As a baseball fan, you probably want to catch as many live MLB games as possible every week. But with cable packages and streaming services adding up, enjoying the action can get expensive.
So, can you actually watch MLB games for free legally? Well, yes! A limited number of MLB games are broadcast for free on channels like Fox and ESPN. You can also catch the Free Game of the Day on MLB.TV.
Streaming services like Hulu’s basic plan, Amazon Prime Video, and others also offer some game broadcasts to subscribers.
Ways to watch MLB games free legally
Here are various platforms you can watch MLB games without spending a dime:
1. MLB.TV free game of the day
The MLB.TV platform streams one live out-of-market game every day during the regular season for free for any fan with a free account.
The “Free Game of the Day” provides you with the same high-quality stream and viewing experience as a paid subscription.
You can enjoy it on your desktop web browser or using the MLB app on mobile devices and connected TV platforms, such as Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV.
The platform has no regional blackout restrictions. It also comes with live play-by-play commentary, real-time game stats and news, and on-demand game replays.
How to watch
- Visit MLB.com on your web browser of choice or open the MLB app on your mobile device or TV platform such as Roku or Apple TV.
- Create a free account if you don’t have one already. This only takes a few minutes.
- Look for the “Free Game of the Day” banner on the homepage.
- Click or tap the large banner to start streaming when the game goes live.
2. MLB Sunday Leadoff on The Roku Channel
MLB Sunday Leadoff is a weekly broadcast, available exclusively on The Roku Channel, that airs one live game for free every Sunday morning. This gives you a chance to tune into an early matchup before the main slate of afternoon kickoffs.
The Roku Channel provides these weekly broadcasts through partnerships and licensing agreements with the league.
How to watch
You can watch MLB Sunday Leadoff through:
- The Roku mobile app: You can download and open the Roku mobile app on your iOS or Android phone, TV, or tablet to watch. Just create a free account if you don’t already have one.
- Roku Channel website: Visit therokuchannel.roku.com on your laptop, PC, or Mac. You can stream the MLB Sunday Leadoff game directly through the website.
- Smart TVs: Select Samsung, LG, and other smart TVs have the Roku Channel app pre-installed or available to add to the home screen. Open the app to access the broadcast.
- Streaming devices: If you have streaming devices like a Firestick, Apple TV, or Chromecast hooked up to your TV, you may be able to add the Roku Channel app and view the Sunday Leadoff.
3. Fox TV through an HD antenna
Fox broadcasts live MLB games regionally and nationally as part of its programming rights. Tuning into the channel with an over-the-air HD antenna gives you opportunities to catch games for free.
The number of games shown on Fox varies per season, but often includes Saturday primetime matchups and select marquee regular-season and postseason games.
Note that an HD antenna only allows you to tap into these broadcasts in areas where Fox is available over the air. So do your research about its availability in the area before purchasing.
4. Free trials of streaming platforms
To access free trials of premium streaming platforms legally, you will typically need an active credit/debit card or PayPal account on file, even though you will not be charged during the trial period.
Some options include:
- Hulu + Live TV: Has a 3-day free trial. Included in the service are channels like FOX, ESPN, FS1, TBS, and regional sports networks that broadcast live MLB games.
- FuboTV: Provides a 7-day free trial of its base package with over 100 channels. You can catch national MLB games on FOX, FS1, and ESPN as well as regional sports networks.
- DirecTV Stream: Offers you a 5-day free trial with access to over 65+ live channels, including FOX, ESPN, TBS, and FS1 for national MLB broadcasts as well as regional sports networks.
- Apple TV+: While it doesn’t include MLB broadcasts as part of its on-demand library, it offers a 7-day free trial. During this season, Apple TV+ often streams exclusive Friday night MLB games per week.
- Amazon Prime Video: In select regions, such as New York, Amazon Prime Video streams Yankees games for free to Prime members. You can sign up for a 30-day Prime free trial to access the available free MLB content.