Pitching may win championships, but it's hard to make it to the MLB postseason in the first place without an offense that can consistently put runs on the board.

Seven of the top eight teams in runs scored last season made the playoffs, while the Miami Marlins were the only club that snuck into the postseason field while ranking outside the top 20 in that category.

After a busy offseason of roster shuffling, it's time for an updated look at how all 30 lineups stack up heading into the 2024 season.

Lineups are ranked based on star power, lack of holes, depth and recent production, with what is expected to be each team's go-to lineup during the 2024 season used as the baseline for these rankings. Defense was not a factor here—the focus was solely on offensive production.

Note: An asterisk indicates that a player will not start the season on the active roster, but he is still expected to be a regular member of the lineup for the bulk of the 2024 season.

Nos. 30-26

30. Chicago White Sox

Among the 362 players with at least 200 plate appearances last season, Nicky Lopez (75 OPS+, 311th), Paul DeJong (66 OPS+, 336th) and Martín Maldonado (66 OPS+, 336th) were among baseball's least productive hitters, and all three are penciled into the White Sox starting lineup. Luis Robert Jr. is a legitimate star, but unless Eloy Jiménez and Andrew Vaughn take a step forward, there will be zero reason to pitch to him.

29. Oakland Athletics

The Athletics scored 56 fewer runs than any other team in baseball last season, but it's not impossible to see them climbing out of the No. 30 spot. With Brent Rooker, Ryan Noda and Shea Langeliers all emerging as solid offensive contributors, Zack Gelof debuting with a bang in July and J.D. Davis added to the mix earlier this month, they have some productive pieces.

28. Washington Nationals

The Nationals spent the offseason bargain hunting, adding Joey Gallo, Nick Senzel, Jesse Winker and Eddie Rosario on one-year deals in hopes of uncovering this year's version of Jeimer Candelario. CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz are core pieces on the rise, while Lane Thomas had a breakout 2023 season, but they still have a long way to go rebuilding.

27. Colorado Rockies

Outside of Nolan Jones, who posted a 138 OPS+ with 22 doubles, 20 home runs and 20 steals to finish third in 2023 NL Rookie of the Year voting, the Rockies lineup is lacking in impact players. Ryan McMahon is a steady contributor, Charlie Blackmon still has something left in the tank and Kris Bryant might be able to stay healthy with a full-time move to first base, but this is far from a high-powered offense.

26. Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians finished 27th in the majors in runs scored (662) and OPS (.694) last year, and the only notable additions they made this offseason were light-hitting catcher Austin Hedges and former New York Yankees top prospect Estevan Florial. What reason is there to believe they will be anything but a bottom-tier offense once again?

Nos. 25-21

25. Kansas City Royals

What will Bobby Witt Jr. do for an encore after posting a 120 OPS+ with 69 extra-base hits, 30 home runs, 96 RBI and 49 steals in his second big league season? A healthy season from Vinnie Pasquantino, a full year of slugger Nelson Velázquez and the offseason additions of Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier make this a lineup on the rise.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates

With a healthy Oneil Cruz at shortstop once again and offseason additions Rowdy Tellez and Michael A. Taylor both capable of some over-the-fence production, the Pirates could have a respectable offense. The X-factor will be 2023 rookies Henry Davis and Jared Triolo and their continued development at the plate.

23. Detroit Tigers

Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene both took a big step forward at the plate last season, and they are capable of another in 2024. Colt Keith is the shiny new rookie who has demolished minor league pitching, and he could make an immediate middle-of-the-order impact. Mark Canha and Gio Urshela will be nice veteran additions to a young offense.

22. Miami Marlins

Jake Burger (53 G, 130 OPS+, 22 XBH (9 HR), 28 RBI) and Josh Bell (53 G, 119 OPS+, 20 XBH (11 HR), 26 RBI) both made a major impact after they were acquired at the trade deadline last year, and full seasons in the Miami lineup could make this a vastly improved group. Keeping Jazz Chisholm Jr. healthy for a full season would also go a long way in transforming the middle of the lineup.

21. Milwaukee Brewers

If Rhys Hoskins can return to the 30-homer player he was prior to missing the 2023 season with a torn ACL and young up-and-comers like Sal Frelick, Jackson Chourio, Joey Ortiz and Brice Turang can pull their weight, the Brewers lineup could be vastly improved. It will need to be with Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams all playing elsewhere or injured.

Nos. 20-16

20. San Francisco Giants

The Giants added Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler and Jung Hoo Lee in free agency, and that should make this an improved lineup, but they are still lacking a bona fide offensive star in the middle of the order. They are also taking defensive stability over offensive upside by starting the year with Nick Ahmed at shortstop over Marco Luciano.

