Roster size
A drafted roster has 24 to 26 players. After the draft you can sign free agents only to fill a vacancy below 24 players, or to use the expansion spots from September 1, when the limit rises to 30. See Free agency.
The salary cap
Every team has $80 million to spend in the draft. Each pick subtracts that player's salary, and the draft will not accept a pick that puts you over. It also keeps enough money in reserve to fill your remaining required slots. The details are on The draft.
Required players
A legal roster has at least:
- 5 starting pitchers and 5 relievers;
- one player for each of catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field and right field.
Hitters often qualify at more than one position, so one player can cover whichever slot you need. The draft checks all of your players together to see whether every slot can be filled.
The designated hitter
You choose whether a league uses the DH when you create it. If it does, pitchers do not bat. If it does not, hitters who have no fielding position cannot be drafted, because there would be nowhere for them to play.
Seeing your roster
- During the draft: the My Roster panel shows your picks, your cap room and your spots filled.
- After the draft: the clubhouse lists everyone on your team.
When a position is empty
If you have fewer than nine hitters or no starting pitcher, the game fills the gap with a weak replacement-level player so the game can still be played.
Releasing players
There is no way to release a player yet.