For baseball enthusiasts, the options for streaming Major League Baseball (MLB) games have vastly expanded, making it tricky to know where to catch the action. National broadcasts are split among various networks and streaming platforms, while local games increasingly shift from traditional regional sports networks. To complicate matters, exclusive streaming agreements and blackout rules can make it feel like navigating the world of Tarik Skubal’s pitching repertoire.
The 2025 MLB season kicks off with the Tokyo Series on March 18 and 19, where the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. Following this international event, the remaining teams will celebrate Opening Day on March 27.
Major networks including Fox, ESPN, TBS, and Apple TV+ will continue to provide coverage, with ESPN scheduled to feature a doubleheader on Opening Day and TBS sticking to its Tuesday night games. The Roku Channel now holds the rights to MLB Sunday Leadoff, while Apple TV+ keeps delivering Friday Night Baseball. Additionally, MLB.tv is the premier choice for out-of-market games, as local media rights are evolving with MLB taking control of broadcasts for teams like the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cleveland Guardians.
When it comes to postseason play, the lineup will remain familiar, with ESPN networks hosting the Wild Card Series, TBS managing the National League playoffs, and Fox broadcasting the American League playoffs alongside the World Series. As ESPN’s MLB contract concludes in 2025, this season might represent a pivotal shift in the broadcasting landscape for baseball.
To simplify the process, we’ve outlined the best ways to watch Major League Baseball in 2025.
This information has been updated for the 2025 season.
Sling TV features ESPN and select NBC Sports regional content, enabling fans to watch their local teams.
Over-the-Air Options
Though most baseball broadcasts have embraced digital formats, there are still ways to engage with the game without a subscription. You can catch some nationally aired Saturday afternoon games for free through the Fox network, provided you have a good TV antenna.
If you’re considering purchasing an antenna, be sure to check what stations you can receive in your area to determine the type of antenna needed to capture your local Fox affiliate. Check out our suggestions for the top TV antennas.
Apple TV+’s Friday Night Baseball
One of the cheaper avenues to access MLB content is by subscribing to Apple TV+, which costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. This service also offers a range of other streaming options, including popular series like Masters of the Air and Severance.
While Apple TV+ might attract fans eager to watch every game, it offers diverse streaming entertainment at a low monthly cost. Additionally, T-Mobile customers on a Go5G Next plan can currently access both Apple TV+ and MLB.TV for free.
MLB Sunday Leadoff on The Roku Channel
If you’re searching for more free live baseball, The Roku Channel presents MLB Sunday Leadoff, which streams one exclusive Sunday afternoon game each week from May through August. You can watch these games without a subscription on The Roku Channel app, available on Roku devices, web browsers, smart TVs, and mobile devices.
DirecTV Stream
If you’ve secured Fox local broadcasts with an antenna, DirecTV’s MySports package is an excellent option to catch the remainder of MLB games. The MySports package launched earlier this year, offering a comprehensive range of sports channels including ESPN, FS1, TBS, MLB Network, as well as regional networks like Bally Sports and NBC Sports regional channels. The package is priced at $69.99 per month, providing access to both national and local MLB games without hefty cable bundles.
Fubo
Originally focused on soccer, this streaming service now provides a wealth of baseball-broadcasting channels, such as ESPN, Fox, FS1, and the MLB Network. It also carries several regional sports networks, including NBC Sports Bay Area and Marquee Sports Network. To access all channels, you’ll need the Pro package for $84.99 per month (they offer a 7-day free trial for new customers), plus an additional $10.99 a month for the Sports Plus channel.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu offers a straightforward package that combines more than 90 channels, including ESPN, Fox, FS1, and TBS, alongside regional sports networks in select regions. Subscribers get access to Hulu’s original programming as well as its extensive streaming library, for $82.99 monthly with ads or $95.99 without ads.
Sling TV
Sling TV provides access to ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, Fox, FS1, and local NBC Sports channels for team broadcasts. However, to access all these in one package, you’ll need to opt for the top-tier Sling Orange + Blue option for $65.99 per month, which comes with a 50% discount for the first month.
MLB is taking steps to make it easier for cord-cutters to watch their favorite teams.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV, similar to Hulu, offers over 100 channels for $82.99 monthly ($69.99 per month for the first six months). The channel lineup includes Fox, FS1, ESPN, and TBS, though it does not feature the MLB Network.
MLB.TV
An MLB.tv subscription provides extensive viewing options, though blackout regulations apply.
The league’s official streaming service offers live broadcasts of every regular season out-of-market game, as well as features like multi-game viewing, in-game highlights, and a free subscription to the At Bat Premium app.
Keep in mind that MLB.TV is particularly beneficial for fans living outside their home region, allowing them to follow their favorite teams from afar. However, local games remain subject to blackout restrictions, preventing fans from watching their hometown teams live through this service.
In conclusion, MLB.TV is an invaluable resource for dedicated fans keen on accessing a wide range of out-of-market games throughout the regular season. If you can resist social media exposure and don’t mind delays, you can also catch replays of local team matches on demand 90 minutes after they conclude.
A full MLB.TV subscription is priced at $29.99 per month or $149.99 annually, with a single-team option available for $129.99 per year. Additionally, many T-Mobile subscribers can enjoy MLB.TV for free.
Let’s Play Ball!
Major League Baseball is finally enhancing accessibility for cord-cutters, ensuring more diverse viewing options for America’s pastime. While we hope to see more free streaming offerings for significant matchups, fans can utilize the aforementioned cable alternatives and our guide to second-screen baseball apps to stay fully engaged with the action on the field.
