2025 Starting Lineup

[Gatoriole]

I'm surprised this topic has not been created. My apologies if I missed it.

What do you see the team rolling out there next April and why? Here's what I have:

Adley/McCann?

1B: Mountcastle/Urias/Mayo

2B: Holliday/Mateo

SS: Gunnar

3B: Westburg

LF: Cowser

CF: Mullins

RF: Kjerstad

DH: O'Hearn?

I'm seeing a lot of discussion about changing the team and hitting approach, but I think a lot of these guys are locked in. By Position:

Catcher- Adley will be back (and hopefully back to his former self). We'll get a back up. Could be McCann.

1B- This may be the most likely place we could make a change. I think it's less likely than probably most think. But if we want to change up our offense, it may mean moving on from Mountcastle and I think that will depend on what we can get back for him. I think the plan would be to put Mayo there long term. Urias could be a placeholder until Mayo is ready (if he isn't at the beginning of the season). After the way 2024 played out with injuries, I think Urias will be back (rather than trade him or non-tender). 

2B- I think this is Holliday's spot. But we will also bring Mateo back as utility and in case Holliday falters. They could also platoon some here.

SS- Gunnar

3B- Westburg can play elsewhere in the infield, but will start somewhere. Where he plays depends more on who else starts.

LF- Like Westburg, Cowser will start. It's a question of CF or LF.

CF- I think we bring back Mullins. I don't see us signing or trading for a replacement who can fill the defensive void Mullins would leave. With our big left field, it makes it hard to move Cowser to CF and bring in a bat in LF.

RF- I don't think Santander will be back. Kjerstad probably makes the most sense as a replacement. Mayo has been discussed as an option in RF, but I don't think he has played there yet in the minors. Seems like he's ticketed for 1B if 3B doesn't work out. If we're looking to change up the hitting, we could sign someone to play here. 

DH- There is some crossover with RF here, but this is another spot where we could bring someone in. I could see us bringing back O'Hearn on his option too.

I believe the above would leave one roster spot, which would need to be dedicated to a RH 4th OF, who ideally can play all 3 spots in the OF. I guess we could get a corner and just move Cowser over when Mullins needs a day off, but he needs to be someone we are comfortable playing in our big LF at least. This is probably a role player who may not make a big difference, but would be pretty important if we have three starting outfielders who all hit left handed (and potentially O'Hearn as primary DH who is also left handed).

I write all of this because it's fun to consider, but also because I think it will be hard to significantly change our hitting externally. Our target spots are really only 1B, RF, DH. And I'd say we probably need someone who can hit right-handed (in our big park).