MLB Opening Day 2026: Schedule, times, teams and how to watch Thursday’s games
After the Yankees and Giants got things started on Wednesday, MLB’s official Opening Day has arrived! Here’s everything you need to know about the games.
Major League Baseball’s 2026 season officially gets underway with a full Opening Day slate on Thursday, March 26, featuring 11 games across the league.
While the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants kicked off the season in the official opener a day earlier, Thursday marks the traditional start of baseball’s new campaign, with aces on the mound, contenders debuting new rosters, and fans returning to ballparks across the country.
An opening night W for the Yankees (-125) 👀
— BET99 Ontario (@BET99ON) March 26, 2026
The Yankees are 8-1 on Opening Day under Aaron Boone.
The kids from the Bronx destroy the Giants 7-0 to open the season.
11 Game Thursday MLB Slate to come #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/2VuPqMQiH9
Here’s everything you need to know about today’s MLB Opening Day schedule.
MLB Opening Day schedule: Thursday, March 26
All times Eastern
- 1:15 p.m. - Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets
- 2:10 p.m. - Chicago White Sox at Milwaukee Brewers
- 2:20 p.m. - Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs
- 3:05 p.m. - Minnesota Twins at Baltimore Orioles
- 4:10 p.m. - Boston Red Sox at Cincinnati Reds
- 4:10 p.m. - Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros
- 4:10 p.m. - Detroit Tigers at San Diego Padres
- 4:15 p.m. - Texas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies
- 4:15 p.m. - Tampa Bay Rays at St. Louis Cardinals
- 8:30 p.m. - Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers
- 10:10 p.m. - Cleveland Guardians at Seattle Mariners
How to watch MLB Opening Day 2026
Fans can watch select MLB Opening Day games nationally, while the rest of the schedule will be carried on regional broadcasts. Two games will be available on national TV as part of an Opening Day doubleheader:
- Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets (1:15 p.m. ET) - NBC/Peacock
- Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers (8:30 p.m. ET) - NBC/Peacock
The remaining Opening Day matchups will air on regional sports networks (RSNs) based on local markets. For streaming options:
- MLB.TV will carry out-of-market games (blackout restrictions may apply)
- Live TV streaming services that include NBC, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, can be used to watch the nationally televised games
Fans should check local listings for channel information on games in their area.
Opening Day storylines to watch
Paul Skenes headlines Mets debut matchup
All eyes will be on Paul Skenes as he takes the mound for the Pirates against a revamped Mets lineup in New York.
Tarik Skubal vs. Padres in marquee pitching matchup
Tarik Skubal and the Tigers face a tough test on the road against the Padres, making it one of the most intriguing early matchups of the day.
Dodgers raise another banner
The defending champions Los Angeles Dodgers will celebrate their World Series title before their matchup with Arizona in primetime.
When do the remaining teams play?
Two series - Atlanta Braves vs. Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics - will begin Friday, March 27, wrapping up MLB’s staggered Opening Day.
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