How to Watch MLB Playoffs Live for Free: Where to Stream Online
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The MLB regular season has officially ended, and with that, it’s time for the postseason. But if you don’t have a cable subscription (or want a cheaper option), you may be wondering how to watch the MLB playoffs live for free. Don’t stress, because we did the research and these are the best services to stream and save with this postseason.
Major League Baseball, also known as the MLB, consists of the National League (founded in 1876) and the American League (founded in 1901). The entire MLB consists of 30 teams divided between the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). In the 2023 MLB season, each team will play 162 games from March 30 through October 1.
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After the regular season closes, the playoffs start on October 3 with six teams from each conference (12 total) competing. The postseason culminates in the World Series, which kicks off on October 27 and ends as late as November 4 (if the championship series goes to seven games). Since the creation of the World Series in 1903, which is played between the champions of the National League and the American League, the New York Yankees hold the title for the most championships (27). The St. Louis Cardinals have 11, while the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland A’s are tied with 9 apiece.
So where can baseball fans stream the MLB playoffs? Read on for how to watch the MLB playoffs live for free to see which two teams make it to the 2023 World Series.
2023 MLB playoff bracket
As it currently stands, the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers are set to face off in the ALCS. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks are slated to play in the NLCS against either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Atlanta Braves. Between the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies, which two teams compete in the 2023 World Series?
2023 MLB playoff schedule
- AL Wild Card Series: October 3-5 on ABC and ESPN
- NL Wild Card Series: October 3-5 on ESPN and ESPN2
- AL Divisional Series: October 7-13 on FOX/FS1
- NL Divisional Series: October 7-14 on TBS
- AL Championship Series: October 15-23 on FOX/FS1
- NL Championship Series: October 16-24 on TBS
- World Series: October 27-November 4 on FOX
How to watch MLB playoffs live for free
MLB playoff games air on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, and FOX/FS1, which are available to stream on services like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling Orange + Blue, and Hulu+ With Live TV. DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial, starts at $74.99 per month after the trial ends (with $10 off your first three months), and includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, and FOX/FS1. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial, starts at $74.99 per month after the trial ends, and also includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, and FOX/FS1.
Sling Orange + Blue and Hulu+ With Live TV don’t have free trials, however, they are cheaper per month than the other options. Sling Orange + Blue starts at $30 for your first month and $60 after the first month ends. You’ll be able to watch ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, and FOX/FS1. Hulu+ With Live TV starts at $68.99 per month and includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, and FOX/FS1.
Best Overall Pick to Watch MLB Playoffs: Direct TV Stream
Direct TV is our best overall pick to watch MLB playoffs live for free for its free trial, price (including its current deal), and channel selection. Direct TV Stream offers a five-day free trial and has a current deal where new subscribers can receive $10 off their first three months. Direct TV offers four plans: Entertainment, which costs $74.99 per month with the first three months at $64.99 per month; Choice, which costs $99.99 per month with the first three months at $89.99 per month; Ultimate, which costs $109.99 per month with the first three months at $99.99 per month; and Premiere, which costs $154.99 per month with the first three months at $144.99 per month. ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, and FOX/FS1 are available on Direct TV.
As for other differences between the plans, Entertainment includes more than 75 channels, the ability to stream on unlimited devices in your home, unlimited cloud DVR storage, and a special offer on premium channels. Choice, which is the most popular plan, includes more than 105 channels, regional sports networks, and everything included in Entertainment. Ultimate includes more than 140 channels and everything included in Entertainment and Choice. Premiere includes more than 150 channels including premium channels like HBO and Starz and everything included in Entertainment, Choice, and Premiere. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch MLB playoffs with DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
Best Free Trial Pick to Watch MLB Playoffs: Fubo
Fubo is our best free trial pick to watch MLB playoffs live for free. Fubo offers a seven-day free trial (two days longer than DirecTV Stream) and offers three plans: Pro, which costs $74.99 per month; Elite, which costs $84.99 per month; and Ultimate, which costs $99.99 per month. ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, and FOX/FS1 are available on Fubo.
As for the difference between the plans, Pro includes 180 channels, 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR, and the ability to watch on up to 10 screens at once. Elite includes everything in Pro, as well as a total of 256 channels and 4K resolution. Ultimate includes everything in Pro and Elite, as well as a total of 299 channels, Showtime, and Red Zone NFL Network. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch MLB playoffs with Fubo’s free trial.
