The 2026 MLB schedule & regular season is officially in full swing. Following a high-profile “Opening Night” on Netflix, the league has completed its first full month of action. While the Atlanta Braves hold the best record in baseball, the AL East has become a two-team race between the Yankees and the surging Tampa Bay Rays.
Below, you can download the fully updated 2026 MLB Printable Schedule (PDF) and view the latest power rankings and award winners from the first month of the 162-game marathon.
May 1st Recap: Braves and Yankees Lead the Pack
The first 30+ games of the 2026 season have been defined by established powerhouses and surprising collapses. The Atlanta Braves entered May with a staggering 8.5-game lead in the NL East, fueled by a deep pitching staff despite Ronald Acuña Jr. still finding his power stroke. In the American League, the New York Yankees have overcome a mid-April slump to reclaim the top spot, though the Tampa Bay Rays (21-12) are currently the hottest team in baseball, going 9-1 over their last 10 games.
The most surprising storyline of the young season is the New York Mets (12-22). After a preseason rank of #6, injuries to Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor have sent them to the bottom of the power rankings. Similarly, the Philadelphia Phillies (14-20) are struggling with “sequencing issues” from their pitching staff as they prepare to host the 96th All-Star Game this July.
2026 MLB Schedule Updates and April Award Winners.
The 2026 MLB schedule is delivering. Here are the April Award winners for the National and American Leagues.
- AL Player of the Month: Yordan Alvarez (Astros) – Reminded the league he is the best hitter on the planet, slashing .356/.462/.737 with 12 home runs.
- NL Player of the Month: Ildemaro Vargas (Diamondbacks) – The 34-year-old journeyman shocked the league with a Major League-best .378 average and a 24-game hitting streak to start the year.
- AL Pitcher of the Month: José Soriano (Angels) – A true breakout star with a 0.84 ERA through seven starts.
- NL Pitcher of the Month: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) – Ohtani is back in full-time pitching form, leading the NL with a 0.60 ERA.
- Rookies of the Month: Kevin McGonigle (Tigers) and Sal Stewart (Reds).
Key Series to Watch in May
- May 4-7: Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees (A pivotal AL East clash)
- May 11-14: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Divisional Opponents (The Rays begin an 11-game divisional gauntlet)
- May 15-17: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals (A “Battle for the Central” at Busch Stadium)
Printable 2026 MLB Schedule
If you are looking for a printable 2026 MLB Schedule, we have you covered while working on separate printables for the teams since the schedules were released a tad later this year. The best way to generate one is to go to the MLB electronic calendar. Pick either all MLB schedules or your favorite team. Then you can select your preferred calendar application and synch the team’s schedule to the calendar. For your printable, you can now print the schedule from your calendar in your preferred view (weekly, monthly, bimonthly, etc). This option lets you print the 2026 MLB schedule in PDF or directly to paper depending on your preferences. How cool is that? Oh, and you can keep up with the schedule electronically as well on your mobile or computer. You can also checkout the City Connect Jersey Tracker that we have up for fans here.
When does the 2026 MLB Playoff Schedule Take Place?
Based on the 2025 MLB Playoff Schedule and the end date of the 2026 MLB regular season, we have a clear picture of what the 2026 MLB Playoff schedule looks like. The Wild Card round of play will likely start on Tuesday, September 29th and go through Thursday, October 1st. The World Series dates (after the Divisional and Championship series) will likely occur from October 23rd to October 31st (if 7 games are required). We’ll update you more on the TV broadcasts, etc for those plans separately. Here’s the full 2026 MLB Playoff schedule for you.
New for 2026: The ABS Challenge System
- The Rule: Players (Pitcher, Catcher, or Batter) can now challenge ball/strike calls.
- How it works: Each team starts with two challenges. If they are right, they keep the challenge. If they are wrong, they lose it.
- The Look: Challenges are shown on the stadium scoreboard via real-time animation (similar to tennis).
Printable MLB Schedule 2026
As we get the printables for the individual teams ready for you, we’ll post them here for another option for the calendar one provided by the MLB for you above. Until then, it gives you a list of MLB Teams by division and league for you to reference for this coming season. You can also checkout the 2026 MLB Spring Training schedule here. Enjoy.
World Cup Schedule Conflicts
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup overlaps with the season, several teams have unusual schedule gaps or doubleheaders in June/July to accommodate local stadium traffic (specifically the Rangers, Royals, Mariners, and Phillies).
2026 MLB Schedule & FAQ
When is MLB Opening Day 2026?
The 2026 season officially begins with a standalone “Opening Night” game on Wednesday, March 25, between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. The traditional “Opening Day” featuring a massive 11-game slate follows on Thursday, March 26.
How can I watch MLB Opening Night on Netflix?
Opening Night is a Netflix exclusive in 2026. To watch the Yankees vs. Giants on March 25, you must have an active Netflix subscription. The game will be available to stream live on all Netflix-supported devices starting at 8:05 PM ET.
What is the MLB ABS Challenge System?
New for 2026, the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System allows players to appeal an umpire’s ball or strike call. Each team starts with two challenges per game. If the challenge is successful (the call is overturned), the team retains that challenge. If it fails, the challenge is lost.
Who can call for a ball/strike challenge?
Only the pitcher, catcher, or batter can initiate a challenge. They must signal the request immediately after the call (usually by tapping their cap or helmet). Managers and coaches are not allowed to challenge ball/strike calls or assist players in the decision.
Where is the 2026 MLB All-Star Game?
The 96th Midsummer Classic will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The event coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
When is the 2026 Field of Dreams Game?
MLB returns to Dyersville, Iowa, on August 13, 2026. The matchup features the Minnesota Twins vs. the Philadelphia Phillies and will stream exclusively on Netflix.
Will the 2026 World Cup affect MLB schedules?
Yes. Due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted in North America, MLB has adjusted the schedules for teams in host cities (such as the Rangers, Mariners, and Phillies) to avoid stadium and traffic conflicts during the June and July tournament window.
