How to watch MLB games

If you want to maximize your chance of watching MLB games in 2024, DIRECTV STREAM may be your best bet. Every DIRECTV STREAM package includes ESPN, TBS, FS1 and Fox, which will give you the bulk of nationally broadcast games and post-season matchups. DIRECTV STREAM will also carry your regional sports networks for your local team games. The Entertainment Package starts at $79.99 per month. If you also want the MLB Network for extra games, you'll have to subscribe to the Choice Package ($108.99 per month) or the Ultimate Package ($119.99 per month). 

DIRECTV STREAM subscribers can also add an MLB Extra Innings package, which includes access to MLB TV that will give streaming access to almost all out-of-market games. 

If you select the Choice Package or above, DIRECTV STREAM subscribers can also enjoy the NFL Network, NBA TV, the Golf Channel and more. 

Watch MLB on Fubo

Fubo was originally built as a sports-focused streaming service, so it’s got a great lineup for baseball fans. For a basic Pro plan, you’ll pay $74.99 plus a $10.99 regional sports fee. That comes in pricier than the basic plan with DIRECTV STREAM, but it will fetch you 160 channels compared to DIRECTV STREAM’S 75 for the lowest package. Fubo basic channels include ESPN, FS1 and TBS, along with more sports on networks like beIN Sports, NFL Network, Golf Channel and Fox Sports 2 (FS2). You can also keep up with your local team on regional channels like Bally Sports or NBC Sports. 

If you want to add MLB Network, you have a few options. For a bit extra per month, you can upgrade to the Elite plan or add Fubo Extra for $7.99 a month. Other packages that include the MLB Network are the Sports Plus with NFL RedZone add-on for $10.99 a month, which is ideal if you want to max out your sports coverage, or the Sports Life add-on for $9.99 a month. Note that there is no way to get TBS with Fubo, so that may be a deal-breaker for some fans, especially come playoff time.

Fubo subscribers can also add an MLB.TV subscription for $29.99 a month, which will get you every out-of-market MLB game live or on demand.

Overall, Fubo packages can get expensive. However, this service offers the most wide-ranging sports coverage options for fans of MLB and many other sports. You can try it out for free for a day before you commit to a monthly subscription. 

Watch MLB on Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV offers a balanced package of live and on-demand content. This is especially true for MLB fans. For $76.99 a month, you’ll not only get more than 90 channels but also extra sports and MLB baseball on ESPN Plus and a huge library of on-demand shows and films on Hulu and Disney Plus. You can even upgrade to get the most on-demand content across the platforms without ads for $89.99 a month. 

If you want to stream baseball, you’ll find plenty to enjoy on Hulu + Live TV. The only channel you won’t have for major cable broadcasts is MLB Network, as that’s not available on Hulu at all. However, you’ll still have ESPN, FS1 and TBS, along with tons of extra out-of-market games on ESPN Plus. When coupled with so much great on-demand programming and extra features on Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, there’s a lot here for viewers to enjoy — baseball fans or not. Currently, Hulu + Live TV doesn’t offer a free trial.

Watch MLB on Sling TV

Sling TV offers a way for baseball fans to dial in their viewing experience around the games they care about most. With this budget-friendly streaming service, you can customize your plan in a few ways. For streaming baseball, Sling Orange includes ESPN, ESPN2 and TBS, while Sling Blue features Fox, FS1 and TBS. The Sling Orange and Sing Blue packages each cost $40 per month. You can opt for Sling Orange & Blue for $55 a month to get all of the above. To round out your baseball coverage, you can tack on the Sports Extra add-on, which includes MLB Network and costs $11–$15 per month based on whether you choose an individual plan or the combo package. 

When it comes to local coverage, however, Sling can be hit or miss. ABC, CBS and Fox are only available in select markets, and you’ll need the Sling Blue or Sling Orange & Blue plan to get them. Before you subscribe, be sure to check the coverage in your area on Sling’s website. Keep in mind, too, that Sling Orange & Blue with Sports Extra will cost you more per month, which may not be quite as easy on the budget as you initially expected. Sling doesn’t currently offer a free trial, but the service often offers discounts to new and returning subscribers. 