Best Budget Pick to Watch MLB Playoffs: Sling
Sling is our best budget pick to watch MLB playoffs based on its price and current deals. Sling offers two plans with ESPN: Sling Orange and Sling Orange + Blue. Sling Orange costs $20 for your first month and $40 per month after the first month ends. Sling Orange + Blue starts at $30 for your first month and $60 after the first month ends. You’re going to want to pick the combined plan, Sling Orange + Blue, to watch the MLB playoffs on all of the different channels the games will air on.
As for the difference between the plans, Sling Orange includes 32 channels and the ability to stream on one device at a time, while Sling Orange + Blue includes 46 channels and the ability to stream on three devices at the same time. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch MLB playoffs with Sling.
Best Upgrade Pick to Watch MLB Playoffs: Hulu+ Live TV
Hulu+ With Live TV is our best upgrade pick to watch MLB playoffs based on its channel selection and its free subscriptions to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. Hulu+ With Live TV offers four plans: a $68.99 per month plan with access to only live TV; a $69.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; a $74.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads; and a $82.99 per month plan with free subscriptions to Hulu with no ads, Disney Plus with no ads, and ESPN Plus with ads. ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TBS, and FOX/FS1 are included on all four plans. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch MLB playoffs with Hulu+ Live TV.
What is the 2023 MLB playoff schedule?
See below for the full 2023 MLB playoff schedule.
* = if necessary
Tuesday, October 3
- AL Wild Card, Game 1 – Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays, 3:08 p.m. ET, ABC
- AL Wild Card, Game 1 – Toronto Blue Jays @ Minnesota Twins, 4:38 p.m. ET, ESPN
- NL Wild Card, Game 1 – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers, 7:08 p.m. ET, ESPN2
- NL Wild Card, Game 1 – Miami Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies, 8:08 p.m. ET, ESPN
Wednesday, October 4
- AL Wild Card, Game 2 – Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays, 3:08 p.m. ET, ABC
- AL Wild Card, Game 2 – Toronto Blue Jays @ Minnesota Twins, 4:38 p.m. ET, ESPN
- NL Wild Card, Game 2 – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers, 7:08 p.m. ET, ESPN2
- NL Wild Card, Game 2 – Miami Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies, 8:08 p.m. ET, ESPN
Thursday, October 5
- AL Wild Card, Game 3* – Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays, 3:08 p.m. ET, ABC
- AL Wild Card, Game 3* – Toronto Blue Jays @ Minnesota Twins, 4:38 p.m. ET, ESPN
- NL Wild Card, Game 3* – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers, 7:08 p.m. ET, ESPN2
- NL Wild Card, Game 3* – Miami Marlins @ Philadelphia Phillies, 8:08 p.m. ET, ESPN
Saturday, October 7
- NLDS, Game 1 (NL 4/5 winner players Atlanta Braves) – Philadelphia Phillies/Miami Marlins @ Atlanta Braves, TBD, TBS
- ALDS, Game 1 (AL 4/5 winner plays Baltimore Orioles) – Tampa Bay Rays/Texas Rangers @ Baltimore Orioles, TBD, FOX/FS1
- ALDS, Game 1 (AL 3/6 winner plays Houston Astros) – Minnesota Twins/Toronto Blue Jays @ Houston Astros, TBD, FOX/FS1
- NLDS, Game 1 (NL 3/6 winner plays Los Angeles Dodgers) – Milwaukee Brewer/Arizona Diamondbacks @ Los Angeles Dodgers, TBD, TBS
Sunday, October 8
- ALDS, Game 2 (AL 4/5 winner plays Baltimore Orioles) – Tampa Bay Rays/Texas Rangers @ Baltimore Orioles, TBD, FOX/FS1
- ALDS, Game 2 (AL 3/6 winner plays Houston Astros) – Minnesota Twins/Toronto Blue Jays @ Houston Astros, TBD, FOX/FS1
Monday, October 9
