How Many Baseball Players Are on a Team in MLB?

By Sarah Miller · March 27, 2027

In Major League Baseball (MLB), a team has 26 players on its active roster during most of the regular season, increasing to 28 players from September 1 through the end of the regular season. Additionally, teams maintain a 40-player reserve list that includes both active and non-active players eligible for promotion.

Understanding MLB Roster Sizes

The number of baseball players on a team varies depending on the league, level of play, and time of year. In Major League Baseball, roster regulations are standardized but change throughout the season to accommodate strategic depth and player development.

Regular Season Active Roster

From Opening Day through August 31: 26 players
From September 1 to the end of the regular season: 28 players
Prior to 2020, the standard was 25 players; the increase aimed to reduce pitcher workload and enhance competitive balance.

The 40-Player Reserve List

Beyond the active roster, each MLB team manages a 40-player reserve list. This list includes:

Players on the active 26/28-man roster
Injured players on the injured list (IL)
Minor league players with major league contracts (often called "40-man roster" players)
Players sent to the minors but still under team control

The 40-man roster is crucial for protecting top prospects from being claimed in the Rule 5 Draft and managing player call-ups throughout the season.

How Roster Rules Differ by Level

Roster sizes vary significantly across different levels of baseball:

Minor League Baseball: Triple-A teams carry up to 28 players on their active roster.
College Baseball (NCAA): Teams can have up to 35 active scholarship players, with total rosters often exceeding 40.
High School Baseball: Typically ranges from 15 to 25 players per team, depending on the school and state regulations.
Youth Leagues: Often limit rosters to 12–15 players to ensure playing time for all participants.

MLB Postseason Roster Rules

Different rules apply during the playoffs:

Teams must submit a 26-player postseason roster.
All players must have been on the 40-man roster by August 31 (with limited exceptions).
Injured players cannot be replaced once the roster is submitted, increasing strategic importance of timing.

Current MLB Roster Composition (2025 Season)

Team	Active Roster Size	Starting Pitchers	Relief Pitchers	Catchers	Infielders	Outfielders	Two-Way Players
New York Yankees	26	5	7	2	6	5	1
Los Angeles Dodgers	26	6	6	2	5	6	1
Atlanta Braves	26	5	7	2	5	6	0
Houston Astros	26	6	6	2	6	5	1
Boston Red Sox	26	5	7	2	6	5	0

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a balanced distribution across teams, with most carrying 5–6 starting pitchers and 6–7 relievers. Position player allocations favor versatility, especially with the rise of super utility players. The presence of at least one two-way player on several rosters reflects evolving strategies influenced by stars like Shohei Ohtani.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baseball Team Rosters

How many players are on an MLB team during the regular season?

During the regular season, MLB teams carry 26 players on their active roster from Opening Day through August 31. This expands to 28 players starting September 1.

What is the 40-man roster in baseball?

The 40-man roster includes all players who are under contract with the major league team and are protected from the Rule 5 Draft. It consists of active players, those on injured lists, and minor leaguers with major league deals.

Can MLB teams exceed the 28-player limit in September?

No. While teams were historically allowed unlimited call-ups in September before 2020, current rules cap the active roster at 28 players from September 1 onward.

How many pitchers are typically on a baseball team?

Most MLB teams carry 12–13 pitchers on their 26-player active roster, including 5–6 starting pitchers and 7–8 relief pitchers. The exact number depends on team strategy and injury status.

Do postseason rosters allow more than 26 players?

No. Teams must declare a 26-player roster for each round of the postseason. No expansions are permitted, and replacements are only allowed in cases of injury or bereavement, subject to league approval.