Watch MLB on YouTube TV

YouTube TV is one of the better all-around live TV streaming services, given its range of entertainment, news and sports channels and a decent amount of on-demand coverage. It’s a great option for baseball fans who also want to ensure they can get access to plenty of other programming and add-on options. The basic plan includes ESPN, FS1 and TBS, but not MLB Network, which is currently unavailable on YouTube TV.

The base plan for YouTube TV is $72.99 a month. That includes over 100 channels, unlimited DVR space, and six household accounts. You can also add the sports add-on package for $10.99 a month. It comes with Billiard TV, Fox Soccer Plus, NFL Red Zone, the Tennis Channel, beIN sports and more.

With YouTube TV, you can get a slightly more affordable streaming package than you’d find with Fubo — and one that features a more balanced mix of channels that’s not quite as sports-focused. For instance, YouTube TV includes networks like AMC, BBC World News, Cartoon Network, CNN and PBS, none of which are included with Fubo and cost more with DIRECTV STREAM. However, you won’t get regional sports coverage with YouTube TV, so that may make it difficult to keep up with your local MLB team. YouTube TV typically offers free trials of up to two weeks, but you’ll need to start the enrollment process to see your offer. 

Exclusively on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ will once again be the exclusive home for Friday night MLB games. "Friday Night Baseball" will include a weekly doubleheader with live pre-and postgame shows that will be exclusive to the streaming network. 

You will need the Apple TV+ app to watch the Friday night games and subscriptions to the service begin at $9.99 per month.

Out-of-market games on MLB.TV

MLB.TV is "the home of streaming" baseball and guarantees you can stream every out-of-market game live or on demand. There are blackout restrictions depending on the game and your region, but even if there is a blackout, the game will be available on demand about 90 minutes after the conclusion of the final inning. You can also subscribe to At Bat, which allows you to listen to every game with no blackouts and watch Minor League games. MLB.TV also gives subscribers access to premium content like documentaries and special series. 

MLB.TV subscriptions cost $149.99 a year or $29.99 a month. At Bat, subscriptions start at $3.99 a month or $24.99 a year. You can also select to follow a specific team for $129.99 a year, but blackouts and other restrictions will still apply. 

MLB schedule 2024

• Thursday, March 7 - Sunday, March 17. MLB Spring Breakout
• Saturday, March 9 - Sunday, March 10. MLB World Tour: Dominican Republic Series
• Wednesday, March 20 - Thursday, March 21. MLB World Tour: Seoul Series
• Thursday, March 28. Opening Day
• Monday, April 15. Jackie Robinson Day
• Saturday, April 27 - Sunday, April 28. MLB World Tour: Mexico City Series
• Saturday, June 8 - Sunday, June 9. MLB World Tour: London Series
• Thursday, June 20. MLB at Rickwood Field
• Friday, July 12. HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile
• Friday, July 12 - Tuesday, July 16. MLB ALl-Star Game, presented by Mastercard
• Sunday, September 15. Roberto Clemente Day

FAQ

Is MLB.TV free with Amazon Prime?

No, but you can add MLB.TV to your Amazon Prime account as an add-on. Single-team out-of-market packages are $129.99 a year. All-access subscriptions cost $24.99 a month.

Can you watch MLB on ESPN Plus?

Yes, you can watch all games broadcast on ESPN on ESPN Plus. The app also allows you to add on an MLB.TV membership. ESPN Plus with MLB.TV costs $34.98 a month or $249.98 a year. ESPN Plus alone is $10.99 a month or $109.99 a year. 

Can I watch MLB Network for free?

No. To watch MLB Network, you must have a cable package that includes the channel or subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo or Sling TV and have the correct add-on package.