America's Baseball Milestone
On July 4, 2026, Major League Baseball will stage a historic 30‑team slate, turning the nation's birthday into a full‑day celebration of the sport. Every franchise takes the field, giving fans across the country a rare chance to follow their teams in a single, uninterrupted schedule.
The evening kicks off with a primetime doubleheader on FOX, featuring the New York Mets versus the Atlanta Braves at 8:08 p.m. ET, followed by the St. Louis Cardinals taking on the Chicago Cubs at the same hour. The nightcap, a marquee showdown between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers, will stream on Peacock at 10:10 p.m. ET.
Earlier in the day, the Pittsburgh Pirates visit the Washington Nationals at 11:05 a.m. ET, and the Minnesota Twins travel to face the New York Yankees at 1:35 p.m. ET. These afternoon contests set the stage for a night of nonstop action.
At 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX will air the All‑Star Selection Show, unveiling the pitchers and reserve players who will join the starters for the July 14 Midsummer Classic. The broadcast will highlight the league’s top performers, including National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, who earned the league’s top overall vote and will secure the designated‑hitter spot, and American League second‑base standout Ernie Clement, who will start at second base for the All‑Star Game.
The following day, NBC’s "Star‑Spangled Sunday" will broadcast every game on July 5, beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET with the Mets‑Braves matchup. The network promises a blackout‑free experience, allowing viewers nationwide to tune in to any of the scheduled contests without regional restrictions.
Star Power and the Road Ahead
With rosters taking shape, fans can look forward to seeing a host of emerging talents such as Francisco Lindor, Masyn Winn, Xander Bogaerts, Bobby Witt Jr., Junior Caminero, Ozzie Albies and CJ Abrams featured in upcoming lineups. Their performances will add depth to a season already rich with storylines.