- NLDS, Game 2 (NL 4/5 winner plays Atlanta Braves) – Philadelphia Phillies/Miami Marlins @ Atlanta Braves, TBD, TBS
- NLDS, Game 2 (NL 3/6 winner plays Los Angeles Dodgers) – Milwaukee Brewers/Arizona Diamondbacks @ Los Angeles Dodgers, TBD, TBS
Tuesday, October 10
- ALDS, Game 3 (AL 3/6 winner plays Houston Astros) – Houston Astros @ Minnesota Twins/Toronto Blue Jays, TBD, FOX/FS1
- ALDS, Game 3 (AL 4/5 winner plays Baltimore Orioles) – Baltimore Orioles @ Tampa Bay Rays/Texas Rangers, TBD, FOX/FS1
Wednesday, October 11
- NLDS, Game 3 (NL 3/6 winner plays Los Angeles Dodgers) – Los Angeles Dodgers @ Milwaukee Brewers/Arizona Diamondbacks, TBD, TBS
- NLDS, Game 3 (NL 4/5 winner plays Atlanta Braves) – Atlanta Braves @ Philadelphia Phillies/Miami Marlins, TBD, TBS
- ALDS, Game 4* (AL 3/6 winner plays Houston Astros) – Houston Astros @ Minnesota Twins/Toronto Blue Jays, TBD, FOX/FS1
- ALDS, Game 4* (AL 4/5 winner plays Baltimore Orioles) – Baltimore Orioles @ Tampa Bay Rays/Texas Rangers, TBD, FOX/FS1
Thursday, October 12
- NLDS, Game 4* (NL 3/6 winner plays Los Angeles Dodgers) – Los Angeles Dodgers @ Milwaukee Brewers/Arizona Diamondbacks, TBD, TBS
- NLDS, Game 4* (NL 4/5 winner plays Atlanta Braves) – Atlanta Braves @ Philadelphia Phillies
Friday, October 13
- ALDS, Game 5* (AL 4/5 winner plays Baltimore Orioles) – Texas Rangers @ Baltimore Orioles, TBD, FOX/FS1
- ALDS, Game 5* (AL 3/6 winner plays Houston Astros) – Minnesota Twins/Toronto Blue Jays @ Houston Astros, TBD, FOX/FS1
Saturday, October 14
- NLDS, Game 5* (NL 4/5 winner plays Atlanta Braves) – Philadelphia Phillies/Miami Marlins @ Atlanta Braves, TBD, TBS
- NLDS, Game 5* (NL 3/6 winner plays Los Angeles Dodgers) – Milwaukee Brewers/Arizona Diamondbacks @ Los Angeles Dodgers, TBD, TBS
Sunday, October 15
- ALCS, Game 1 – Texas Rangers @ Houston Astros, TBD, FOX/FS1
Monday, October 16
- NLCS, Game 1 – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Atlanta Braves/Philadelphia Phillies, TBD, TBS
- ALCS, Game 2 – Texas Rangers @ Houston Astros, TBD, FOX/FS1
Tuesday, October 17
- NLCS, Game 2 – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Atlanta Braves/Philadelphia Phillies, TBD, TBS
Wednesday, October 18
- ALCS, Game 3 – Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers, TBD, FOX/FS1
Thursday, October 19
- NLCS, Game 3 – Atlanta Braves/Philadelphia Phillies @ Arizona Diamondbacks, TBD, TBS
- ALCS, Game 4 – Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers, TBD, FOX/FS1
Friday, October 20
- NLCS Game 4 – Atlanta Braves/Philadelphia Phillies @ Arizona Diamondbacks, TBD, TBS
- ALCS Game 5* – Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers, TBD, FOX/FS1
Saturday, October 21
- NLCS Game 5* – Atlanta Braves/Philadelphia Phillies @ Arizona Diamondbacks, TBD, TBS
Sunday, October 22
- ALCS, Game 6* – Texas Rangers @ Houston Astros, TBD, FOX/FS1
Monday, October 23
- NLCS Game 6* – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Atlanta Braves/Philadelphia Phillies, TBD, TBS
- ALCS Game 7* – Texas Rangers @ Houston Astros, TBD, FOX/FS1
Tuesday, October 24
- NLCS Game 7* – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Atlanta Braves/Philadelphia Phillies, TBD, TBS
Friday, October 27
- World Series, Game 1 – LG2 @ LG1, TBD, FOX
Saturday, October 28
- World Series, Game 2 – LG2 @ LG1, TBD, FOX
Monday, October 30
- World Series, Game 3 – LG1 @ LG2, TBD, FOX
Tuesday, October 31
- World Series, Game 4 – LG1 @ LG2, TBD, FOX
Wednesday, November 1
- World Series, Game 5* – LG1 @ LG2, TBD, FOX
Friday, November 3
- World Series, Game 6* – LG2 @ LG1, TBD, FOX
Saturday, November 4
- World Series, Game 7* – LG2 @ LG1, TBD, FOX
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