NCAA DI Baseball Roster Limits – What you should know

NCAA Division I baseball programs are restricted to a roster limit of 35 players once the season begins on February 15.

There may be some NCAA Division I programs that still have 36 or 37 guys practicing with the team as they prepare for the season, but those extra one or two guys beyond 35 will be cut from the team prior to the start of the season.

Once a player is told that they are no longer on the 35-man roster, they are prohibited from practicing with the baseball team or being involved in any team meetings or other activities.

On occasion, I have talked with parents who indicate that their son was told he is a “bullpen catcher only.” That is permissible as long as he’s on the 35-man roster for his university.

Also, if an athlete is serving in the role of “student manager” in the role of “student manager for an NCAA DI baseball program, he is forfeiting his eligibility to ever play baseball for that program. He would have to transfer to another university to have an opportunity to compete in college baseball.

If you have questions about the baseball roster limit or the impact on your student-athlete’s eligibility or scholarship opportunities and would like a private confidential consult, contact us at 913-766-1235 or send an email to rick@informedathlete.com