Major League Baseball just dropped its 2026 schedule, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of tradition, fresh ideas, and some global flair. From Spring Training in February to a final day in late September, the calendar tries to juggle old-school rivalries, international buzz, and new media deals. Here’s a closer look at what’s coming in 2026.
Spring Training and the Road to Opening Day
Mid-February marks the unofficial start of the 2026 MLB season, as teams head to camps in Arizona and Florida. Spring Training is still that mix of veterans getting ready and up-and-comers trying to make a splash.
Spring Breakout and International Exhibitions
Spring Training kicks off on February 20, and then Cactus and Grapefruit League games get rolling the next day. One of the big draws is the Spring Breakout prospect showcase, set for March 19–22, with a Mets–Rays game showing off top minor-league talent.
MLB’s also putting on exhibition games on March 3–4 between big-league squads and World Baseball Classic national teams. The standout? Two games between the Detroit Tigers and the Dominican Republic national team in Santo Domingo, with proceeds going to the Dominican Red Cross.
Opening Week and Broadcast Innovations
The 2026 season starts with a mix of old-school tradition and new-school streaming. MLB keeps pushing its media presence but holds onto the Opening Day magic.
Opening Night and Opening Day
Opening Night on March 25 has the San Francisco Giants hosting the New York Yankees in a game that’ll stream only on Netflix. Then comes Opening Day on March 26, with 11 games airing on NBC, Peacock, and MLB Network, giving fans plenty of options to catch the action.
International Series and Rivalry Weekend
MLB’s global reach is front and center in 2026, and there’s a new twist on some classic interleague rivalries.
Mexico City and Rivalry Matchups
The Mexico City Series is back on April 25–26, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres playing at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú. Rivalry Weekend runs May 15–17, using the same interleague matchups from 2024, which adds some nice continuity and extra juice.
All-Star Week Takes Over Philadelphia
Midseason is all about honoring the game’s stars, hyping the future, and watching the best sluggers do their thing in a city that loves its baseball.
All-Star Game and Surrounding Events
The 96th All-Star Game lands on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The week also packs in:
Coverage spreads across NBC, Peacock, MLB Network, and Netflix, showing MLB’s all-in approach to streaming and TV.
Special Events and Iconic Settings
MLB has a thing for nostalgia and connecting with young fans, and 2026 keeps that going strong.
Field of Dreams and Little League Classic
The Field of Dreams Game returns to Dyersville, Iowa, on August 13, with the Twins facing the Phillies in a Netflix-exclusive. Later, the Little League Classic on August 23 brings the Brewers and Braves to ESPN, putting the spotlight on baseball’s roots.
Final Stretch and Meaningful Dates
The season wraps up with a careful mix of drama, memories, and a nod to the game’s bigger picture. There’s always something to look forward to, isn’t there?
Season Finale and Commemorative Days
The regular season wraps up on September 27. That day, there are nine divisional games, all starting between 3:00–3:20 p.m. ET.
MLB made sure to schedule around the FIFA World Cup. They also spotlighted a handful of themed dates, like:
Here is the source article for this story: All game times for regular season, World Baseball Classic, Spring Breakout released
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s