2022 season? Will Smith is a threat with the bat and one of the better defensive catchers in the game.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
JJ Realmuto (C), Bryce Harper (1B), Bryson Stott (2B), Trea Turner (SS), Alec Bohm (3B)
Despite the recent move to first base, Bryce Harper played decent defense. While he is not a Gold Glove-caliber 1B, with more time there, he will certainly be able to hold his own. Bryson Stott is one of the best defensive second basemen in the game today. Trea Turner is making $300 million from the Phillies for a reason, and that’s to be an All-Star caliber, two-way player. Even at 32, J.T. Realmuto is one of the best catchers in the game, as he’s won 2 Gold Gloves and 2 Silver Sluggers over the last 5 seasons (2024 not included).
2. Atlanta Braves
Sean Murphy (C), Matt Olson (1B), Ozzie Albies (2B), Orlando Arcia (SS), Austin Riley (3B)
It’s not a surprise considering that the Braves are a contender for a World Series championship, as they have built one of the best infields in the game. Matt Olson and Austin Riley combined for 91 HRS and 236 RBIs in 2023, making them one of the best 1-2 punches in any lineup. Ozzie Albies hit 33 HRs with 109 RBIs last year, and he is just starting to enter his prime years. Orlando Arcia was a tale of two seasons in 2023, earning an All-Star bid from his first half before slumping in the second half. Murphy provides a solid bat and was a former Gold Glove winner.
1. Texas Rangers
Jonah Heim (C), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Marcus Semien (2B), Corey Seager (SS), Josh Jung (3B)
Critics scoffed at Texas when they spent $500 million on Marcus Semien and Corey Seager who both played the same primary position. After seeing their production on the way to the Rangers’ first World Series title, no one’s laughing now. Josh Jung provides a steady bat in the lineup but his ability to remain healthy has always been a question. Nathaniel Lowe is a low-cost, high-production player that provides Gold Glove defense at first base. Behind the plate, Jonah Heim was an All-Star and a Gold Glove winner in 2023.
