Baseball doesn't care about the winter. While most of us are still scraping frost off our windshields in mid-January, the Bronx Bombers are already essentially packed for Florida. Honestly, if you're a fan, this is that weird "dead zone" where the Hot Stove rumors about Cody Bellinger and Bo Bichette start to feel more like a soap opera than sports.
You're likely here because you need a date. A real one.
The wait is almost over. The when is the new york yankees next game question has a two-part answer depending on whether you count the sun-drenched warm-ups in Tampa or the high-stakes drama of the regular season.
The First Pitch of 2026: Spring Training Kickoff
The very first time the pinstripes take the field this year is Friday, February 20, 2026.
It’s an away game. They’ll be heading over to Sarasota to face the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM ET.
💡 You might also like: The Serie del Caribe 2025: Why Mexicali is the Toughest Test Yet
Don't expect to see Aaron Judge or Juan Soto playing all nine innings. Or even three. Spring training is basically a glorified audition for the kids and a "don't pull a hamstring" exercise for the veterans. But hey, it's Yankees baseball.
If you’re looking for the first home game at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, mark Saturday, February 21, 2026 on your calendar. They host the Detroit Tigers. Tickets for these Grapefruit League games are already floating around on sites like SeatGeek and Ticketmaster, usually starting around $65 for the home opener in Tampa.
Early Spring Schedule Highlights
- Feb 22: The first Spring Training Subway Series against the Mets (Home).
- Feb 25: Under the lights? Well, a 6:35 PM start against the Washington Nationals.
- March 3: A weirdly cool exhibition against the Panama National Team.
When Is the New York Yankees Next Game for Real?
Spring Training is nice, but it's the appetizer. The real meal—the regular season—starts with a massive spotlight.
The New York Yankees officially open their 2026 regular season on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
This isn't your typical Opening Day. MLB decided to go big with a standalone "Opening Night" matchup. The Yankees will be in San Francisco taking on the Giants at Oracle Park. It’s a late one for the East Coast fans—expect an 8:05 PM ET start.
This is actually the earliest traditional Opening Day in the history of Major League Baseball. Why? Mostly because the league is trying to bake in more off-days during the summer to keep players from falling apart by August.
The West Coast Swing
Starting the season in San Francisco is a bit of a trek. After that standalone Wednesday game, the team stays in the Bay Area:
- Friday, March 27: Game 2 at Giants (4:35 PM ET).
- Saturday, March 28: Game 3 at Giants (7:15 PM ET).
Then they head north to Seattle for a three-game set against the Mariners starting March 30. Basically, if you live in New York, you're going to be tired at work for the first week of the season.
The Bronx Homecoming: 2026 Home Opener
If you’re a purist who believes the season hasn't actually started until you hear the "Bald Vinny" roll call in the Bronx, you have to wait until April.
📖 Related: BYU Football vs Utah Utes Football: What Most People Get Wrong
The Yankees home opener at Yankee Stadium is Friday, April 3, 2026.
They’ll be playing the Miami Marlins. It’s a 1:35 PM ET start, which is exactly how God and George Steinbrenner intended baseball to be played. The Marlins might not have the historical weight of the Red Sox, but a Friday afternoon in the Bronx with a cold drink and a Nathan's dog? You can't beat it.
Key Dates You Can't Miss This Season
The 2026 schedule is actually pretty wild because of the "balanced" format MLB uses now. You see everyone. But some games just hit different.
The Dodgers Return to the Bronx
Remember the 2024 World Series? The wounds might still be fresh. The Dodgers come to Yankee Stadium for a massive three-game series starting July 17, 2026. This is the first series after the All-Star break. It's going to be electric.
Rivalry Weekend
The first real clash with the Boston Red Sox happens at Fenway Park from April 21-23. If you want them at home, you'll have to wait until June 5.
The Subway Series
- May 15-17: At Citi Field (Mets host).
- Sept 11-13: At Yankee Stadium (Yankees host).
That September series is particularly heavy. It marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Expect the city to be out in full force for that one.
How to Actually Watch the Next Game
Streaming is a mess. We all know it.
If you’re in the New York market, the YES Network is still your primary home for almost everything. But since it's 2026, the digital landscape has shifted more toward "DTC" (Direct-to-Consumer). You’ll likely need the YES app if you’ve cut the cord.
For the national games—like that Opening Night in San Francisco—you’re looking at ESPN or potentially a streaming exclusive on Apple TV+ or Roku. MLB has been aggressive about moving "Game of the Week" style matchups to these platforms.
Actionable Steps for the True Fan
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Yankees site and download the digital schedule to your phone. It updates automatically for rainouts, which saves you from showing up to a dark stadium.
- Check the Spring Training broadcast: Most early spring games are radio-only (WFAN 660/101.9). Don't freak out if you can't find a TV stream for that first game in Sarasota.
- Budget for the Dodgers series now: Ticket prices for that July 17-19 series are already projected to be the highest of the regular season. If you want to be there, buy them the second individual tickets go on sale to the general public.
The winter is long, but February 20th is the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it's a humid afternoon in Florida or a chilly night in San Francisco, the chase for World Series trophy number 28 is about to restart.
Stay updated on the official MLB app for any last-minute time changes, especially for those West Coast games where television networks love to flex the start times for maximum ratings.