19. New York Mets

Outside of the late spring addition of veteran J.D. Martinez on a one-year deal, the Mets did nothing to bolster an offense that ranked 20th in the majors in runs scored last season. Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte are both capable of bounce-back seasons, while Brett Baty is an X-factor following a disappointing rookie campaign.

18. Boston Red Sox

With a healthy Trevor Story and continued development from Triston Casas and Jarren Duran, the Red Sox should have a decent supporting cast alongside star Rafael Devers. The bottom of the lineup is less imposing, with offseason additions Tyler O'Neill and Vaughn Grissom both capable of a wide range of potential outcomes.

17. Los Angeles Angels

Few teams boast more potential for in-house improvement than the Angels. Healthy seasons from Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon and Taylor Ward could make a world of difference, while Nolan Schanuel, Logan O'Hoppe, Zach Neto and Mickey Moniak are all young players capable of taking another step forward.

16. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays finished fourth in the majors in runs scored last season, but those numbers were somewhat inflated by a high-powered April when they went 22-8 and averaged a staggering 6.82 runs per game. The middle of the pack feels more appropriate for a team with offensive question marks like shortstop José Caballero, catcher René Pinto and outfielder Richie Palacios pegged for significant playing time.

Nos. 15-11

15. San Diego Padres

Even after trading away Juan Soto, the Padres still have plenty of star power in the lineup, led by Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts. If catcher Luis Campusano can build off last year's success at the plate and rookie Jackson Merrill can provide a spark in center field, this offense could surprise some people.

14. Arizona Diamondbacks

With Eugenio Suárez (101 OPS+, 22 HR, 96 RBI in 2023) replacing Evan Longoria (93 OPS+, 11 HR, 28 RBI) at third base, and a platoon of Joc Pederson and Randal Grichuk shoring up the designated hitter spot, the D-backs offense could be even better than it was a year ago. How much better can Gabriel Moreno get in the coming years?

13. Seattle Mariners

Newcomers Jorge Polanco, Mitch Garver, Luke Raley, Mitch Haniger and Luis Urías give the Mariners offense a new look, while Teoscar Hernandez, Jarred Kelenic and Eugenio Suárez are now playing elsewhere, The net result will likely be fewer strikeouts and less reliance on the home run ball to score runs, which could give them a more consistent offensive attack.

12. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds will be without Matt McLain and TJ Friedl to start the 2023 season, but once they return to full strength, they have the upside to be a top-10 offense. Up-and-comers Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Spencer Steer and that aforementioned duo could be the team's offensive core for years to come, and they have just scratched the surface of their potential as a group.

11. St. Louis Cardinals

This ranking might seem optimistic for a team that finished 19th in the majors in runs scored last season, but Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman both have the potential to be breakout stars alongside established run producers Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt. Even if defensive whiz Masyn Winn struggles at the plate as a rookie, this looks like one of the most complete lineups in the National League.

Nos. 10-6

10. New York Yankees

The Yankees finished 25th in the majors in runs scored last season, and while injury issues played a part, expecting this to suddenly be an elite offense now that Juan Soto has been added to the mix might be a stretch. Rookie Austin Wells could be a huge offensive upgrade behind the plate.

9. Chicago Cubs

With Cody Bellinger back in the fold and Christopher Morel now slotted in as the starting third baseman, the Cubs offense should put up plenty of runs. Right fielder Seiya Suzuki quietly hit .313/.372/.566 with 18 doubles, 13 home runs and 46 RBI in 67 games after the All-Star break last year, and he could be in for a big season at the plate.

8. Minnesota Twins

The Twins return essentially the same lineup that finished 10th in the majors in runs scored last year. It's not hard to be optimistic about the potential for more if Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis can play more than 143 combined games, Carlos Correa can bounce back from a down year and newcomer Carlos Santana can continue to defy Father Time.

7. Toronto Blue Jays

With Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer joined by veteran run producer Justin Turner and 30-homer threat Daulton Varsho, the Blue Jays have a strong core to their lineup. The question is how much production they will get from second base and third base, and if catcher Alejandro Kirk can return to his 2022 form.

6. Baltimore Orioles

Not many teams have guys like Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, Heston Kjerstad and Kyle Stowers waiting in the wings in the minors, and that next wave of young talent will eventually join Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson as the long-term core. In the meantime, guys like Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, Anthony Santander and Ryan Mountcastle are all established offensive players.

5. Philadelphia Phillies

2024 Go-To Lineup

1. DH Kyle Schwarber
2. SS Trea Turner
3. 1B Bryce Harper
4. C J.T. Realmuto
5. 2B Bryson Stott
6. 3B Alec Bohm
7. RF Nick Castellanos
8. LF Brandon Marsh
9. CF Johan Rojas

Bench: C Garrett Stubbs, IF Edmundo Sosa, IF/OF Whit Merrifield, OF Cristian Pache

The Philadelphia Phillies entered the offseason with a set lineup, and while the addition of versatile veteran Whit Merrifield gives them some flexibility to mix and match, their starting lineup remains set in stone.

