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How Many Players Are On A Baseball Team? Exploring The Roster

Written by Chris 

Published on February 22, 2024

The number of players on a baseball team can differ depending on the league and the level of play. In professional baseball, teams usually have a specific number of players on the roster. MLB teams, for example, typically have 26 players on their active roster, with a maximum limit of 40 players under major-league contracts. During certain periods, the roster can expand to include more players, allowing teams to accommodate different strategies and needs throughout the season.


In addition to MLB, other leagues like Little League and college have their own limits on the total number of players. This can range from 10 to 28 players, depending on the specific rules of the organization. It's important for teams and coaches to organize their rosters according to these regulations while also balancing each player's strengths and weaknesses to create a competitive lineup.


Understanding the roster sizes and requirements for different baseball leagues is very important. It impacts player development, team dynamics, and overall performance.

How Many Players On A Baseball Team: MLB Team Roster

Active Roster

Each team keeps an active roster of 26 players during the regular season. The active roster includes a mix of position players and pitchers. These players must also be on the 40-man roster.

40-Man Roster

The 40-man roster is made up of players signed to a major league contract and includes those on the active roster, injured list, and reserve list.

During the offseason, teams usually make changes to their 40-man roster. This protects young prospects from other teams selecting them in the Rule 5 Draft. Every player on the 40-man roster is eligible for the postseason and accrues Major League service time.

Expanded Roster

During specific times in the MLB calendar, the active roster expands, allowing teams to carry a larger number of players. This usually occurs in September, with teams allowed to increase their active roster to 28 players. The bigger roster helps teams manage tired players during the stretch run of the regular season. This also helps teams evaluate prospects before the offseason.


There have been some small variations in roster construction due to external circumstances, like the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, during the shortened 2020 season, teams started with a 30-player active roster. It then dropped to 28 after two weeks and later went back to the standard 26 players.


In addition to the regular and expanded rosters, MLB teams can carry up to 60 players on their roster during spring training— including those on the 40-man roster and non-roster invitees. This allows teams to evaluate talent and make roster decisions before Opening Day.

Position Players And Pitchers

Starting Pitchers

Starting pitchers are the first pitchers that begin the game for a team. They play a crucial role in setting the tone of the game and are typically the best pitchers on the team. There are usually five starting pitchers on a Major League Baseball 26-man roster. These pitchers work on a rotation basis, pitching once every five games.

Relief Pitchers

After the starting pitcher is removed, relief pitchers enter the game. They have the responsibility to maintain or improve the team's position in the game. A 25-man roster will generally have seven relief pitchers. It's common for relief pitchers to specialize in specific game situations. Like being called upon to face a left-handed or right-handed batter exclusively.

Fielders

Fielders, also known as position players, make up the rest of the team on the field. These players are responsible for defending against the opposing team's hitters. The fielders are made up of the following positions:

Catcher: Positioned behind home plate, the catcher receives pitches from the pitcher and is involved in calling pitches, blocking, and throwing out base runners.

First Baseman: Covers the area around first base, responsible for fielding ground balls, catching throws from other players, and stepping on the base for outs.

Second Baseman: Plays between first and second base, and is responsible for fielding ground balls, turning double plays, and covering second base on stolen-base attempts.

Shortstop: Positioned between second and third base, the shortstop is primarily responsible for fielding ground balls and turning double plays.

Third Baseman: Covers the area around third base, often fielding hard-hit grounders and charging bunts for outs.

Left Fielder: A key position player who patrols the left side of the outfield, tasked with fielding fly balls and preventing base hits.

Center Fielder: Covers the middle of the outfield, responsible for fielding fly balls, backing up other outfielders, and having a strong throwing arm for long throws to the infield.

Right Fielder: Plays on the right side of the outfield, tasked with fielding fly balls and, like the other outfielders, having a strong arm for long throws.

 


When a player is injured, they may be placed on the injured list (IL). This injured list allows the team to temporarily replace them on the active roster. There are different types of injured lists, including a 10-day IL for minor injuries and a 60-day IL for more serious ones.


Reserve players are crucial to a team's success, as they provide depth and options for substitutions during games.

How Many Players Are On A Baseball Team: Reserve Players

When a player is injured, they may be placed on the injured list (IL). This injured list allows the team to temporarily replace them on the active roster. There are different types of injured lists, including a 10-day IL for minor injuries and a 60-day IL for more serious ones.


