Checking the starting lineup for the giants today is a bit of a trick question because, honestly, it depends on which coast you’re looking at and what kind of ball they’re playing. We are currently sitting in the heart of the winter. If you are looking for the San Francisco Giants, they are deep in the MLB offseason, tinkering with a roster that just saw some massive turnover. If you’re a New York Giants fan, you’re looking at a team that just wrapped up a chaotic regular season and is already pivoting toward a total defensive overhaul under new leadership.
Let's break down exactly who is "starting"—or at least who is currently penciled into the top spots—for both franchises as of January 18, 2026.
The San Francisco Giants: A Projected Look at the 2026 Diamonds
Since it’s January, the San Francisco Giants aren't taking the field at Oracle Park today. They’re mostly in the gym or signing minor league depth pieces. However, the 40-man roster is starting to take a very specific shape under President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey and new manager Tony Vitello.
The biggest news? The arrival of Willy Adames at shortstop and the massive trade that brought Rafael Devers to the Bay. Here is how the starting lineup for the giants today looks on paper:
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Projected Batting Order and Fielders
- CF: Jung Hoo Lee. He’s the spark plug. After a solid 2025, he’s the undisputed lead-off man.
- SS: Willy Adames. The big free-agent splash. He brings a power bat to a position that’s been a revolving door for years.
- DH: Rafael Devers. Still feels weird seeing him in orange and black, doesn't it? He’s the middle-of-the-order anchor the team has lacked since the Bonds era.
- 3B: Matt Chapman. The glove is still elite. He’ll likely bat cleanup or fifth to protect Devers.
- LF: Heliot Ramos. He proved last year he belongs. He’s the everyday left fielder now.
- C: Patrick Bailey. Still the best framing catcher in the league. His bat just needs to stay consistent.
- 1B: Bryce Eldridge. The youth movement is here. Eldridge is the future at first, though he’s recovering from a minor wrist issue.
- 2B: Casey Schmitt. With the trade for Adames, Schmitt likely slides over to second, provided his own wrist surgery recovery stays on track.
- RF: Drew Gilbert. Acquired in recent moves, he’s fighting off Luis Matos for that final starting spot.
The Starting Rotation
- Logan Webb (The Ace)
- Robbie Ray
- Adrian Houser (New $22 million addition)
- Landen Roupp
- Tyler Mahle (Signed to a one-year "prove it" deal this month)
Basically, the Giants are betting heavy on veteran pitching and high-impact trades. While they haven't landed Cody Bellinger yet—despite the rumors swirling around Scott Boras—this is a significantly more "expensive" lineup than we saw two years ago.
The New York Giants: Offseason Reshuffle and the Harbaugh Era
Over in the NFL, the New York Giants season is over. They missed the playoffs after a Week 18 loss to the Cowboys on January 4th. But the "starting lineup" conversation is actually more intense here because of the massive coaching change. John Harbaugh is officially the 24th head coach in franchise history, and he is already cleaning house.
If you are looking at the current roster, it is a mix of "who is left" and "who is about to be cut."
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The Current Depth Chart
Honestly, the quarterback situation is the only thing people are talking about. Jaxson Dart is currently at the top of the list, having been drafted after the Giants moved on from the Daniel Jones era. Jameis Winston is the veteran backup, though his role is mostly mentorship at this point.
Skill Positions:
- RB: Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. are the primary duo, with Cam Skattebo as a heavy-hitting third option.
- WR1: Malik Nabers. He is the undisputed star of this offense.
- WR2: Jalin Hyatt. Still looking for that breakout consistency.
- TE: Theo Johnson. With Daniel Bellinger hitting free agency, Johnson is the guy.
The Defensive Overhaul
John Harbaugh didn't come to New York to play around with a mediocre defense. He’s already making moves to transition the scheme. While Dexter Lawrence remains the immovable object in the middle, the secondary is in flux. Jevon Holland is the leader at safety, but the cornerback room beyond Deonte Banks is mostly "futures contract" players and impending free agents.
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What to Watch Next
The starting lineup for the giants today is a moving target. In San Francisco, keep an eye on the waiver wire—Buster Posey has been aggressive lately, recently DFA-ing Justin Dean to make room for pitching depth. In New York, the real "starting lineup" won't be set until the NFL Draft in April, where Harbaugh is expected to target defensive line help and perhaps another playmaker for Dart.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- MLB Fans: Watch the February 15th reporting date for Spring Training. That's when we see if Bryce Eldridge is truly ready to take the 1B job or if a veteran like Paul Goldschmidt gets a late-winter call.
- NFL Fans: Mark your calendars for the legal tampering period in March. Harbaugh’s history suggests he will target physical, "blue-collar" offensive linemen to protect Jaxson Dart.
- Fantasy Impact: If you're in a dynasty baseball league, Heliot Ramos is no longer a sleeper; he’s a core starter. For NFL dynasty, Malik Nabers is a top-5 asset regardless of who is throwing the ball.
The rosters today are built for transition. San Francisco is trying to finally break the .500 barrier, and New York is trying to find an identity that doesn't involve constant rebuilding. Check back in two weeks; knowing these two front offices, the names on these lists will have already changed.