How Many Players on a Major League Baseball Team?

By Sarah Miller · September 24, 2033

Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have 26 players on their active roster during most of the regular season, with a temporary increase to 28 players from September 1 through the end of the regular season. Additionally, MLB allows up to 40 players on the reserve list, who are eligible for promotion to the active roster.

Roster Rules in Major League Baseball

The number of players allowed on an MLB team varies depending on the time of year and specific league rules set by Major League Baseball. Understanding these limits is crucial for fans, fantasy baseball players, and those analyzing team strategies.

Standard Active Roster Size

From Opening Day through August 31: 26 players
September 1 to end of regular season: 28 players
Prior to 2020, the standard was 25 players; the change to 26 was part of new pace-of-play initiatives.

40-Man Reserve List

Beyond the active roster, each team maintains a 40-man reserve list. This list includes:

Players on the active 26- or 28-man roster
Injured players on various injured lists (IL)
Minor league players protected from being drafted in the Rule 5 Draft
Pitchers on the 7-day or 15-day injured list
Players serving suspensions

Teams must manage this list carefully to protect top prospects and maintain flexibility.

Breakdown of Player Positions on a Team

A typical 26-man active roster is strategically composed across key position groups. While exact numbers can vary slightly based on team needs, most rosters follow a general structure.

Position Group	Typical Number on Roster	Key Roles
Starting Pitchers	5	Primary rotation members; start games every 5th day
Relief Pitchers	7–8	Includes closers, setup men, middle relievers, left-handed specialists
Catchers	2–3	Starters, backups, defensive specialists
Outfielders	4–5	Left, center, right fielders; often includes extra outfielders for defense or speed
Infielders	5–6	First base, second base, shortstop, third base; includes utility players
Designated Hitter (DH)	0–1	Used only in American League parks; may double as pinch hitter
Two-Way Players	0–1	Rare; player who both pitches and hits regularly (e.g., Shohei Ohtani)

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates how MLB teams balance specialized roles across pitching and hitting positions. Relief pitchers now occupy nearly one-third of active rosters, reflecting modern bullpen usage trends. The inclusion of two catchers and multiple utility infielders ensures coverage for injuries and strategic matchups.

Injured Lists and Roster Management

MLB provides mechanisms to replace injured players without removing them from the 40-man roster:

10-Day Injured List (IL): For position players and pitchers with minor injuries.
15-Day IL: Used specifically for pitchers in some cases (though 10-day is more common).
60-Day IL: Frees up a 40-man roster spot but requires the player to miss at least 60 days.

Players on the IL do not count against the active 26-man roster but still occupy space on the 40-man reserve list unless moved to the 60-day IL.

Postseason Roster Rules

During the MLB playoffs, teams must submit a postseason roster of exactly 26 players. Unlike the regular season, there is no 28-player expansion in October.

Rosters are submitted before each round and cannot be changed unless due to injury (with league approval).
At least 12 pitchers must be included.
Teams often prioritize health, versatility, and recent performance over depth.

Frequently Asked Questions About MLB Team Rosters

How many players are on an MLB active roster?

During most of the regular season, MLB teams carry 26 players on their active roster. This expands to 28 players from September 1 onward.

What is the 40-man roster in MLB?

The 40-man roster includes all players eligible to play in the major leagues for a team. It covers active players, those on injured lists, and protected minor leaguers. Being on the 40-man roster shields a player from the Rule 5 Draft.

Why does the roster expand in September?

Since 1981, MLB has allowed teams to expand their active rosters to 28 players in September. This lets teams promote prospects, reward strong minor league performances, and manage pitcher workloads late in the season. However, proposed rule changes could limit future expansions.

Can MLB teams carry more than 13 pitchers?

Yes, though a maximum of 13 pitchers was briefly enforced from 2020–2021, current rules allow more than 13 as long as the total active roster does not exceed 26 (or 28 in September). Most teams carry 12–14 pitchers depending on strategy.

Who qualifies as a two-way player in MLB?

A two-way player is someone who both pitches and bats regularly. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels is the most prominent example. Special roster rules apply, allowing teams to option such players without using a full roster spot if they meet performance thresholds.