Reserve players are crucial to a team's success, as they provide depth and options for substitutions during games.

Reserve players include:

Backup position players: These players can fill in for starting position players when needed or serve as pinch-hitters, pinch-runners, or defensive replacements.

Relief pitchers: These pitchers often come into games to replace the starting pitcher when they become tired or ineffective. They can also be used in specific game situations, such as facing a specific batter or holding a lead late in the game.

Long relievers and spot starters: These pitchers can provide extended innings in relief when the team's bullpen is taxed or fill in as a starting pitcher when the regular rotation has a day off or an injury.

Teams also have a designated hitter (DH) who only hits and does not play in the field. This player is usually a power hitter who is not a strong fielder, allowing the team to maximize its offensive potential without sacrificing defense. If a team replaces a DH with another player, the new player assumes the role of the DH. The original DH is removed from the game.

How Many Players Are On A Baseball Team: Minor Leagues

Minor League Teams

Minor league teams serve as a platform for players to develop and improve their skills before advancing to higher levels. The minor leagues consist of various levels, including Triple-A, Double-A, and Single-A. Each minor league team usually has a limit of 25 players on their active roster with 35 players under control for the Class A and A-advanced leagues.

College and High School Baseball

College baseball has three primary divisions in the NCAA: Division I, II, and III. Rosters for college baseball teams vary in size, depending on factors such as scholarships and available resources. High school baseball rosters, on the other hand, typically consist of 14 to 20 players. There is, however, no set limit.

NCAA Division I, II, and III

There are differences in the number of scholarships offered by each NCAA division. Division I offers up to 11.7 baseball scholarships per institution. Division II schools provide up to 9 scholarships, while Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships to baseball players. This system can significantly impact roster size, as larger institutions with more scholarships available can support more players.

Little League

Little League baseball teams generally range from 11 to 15 players, depending on the age division. The organization establishes specific rules on rosters to ensure that each team maintains balance and competitiveness. Players aged 5 to 11 can participate in the organization's Minor League Baseball programs, where divisions may be established for "machine pitch," "coach pitch," or "kid pitch."

Roster Limitations

Service Time and Experience

Players on the 26-man roster, or the MLB Major League injured list, accrue Major League service time. Service time determines a player's eligibility for salary arbitration, free agency, and other contractual benefits. Experience plays a large role in player development and overall team performance. Veteran players often bring valuable knowledge and leadership to a roster.


From September 1 through the end of the regular season, all clubs must carry 28 players, with a limit of 14 pitchers. During this period, team managers assess how their roster performs under different game scenarios. It is crucial for teams to strike a balance between having seasoned veterans and young talent on their roster. This combination contributes to team success throughout the season.


In cases of doubleheaders, clubs can add a 27th player to their roster for that day, providing additional strategic options for managers.
Poster

Final Thoughts

In summary, managing bullpen strengths and weaknesses, as well as monitoring service time and experience, heavily relies on roster limitations and regulations. Finding the right balance between these elements is essential for MLB teams to ensure they have a competitive roster capable of succeeding in the long and often grueling baseball season.

Frequently asked questions

How many players are there on a baseball team?

A baseball team usually has 25 active players during regular season games.

Can you explain the concept of the 40-man roster in baseball?

The 40-man roster consists of 25 players from the main team and 15 from the minor league, which prevents other teams from drafting them.

What's the usual number of starting pitchers for an MLB team?

An MLB team typically has five starting pitchers although a few teams have moved to 6 man starting rotations.

Is it possible for a baseball team to compete with only 8 players?

No, a baseball team requires a minimum of 9 players to play.

What's the maximum number of children allowed on a youth baseball team?

Youth baseball teams vary, but they typically have 12 to 15 players.

How many catcher positions are standard on a baseball team?

There's one primary catcher position on a baseball team, but teams often have backup catchers.

How many pitchers usually sit in the bullpen during a game?

The number varies, but typically 6 to 8 relief pitchers sit in the bullpen.

How many pitchers are on a baseball team?

A Major League Baseball (MLB) team typically has 12 to 13 pitchers on its 25-man roster, which includes both starting pitchers (usually 5) and relief pitchers (7 to 8).