MLB roster size
How many players are on an MLB team? Roster sizes explained
An MLB team normally carries 26 active players from Opening Day through August 31 and again in the postseason. Rosters expand to 28 players from September 1 through the end of the regular season. The separate 40-man roster includes every player eligible for a call-up, along with certain injured and inactive players. Only nine defenders take the field at once.
Sources and resources
- MLB 26-man roster rules — MLB's current limits for active players, pitchers, September rosters, and the temporary 27th player.
- MLB 40-man roster rules — MLB's explanation of the larger roster pool, injured lists, Minor League options, and call-up eligibility.
- MLB baseball positions guide — MLB's guide to the nine defensive positions and nine-player batting order.
How many players are on an MLB active roster?
A standard MLB active roster has 26 players. That limit applies from Opening Day through August 31 and returns for the postseason.
A club must carry at least 25 active players. During the standard roster period, no more than 13 may be designated as pitchers. A qualifying two-way player does not count against that pitcher limit.
- 26 active players from Opening Day through August 31.
- At least 25 players must remain active.
- No more than 13 designated pitchers during the standard roster period.
What is the difference between the 26-man and 40-man rosters?
The 26-man roster is the active group available to play in that day's Major League game. The 40-man roster is the larger pool of players under Major League contracts who are eligible for active-roster moves.
All 26 active players must also belong to the 40-man roster. The rest of the 40-man group can include optioned Minor Leaguers and players on several injured, bereavement, family medical emergency, or paternity lists. A player on the 60-day injured list does not take a 40-man spot.
Why do MLB rosters expand in September?
From September 1 through the end of the regular season, every club carries 28 active players. The pitcher limit rises from 13 to 14.
The postseason roster returns to 26 players for each round. Postseason eligibility has separate deadline and replacement rules, so being on the 40-man roster alone does not guarantee a playoff spot.
- 28 active players from September 1 through the end of the regular season.
- No more than 14 designated pitchers in September.
- 26 players again for each postseason round.
What is the 27th-man rule for a doubleheader?
For a doubleheader, a club may recall one eligible player from its 40-man roster as a temporary 27th active player. The extra player is available only for that day and returns to the Minor Leagues after the doubleheader.
MLB also permits a 27th player when a club finishes a suspended game before a separately scheduled game. In that case, the extra player may appear only in the regularly scheduled game.
How many baseball players are on the field at once?
A team fields nine defensive players while the opponent bats: pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder.
The designated hitter bats in place of the pitcher but does not create a tenth defensive position. A batting order has nine spots even when the lineup uses a designated hitter.
Keep track of the MLB players you saw in person
An active roster changes throughout a season as players are promoted, optioned, traded, or placed on an injured list. A box score preserves who actually appeared in the game you attended.
Log a completed game in Gamebook and it connects your visit to the official players, teams, score, ballpark, seat, home runs, companions, photos, and memory. Your player totals then grow from the games you truly saw.
Common questions
How many players are on an MLB team?
An MLB team normally has 26 active players from Opening Day through August 31 and during the postseason. The active roster expands to 28 in September.
How many players are on an MLB roster in September?
MLB clubs carry 28 active players from September 1 through the end of the regular season, including no more than 14 designated pitchers.
How many players are on an MLB postseason roster?
A club submits a 26-player roster for each postseason round, subject to MLB's eligibility and injury-replacement rules.
What is a 40-man roster in baseball?
The 40-man roster is the larger pool of players under Major League contracts who can be placed on the active roster. It includes active players and can include optioned Minor Leaguers and players on several inactive lists.
Are all 40-man roster players in the Major Leagues?
No. Every active player must be on the 40-man roster, but some 40-man players are optioned to the Minor Leagues or placed on an inactive list.
How many pitchers can an MLB team carry?
A club may designate no more than 13 pitchers on a standard 26-man roster and no more than 14 on its 28-player September roster. Qualifying two-way players do not count toward that limit.
What is the 27th man in baseball?
The 27th man is a temporary extra active player a club may recall for a doubleheader or certain suspended-game schedules. The player returns to the Minor Leagues after that day.
How many players are on the baseball field at once?
Nine defensive players from one team take the field while the other team bats.
Can Gamebook track the MLB players I have seen?
Yes. Log a completed game and Gamebook connects its official players and box score to your ballpark visit, seat, photos, companions, and memory.