There is some potential risk of regression going forward from guys like Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Nick Castellanos as they exit their prime years, but there is no reason to believe that regression is coming in 2024.

The biggest question mark is the sustainability of Johan Rojas' breakout rookie season, as he hit .302/.342/.430 for a 111 OPS+ over 164 plate appearances, but those numbers were accompanied by poor batted-ball metrics.

4. Houston Astros

2024 Go-To Lineup

1. 2B Jose Altuve
2. DH Yordan Alvarez
3. RF Kyle Tucker
4. 3B Alex Bregman
5. 1B José Abreu
6. LF Chas McCormick
7. C Yainer Diaz
8. SS Jeremy Peña
9. CF Jake Meyers

Bench: C Victor Caratini, 1B Jon Singleton, IF/OF Mauricio Dubón, OF Corey Julks

Aside from Jake Meyers moving into a starting role and Yainer Diaz now being the unquestioned starter at catcher following Martín Maldonado's departure, this is essentially the same Houston Astros lineup from a year ago.

Last year's group ranked near the top of the MLB leaderboard in runs scored (827, fifth), OPS (.768, fifth) and home runs (222, seventh), and they should again be one of the most potent offenses in baseball.

Can José Abreu rebound after hitting .237/.296/.383 for a career-low 87 OPS+ in the first season of a three-year, $58.5 million deal?

3. Texas Rangers

2024 Go-To Lineup

1. 2B Marcus Semien
2. SS Corey Seager
3. RF Adolis García
4. LF Evan Carter (R)
5. DH Wyatt Langford (R)
6. 3B Josh Jung
7. 1B Nathaniel Lowe*
8. C Jonah Heim
9. CF Leody Taveras

Bench: C Andrew Knizner, 1B Jared Walsh, IF Ezequiel Duran, OF Travis Jankowski

The Texas Rangers offense was already one of the best in baseball last season, and rising stars Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford have the potential to vault them to the No. 1 spot on this list if they live up to expectations as rookies.

Carter already showed what he is capable of as a September call-up and on into the playoffs last year, while Langford has been on the fast track since going No. 4 overall in the 2023 draft, and he was as impressive as any hitter in baseball during spring training.

First baseman Nathaniel Lowe will miss some time early with an oblique strain, but that will give reclamation project Jared Walsh a chance to prove he can be a useful piece of the puzzle in 2024 after signing a minor league deal and putting together a strong spring.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

2024 Go-To Lineup

1. SS Mookie Betts
2. DH Shohei Ohtani
3. 1B Freddie Freeman
4. C Will Smith
5. 3B Max Muncy
6. LF Teoscar Hernández
7. CF James Outman
8. RF Jason Heyward
9. 2B Gavin Lux

Bench: C Austin Barnes, IF Miguel Rojas, IF/OF Enrique Hernández, IF/OF Chris Taylor

The Los Angeles Dodgers hit 58 fewer home runs, scored 41 fewer runs and had a team OPS 50 points lower than the Atlanta Braves last season.

With Shohei Ohtani replacing J.D. Martinez at designated hitter, Teoscar Hernandez added as a major upgrade in left field and Gavin Lux back after missing the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL, the potential is there for this group to bridge the gap and claim the No. 1 spot on this list.

However, the Atlanta Braves didn't lose any key pieces from last year's juggernaut offense, so until proved otherwise they have earned that top ranking.

1. Atlanta Braves

2024 Go-To Lineup

1. RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
2. 2B Ozzie Albies
3. 3B Austin Riley
4. 1B Matt Olson
5. DH Marcell Ozuna
6. CF Michael Harris II
7. C Sean Murphy
8. SS Orlando Arcia
9. LF Jarred Kelenic

Bench: C Travis d'Arnaud, IF Luis Guillorme, OF Adam Duvall, OF Forrest Wall

The Atlanta Braves led the majors in runs scored (947), home runs (307), batting average (.276) and OPS (.845) last season, and this year's lineup is arguably even better with Jarred Kelenic replacing Eddie Rosario in left field and Adam Duvall also back in the mix.

They became just the second team in MLB history to have five different players hit 30 home runs last year, joining the 2019 Minnesota Twins, and all five of those players could reach that mark once again penciled into the 1-5 spots in the lineup.

The only real concern is shortstop, where Orlando Arcia hit .235/.297/.416 during the second half of last season following a surprise All-Star selection. With Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake both traded during the offseason, the team doesn't have a fallback plan if he struggles.