MLB live stream 2022: How to watch baseball online

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels, seen here hitting an RBI triple, is the defending MVP going into the new season of MLB live streams
(Image credit: John McCoy / Getty)

It's finally time to play ball and watch MLB live streams, as Opening Day weekend kicks off. Yes, we say "finally" because the ninth work stoppage in Major League Baseball history only recently ended, after lasting 99 days. Frustratingly, though, the AL East's biggest rivalry has to wait more, as inclement weather postponed the first Red Sox vs Yankees live stream.

The lockout all started on Dec. 2, 2021, when team owners enacted the lockout after the expiration of the previous collective bargaining agreement. But that's the past. Let's look to what's next. Because this season is definitely feeling different already. For starters, Apple (of all companies) will be streaming games every Friday, including the Astros vs Angels live stream on Friday Night Baseball. Oh, and Peacock is getting involved with ... Sunday Morning Baseball?

Looking ahead to the 2022 MLB live streams, the Astros and White Sox seem like the locks for the American League, with most of the AL East getting to the playoffs as well. Not that Yankees fans have much optimism. 

While all eyes will be on defending MLB MVP Shotei Ohtani to impress both while on the mound and facing it, his Angels aren't exactly a favorite to win. The defending champs from Atlanta have a strong chance this season, as do the Dodgers.

So, without further ado, here's everything we know about how to watch the MLB live streams.

How to watch MLB live streams from anywhere on Earth

OK, somehow you're travelling right now, and you can't watch your local networks, and are unable to follow your favorite squad. Live streams are still possible in your new neck of the woods, though — because with a virtual private network, or VPN, you can appear to be surfing the web from your home town (or somewhere that blackouts won't hit), and access the same streaming services you already paid for. 

Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN (opens in new tab), which offers superb speeds and excellent customer service. 

ExpressVPN (opens in new tab)

We think speed, security and simplicity make ExpressVPN (opens in new tab) second to none. During our tests, we saw fast connection times, and we're impressed by the service's ability to access more than 3,000 services spread out across 160 locations in 94 countries. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.

MLB live streams in the US: Where to watch online

Finding MLB live streams online can be tricky. Nationally broadcast games are on FOX (available on Sling TV Blue and everywhere else), FS1 (same), ESPN and ESPN2 (Sling Orange and everywhere else) and TBS (everywhere but fubo TV). This would make Sling (the best cable TV alternative) a top option. 

But most of your team's games will be found on regional sports networks, which are much harder to find. Fubo, Hulu with Live TV and DirecTV Stream have many of the regional sports networks, but your team may only be available on one of them. Check out our full list below!

For a decent assortment of national games, check out Sling's Orange & Blue + Sports Extra ($61 per month (opens in new tab) total) package. It's got ESPN, Fox affiliates (when available), TBS, FS1 and the MLB Network. This customizability helps ensure Sling is one of the best streaming service options. 

Also, Apple TV Plus is giving away a pair of weekly games with Friday Night Baseball — meaning you don't even need to sign up. And as mentioned above, Peacock will also be streaming games, with select Sunday Morning Baseball games that begin on May 8, and start at either 11:30 a.m. or noon ET.

For out-of-market games, you can get MLB.TV ($25 per month/$129 per year), which is also streaming the games, but if you want more than just baseball, it's not a complete solution. T-Mobile customers get free MLB.TV, along with a free subscription to the sports site The Athletic.

DirecTV Stream (opens in new tab)

DirecTV Stream (opens in new tab) is one of the top streaming services for MLB live streams. This is due to its plethora of regional sports networks, which are in its $89.99 per month and up packages.

Sling TV (opens in new tab)

One of the best options for watching nationally-broadcast MLB action is the Sling TV (opens in new tab) Blue + Orange package, which costs $45 as getting only one half ($30 per month) will have you losing out on some of the major networks: ESPN, Fox, Fox Sports and TBS. For another $10 per month, you can get the MLB Network tacked on, along with ESPNEWS, NBA TV, the NHL Network, and more. Local FOX and NBC affiliates are included.

Fubo.TV (opens in new tab)

Fubo.TV (opens in new tab): One of the best streaming services with FOX, and many channels that have MLB live streams, Fubo is one of the top streaming services overall. Who needs cable? Not Fubo subscribers. It's got a 7-day free trial (opens in new tab) so you don't need to pay up front.

Apple TV Plus 7-day free trial (opens in new tab)

You can watch the Friday Night Baseball double-header for free each week on Apple TV Plus. But, if you sign up for the Apple TV Plus 7-day free trial (opens in new tab), you can also stream all the great Apple TV shows, including Severance, The Afterparty and Ted Lasso. 

