MLB GM for a Day: Assembling a 25-Man Roster within the Budget

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Lineup (8)- 1B-Anthony Rizzo ($5.3M), 2B-Jose Altuve ($2.67M), SS-Andrelton Simmons ($3.1M), 3B-Matt Carpenter ($3.75M), C- Jonathan Lucroy ($3.4M), LF-J.D. Martinez ($3M), CF-Jon Jay ($3.2M), RF-Jose Bautista ($14M).

As a Cardinal homer, I wanted Yadier Molina, but at only $3.4 million, Lucroy is very cheap and just as good of a catcher as Molina. While my outfield lacks range, they make up for it with their bats, in particular Bautista. Bautista is my most costly player at $14 million, but for his production and presence I felt it was a must-do. My infield has great power from Rizzo, and great averages from Carpenter and Altuve. Simmons is the best defensive player in the game, so he was a cheap must. My goal with this roster was to find consistent hitters who can hit for average and some power.

Next: Bench