UPDATE: Oct. 27, 2023, 4:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated to include the latest information and streaming deals for the 2023 World Series.
Here’s how to watch the 2023 MLB playoffs:
BEST OVERALL
YouTube TV
free trial, then $52.99/month for 3 months
(save $60)
MOST AFFORDABLE
Sling TV Blue
$20/month for your first month, then $40/month
(save $20)
RUNNER-UP
FuboTV
free 7-day trial, then $74.99/month
Much to the surprise of baseball fans, spectacular turnarounds and surprising game seven wins have set up the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers for the 2023 Fall Classic.
This will be the Rangers’ first appearance in a World Series since 2011, although it’s not the first to be played at their new park. In 2020, Globe Life Field was used as a neutral site during the pandemic-shortened season. Meanwhile, it’s the Diamondbacks first appearance in the Series since 2001.
What a long, strange trip it’s been for all teams this season. If you’re planning out your viewing schedule for the World Series, we’ve got you covered — even if you canceled your cable subscription a long time ago. Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t miss a pitch.
How can I watch the baseball playoffs?
Cable subscribers can watch the 2023 MLB postseason in its entirety on ESPN, Fox, FS1, and TBS. For those without cable access, you’ll either need to borrow a friend or family member’s cable login or subscribe to a live TV streaming service to tune into the action. If you can’t get your hands on a cable login to unlock access, don’t panic. We’ll show you how to watch the MLB playoffs without cable below.
For cord-cutters, here are the best streaming services to watch the MLB playoffs — as well as the best steaming deals.
Note: For the World Series, you’ll specifically need FOX networks.
Best streaming services to watch the 2023 MLB playoffs
Best live TV streaming service: YouTube TV
While many baseball fans had beef with YouTube TV during the regular season due to the lack of MLB Network on the streamer’s channel lineup, it makes up for it in the postseason. It offers a huge lineup of more than 100 live TV channels, including ESPN, TBS, Fox, and FS1 — all four networks you’ll need to watch the playoffs live.
YouTube TV also comes with unlimited DVR space, so you can record a game if you can’t tune in live. It’s one of our favorite sports streaming services and happens to be running a really good deal for a limited time. If you’re new to YouTube TV, you’ll get a free trial to test the waters for up to 14 days (trial period may vary). Then, you can choose to keep your subscription for an introductory rate of just $52.99/month for three months ($72.99/month thereafter) or cancel at anytime.
Most affordable live TV streaming service: Sling TV (Orange + Blue package)
Sling is a popular cable TV alternative for a reason — it’s actually affordable, especially compared to other options on this list. What we love about Sling is the ability to tweak channel options to create your own lineup. In order to watch the Fall Classic, you’ll need the Blue package that Sling TV offers, which regularly retails for $40/month. However, Sling is currently offering 50% off for your first month, so you can sign up for only $20/month to kick things off.
Don’t want to keep Sling after the champions are crowned? Cancel with no strings attached.
Runner-up live TV streaming service: FuboTV
FuboTV is one of the best cable TV alternatives for sports lovers, with the most robust lineup of channels for everything from college football to European soccer. It’s also a bit pricier than other services at $74.99/month, but you do get a seven-day free trial to test things out before pulling the trigger long-term. It may not be our favorite option for watching the 2023 MLB playoffs and World Series, but FuboTV does have a lot to offer the rest of the year.
Honorable mentions: