In the early days of the 20th century, teams often carried over 30 players, a practice that became financially burdensful and logistically difficult. This is particularly evident in the pitching rotation, where teams carry a core of five starters and a varying number of relievers, typically between 7 and 9.
MLB Historical Roster Size Comparison: How Team Rosters Have Changed Over Time
Active Roster Limits During the Regular Season During the peak of the regular season, from late April through the final weeks of September, each MLB team is permitted to carry a maximum of 26 active players on its 40-man roster. However, the League Championship Series and World Series introduce a unique "26-man roster" limit that includes both active players and coaching staff on the active list.
This list includes every player under team control, encompassing those on the active roster, the injured list, the minor leagues, and those in free agency but under contract. Expanding a roster beyond 40 players requires exposing a player to the Rule 5 draft, a high-stakes lottery that makes teams hesitant to grow their rosters unnecessarily.
MLB Historical Roster Size Comparison Through the Decades
This adjustment was designed to give relief to pitchers during the grueling 162-game season and to provide opportunities for call-ups from the minor leagues to gain experience. Expanding a roster beyond 40 players requires exposing a player to the Rule 5 draft, a high-stakes lottery that makes teams hesitant to grow their rosters unnecessarily.
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