How Many People Are on a Baseball Team?

By Sarah Miller · October 9, 2032

A standard baseball team has 26 players on its active roster during most of the regular season, with up to 28 allowed in September. This includes a mix of position players and pitchers.

Understanding Baseball Team Roster Size

In professional Major League Baseball (MLB), the number of players on a team varies slightly depending on the time of year and game situation. During the regular season, each team is allowed a 26-player active roster. This rule was implemented in 2020 to balance competitive fairness and player workload management. Prior to that, teams were limited to 25 players.

Why Roster Size Matters

Impacts strategic decisions such as pinch-hitting and defensive substitutions
Determines depth for injury coverage and player rest
Influences pitching rotation and bullpen usage
Affects player development timelines and minor league call-ups

Breakdown of a Typical MLB Roster

A 26-man roster is carefully balanced between offense, defense, and pitching specialists. Teams must decide how many pitchers versus position players to carry based on matchups, injuries, and performance trends.

Position Players vs. Pitchers

Most teams carry around 13 to 15 position players and 11 to 13 pitchers. The exact split depends on team needs and strategy. For example, a team facing a series of strong offensive opponents might carry an extra reliever.

Team	Season	Active Roster Size	Number of Pitchers	Number of Position Players
New York Yankees	2024 Regular Season	26	13	13
Los Angeles Dodgers	2024 Regular Season	26	12	14
Atlanta Braves	2024 Postseason	26	14	12
Boston Red Sox	2024 September Call-up	28	14	14
Houston Astros	2024 Opening Day	26	13	13

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while the active roster size remains consistent at 26 for most of the season, teams adjust the pitcher-to-position player ratio based on strategic priorities. In September, when rosters expand to 28, teams often promote top prospects and add relief arms for playoff pushes.

Game-Day Lineup: Who Actually Plays?

Although a team has 26 players available, only nine take the field defensively at any given time. Managers select these nine based on matchups, health, and tactical considerations. All 26 players may contribute over the course of a long season, especially with travel, injuries, and scheduling demands.

Substitutions and Tactical Flexibility

Pinch hitters can replace batters late in games
Relief pitchers are used to exploit situational advantages
Defensive replacements help protect leads in close games
Designated hitters allow teams to keep strong bats in lineup without defensive liability

Injured List and Reserve Rosters

Teams also manage players beyond the active 26. The injured list (IL) allows teams to replace injured players temporarily. There are different IL lengths (7-day, 10-day, 60-day), affecting how quickly a player can return. Additionally, teams maintain a 40-man roster that includes all players eligible for the major leagues, protecting them from being claimed by other teams.

Key Roster Categories

26-man active roster: Eligible to play in games
40-man roster: Protected players, including those on IL
Minor league system: Hundreds of additional players developing across levels
September call-ups: Expanded rosters allow up to 28 players after August 31

Frequently Asked Questions About Baseball Team Size

How many players are on a baseball team during a game?

Nine players from each team are on the field at once: three outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, a catcher, and a first baseman. Some leagues also use a designated hitter, making it ten if applicable.

Why do baseball teams have 26 players instead of 25?

MLB increased the active roster from 25 to 26 in 2020 to reduce pitcher overuse and allow more flexibility in late-inning situations. It helps teams manage workloads and respond to injuries without constant roster moves.

Can a baseball team have more than 26 players?

Yes. From September 1 onward, teams can expand their active rosters to 28 players. Also, the 40-man roster includes all protected players, even those on the injured list or in the minors.

How many pitchers are typically on a baseball team?

Most teams carry 11 to 14 pitchers on their 26-man roster, including 5 starting pitchers and 6–9 relief pitchers. Bullpen size varies depending on team strategy and current health.

What is the difference between the 26-man and 40-man roster?

The 26-man roster consists of players eligible to play in games. The 40-man roster includes all players protected from being drafted by other teams, including those on the injured list or in Triple-A. Being on the 40-man means a player can be called up at any time.