March Madness might be hogging the spotlight for a lot of sports fans, but the boys of summer are taking the field once again today.
It’s opening day for Major League Baseball—and all but two teams (the Tampa Bay Rays and Colorado Rockies) are playing. While last year saw some big changes to America’s pastime, this year will be more sedate. The rule changes are minor and won’t be noticed by most fans.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to defend their World Series win, but that’s going to be far from an easy task as they’re going to have some stiff competition this year. The Mets paid big to land Juan Soto last year and the Yankees will be looking for revenge.
A lot can change between now and October, though. Today is a day to kick back, have a hot dog and a beer, and enjoy the return of professional baseball. Can’t make it to the bleachers? There are plenty of other ways to watch.
When does Major League Baseball begin its 2025 season?
Opening day is Thursday, March 27. The first pitches will take place at 3:05 p.m. ET this year, a couple hours later than last year. The Brewers and Yankees will kick off the season.
What’s the schedule for MLB opening day?
Here’s who’s playing as well as when and where you can watch. (The home team is listed second and note that all games will not be broadcast.):
Thursday, March 27
Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Yankees, 3:05 p.m. ET on MLB.tv and ESPN
Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 3:07 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers, 4:05 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals, 4:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres, 4:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Florida Marlins, 4:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds, 4:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals , 4:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox, 4:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
New York Mets v. Houston Astros, 4:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Minnesota Twins vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4:15 p.m. ET on Fox Sports and MLB.tv
Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv and ESPN
Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 10:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners, 10:10 p.m. ET on MLB.tv
Is this really Opening Day for the MLB?
Yes. Unlike last year, when the Dodgers and Padres faced off in Seoul, South Korea before the season started, there were no actual games before today. There were exhibition games in Japan this year, but the results will not count toward the regular seasons.
Can I watch MLB Opening Day games for free?
A lot of that depends on where you live. Some opening Day games will be carried by regional sports networks. ESPN will broadcast two games, but your best bet to watch for free is via a streaming service with a free trial.
What’s the best way to watch MLB Opening Day games online?
MLB.TV
The league’s official streaming service is the best way to catch Opening Day action. MLB.tv offers a seven-day free trial, after which you’ll pay $30 per month or $150 for the season..
Are there other options to watch MLB games online?
Absolutely! Try one of these.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option.