If you’re staring at a blank screen wondering when is next Astros game, you aren’t alone. We’ve all been there. The offseason feels like a decade, especially after the way 2025 ended with that brutal tiebreaker situation. But the wait is basically over. Baseball is breathing again.
The Houston Astros are officially back on the diamond in just a few weeks. If you're looking for the very first time they'll take the field, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 21, 2026. That’s the start of Spring Training in West Palm Beach. They'll be facing off against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
First pitch is slated for 6:05 PM. It's a split-squad game, so don't expect the full "A-team" lineup, but it’s the first real crack of the bat we’ve had in months.
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Honestly, the energy around the team feels different this year. Maybe it's because the roster looks so weird now compared to the golden era we got used to from 2017 to 2024. No Kyle Tucker. No Alex Bregman. It’s a bit of a gut punch to see those names in different jerseys, but that's the business.
The 2026 Spring Training Kickoff
After that Saturday opener against the Nationals, the schedule picks up speed fast. If you’re planning a trip to Florida or just want to catch the early broadcasts, here’s the immediate rundown of what's happening in February:
- Sunday, Feb 22: vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Home) – 1:05 PM
- Tuesday, Feb 24: at New York Mets (Away) – 1:10 PM
- Wednesday, Feb 25: at Miami Marlins (Away) – 1:10 PM
- Thursday, Feb 26: A double-header day. One squad plays the Cardinals in Jupiter at 1:05 PM, while the other hosts the Mets in West Palm Beach at the same time.
Ticket prices for these early games are actually pretty reasonable. You can find seats for as low as $17 or $19 if you’re looking at the weekday matchups against the Marlins or Cardinals. If you want to see the "Rivalry" feel early on, the Venezuela National Team is actually coming to play an exhibition game against the Astros on March 3. That one is going to be wild.
Opening Day 2026: When It Actually Counts
Spring Training is fun and all, but we all know the real answer to when is next Astros game involves the regular season.
MLB is doing something a bit historic this year. While the Giants and Yankees play a standalone "Opening Night" on March 25, the rest of the league—including our Astros—gets going on Thursday, March 26, 2026. This is the earliest traditional Opening Day in the history of Major League Baseball.
The Astros are opening at home. They’ll be hosting the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park (which most of us are still getting used to calling by its new name).
The Opening Home Stand
- March 26: vs. Angels (Opening Day)
- March 27: vs. Angels
- March 28: vs. Angels
- March 29: vs. Angels
- March 30 - April 1: A three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
If you’re trying to get tickets for the opener, good luck. Prices on the secondary market like Vivid Seats are already hovering around $83 for the cheap seats, and they’ll only go up as we get closer to March.
What’s Different About the Team This Year?
Look, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. The roster is... crowded in some places and thin in others.
General Manager Dana Brown has been playing a high-stakes game of Tetris with the payroll. With the departure of Tucker and Bregman, the "star power" has taken a hit. But the infield is absolutely packed. We’re talking about a mix of Jose Altuve, Jeremy Peña, Carlos Correa, and Isaac Paredes.
Wait—Correa? Yeah, the vibe of the "reunion" era is in full swing.
But because the infield is so full, there’s a real chance top prospect Brice Matthews starts the year in Triple-A Sugar Land. It sucks because the kid showed flashes of brilliance last year, but Joe Espada has made it clear: he doesn’t want prospects rotting on the bench. If they aren't playing every day, they're going to the minors.
Then there’s the pitching. Framber Valdez is entering his final year of control, which makes every start he makes feel like a "last dance" scenario. We also need a healthy Yordan Alvarez. If his hands aren't 100%, this offense is going to struggle to put up the numbers we're used to seeing.
Key Dates You Should Circle
If you're a die-hard fan, you aren't just looking for the next game; you're looking for the big games. The 2026 schedule has some unique quirks.
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The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is actually coming to Houston this year. From March 6–11, Daikin Park will host Pool B games and the quarterfinals. It’s going to be a logistical nightmare for the city, but incredible for baseball fans.
Rivalry Weekend is back from May 15–17. The Astros will be taking on the Texas Rangers. There is still plenty of bad blood there, and after missing the playoffs last year, the Astros have a massive chip on their shoulder.
National Broadcasts:
- August 9: at San Diego Padres (NBC/Peacock)
- August 16: vs. Seattle Mariners (NBC/Peacock)
- August 30: at New York Mets (NBC/Peacock)
The "Sunday Leadoff" games on Peacock are becoming a bigger deal, so make sure your subscriptions are active if you’re a cord-cutter.
How to Watch the Games in 2026
The broadcast situation is still a bit of a headache for some. Most local games will still be on the Space City Home Network. If you’re out of market, MLB.TV is your best bet, though blackouts are still the bane of every fan's existence.
For the spring games, keep an eye on the Astros' official social media. They often stream the non-televised games via the MLB app or their website, though it's usually just a single-camera feed with the radio overlay. Better than nothing, right?
Honestly, the best way to keep track of when is next Astros game is to sync the schedule to your phone calendar directly from the MLB website. It updates in real-time for rainouts or time changes, which happens more than you'd think in the early months.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
Now that you know when the boys are back, it's time to actually get ready. Don't wait until March to realize your favorite jersey doesn't fit or your streaming login is expired.
Check your gear. If you’re heading to Daikin Park for Opening Day, remember the bag policy is still strict. Small clear bags are your friend.
Secure your tickets now. If you're eyeing a specific series—like the Yankees coming to town in late April (April 24-26)—the prices are only going to climb.
Download the MLB Ballpark app. It’s basically mandatory now for entry and for ordering food without standing in a 40-minute line for a hot dog.
The next Astros game is closer than it feels. February 21 will be here before you know it. Whether the "new look" Astros can reclaim the AL West from the Mariners is anyone's guess, but at least we'll have baseball back on our TVs. Keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of camp this week; they'll tell us everything we need to know about the rotation's health heading into the spring.