Peacock Premium (opens in new tab)

In addition to the Sunday Morning Baseball, Peacock Premium (opens in new tab) also has WWE live streams, huge library of licensed content drawn from various brands. That includes shows like 30 Rock, The Voice, Battlestar Galactica, Law & Order: SVU and This Is Us.

MLB live streams in the UK: Where to watch online

All signs point to BT Sport continuing their role as the sole home for the 2022 MLB live streams in the United Kingdom. That said, we're not hearing anything about where the new MLB season will stream in the U.K. This makes BT Sport the likely but not guaranteed spot. BT Sport's contract with MLB went through 2021, but no other deal has been announced.

Don't have BT on your current package? You can get it directly with the £25 Monthly Pass (opens in new tab)

And if BT Sport’s monthly prices are still too high for you, remember that MLB.TV is also available in the U.K. It's approximately £50 a month, with zero blackout rules.

MLB live streams in Canada: Where to watch online

Whether you're a Toronto Blue Jays fan or want to watch all the MLB live streams across the league, you've got options in Canada. 

Select games are available via cable on Sportsnet, TSN, TVA Sports and RDS, depending on your language of choice and region. You can watch these services online as well, by signing in via your TV login credentials (or buying the service by itself).

TSN has a lot of the games that air on ESPN, while Sportsnet is the home of the Blue Jays.

You can also get MLB.TV in Canada, though the Blue Jays will be subject to blackouts. 

MLB live streams in Australia: Where to watch online

Looking to watch MLB down under? Both Kayo Sports (opens in new tab) and Foxtel (opens in new tab) will have select MLB games from ESPN. 

Kayo offers a 14-day free trial for both its Basic and Premium plans, more than enough time to confirm they're actually showing the games. The Basic package costs $25 per month (opens in new tab) thereafter. The $35 per month Premium Kayo plan gives you all the same things as the normal plan, but it offers three simultaneous streams. The Basic plan gives you two streams at the same time. 

MLB live streams: Which streaming service has your team's channel?

Trying to find your local sports team's regional sports network on a live streaming service can be very tough. It's one of the obstacles that keeps many from cutting the cord. So, we made a guide to where you can watch your team online. For more details on other sports, check out our guide for where to live stream NFL, NBA, MLB and more.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
TeamRegional sports networkStreaming service
Arizona DiamondbacksBally Sports ArizonaDirecTV Stream
Atlanta BravesBally Sports South and Bally Sports SoutheastDirecTV Stream (both)
Baltimore OriolesMASNDirecTV Stream
Boston Red SoxNESNDirecTV Stream, fubo
Chicago CubsMarquee Sports NetworkDirecTV Stream, fubo
Chicago White SoxNBC Sports ChicagoDirecTV Stream, fubo, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV
Cincinnati RedsBally Sports OhioDirecTV Stream
Cleveland GuardiansBally Sports OhioDirecTV Stream
Colorado RockiesAT&T SportsNet Rocky MountainDirecTV Stream, fubo
Detroit TigersBally Sports DetroitDirecTV Stream
Houston AstrosAT&T SportsNet SouthwestDirecTV Stream, fubo
Kansas City RoyalsBally Sports Kansas CityDirecTV Stream
Los Angeles AngelsBally Sports WestDirecTV Stream
Los Angeles DodgersSpectrum SportsNet LADirecTV Stream
Miami MarlinsBally Sports FloridaDirecTV Stream
Milwaukee BrewersBally Sports WisconsinDirecTV Stream
Minnesota TwinsBally Sports NorthDirecTV Stream
New York MetsSportsNet NYDirecTV Stream, fubo, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV
New York YankeesYES NetworkDirecTV Stream
Oakland AthleticsNBC Sports CaliforniaDirecTV Stream, fubo, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV
Philadelphia PhilliesNBC Sports PhiladelphiaDirecTV Stream, fubo, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV
Pittsburgh PiratesAT&T SportsNet PittsburghDirecTV Stream, fubo
San Diego PadresBally Sports San DiegoDirecTV Stream
San Francisco GiantsNBC Sports Bay AreaDirecTV Stream, fubo, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV
Seattle MarinersRoot Sports NorthwestDirecTV Stream, fubo
St. Louis CardinalsBally Sports MidwestDirecTV Stream
Tampa Bay RaysBally Sports FloridaDirecTV Stream
Texas RangersBally Sports SouthwestDirecTV Stream
Toronto Blue JaysSportsnetSportsnet
Washington NationalsMASNDirecTV Stream

Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.