Opening Day has arrived, and with it comes the age-old baseball tradition: debating the starting lineup. The Chicago Cubs boast a deep roster, but Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals presents a unique challenge with Seiya Suzuki sidelined. Suzuki, who injured his knee sliding into second during the World Baseball Classic, is on the 10-day injured list and won’t return until at least April 1.
The big question looming for the Cubs is who will step into right field in Suzuki’s absence. Options like Michael Conforto, Dylan Carlson, or Matt Shaw are on the table.
Reflecting on the Cubs’ 2025 postseason finale against the Milwaukee Brewers, manager Craig Counsell favored a lefty-righty alternating lineup from spots one through eight, with Matt Shaw at ninth and Michael Busch leading off. However, Thursday’s lineup requires some rethinking.
Suzuki’s absence and rookie Moises Ballesteros stepping in as the designated hitter add new dynamics. Ballesteros, who showcased impressive contact skills last year, isn’t expected to anchor the lineup just yet.
Here’s a projected Opening Day lineup without Suzuki:
- Michael Busch
- Alex Bregman
- Ian Happ
- Pete Crow-Armstrong
- Nico Hoerner
- Moises Ballesteros
- Carson Kelly
- Dansby Swanson
- Michael Conforto
This lineup maintains a mostly lefty-righty balance. Conforto offers flexibility, as he can be pinch-hit for against challenging left-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, Busch, who dominated right-handed pitching in 2025 with a 151 wRC+ and 30 homers, sets a powerful tone at leadoff.
What do you think, Cubs fans? How would you arrange the lineup for Opening Day?