MLB 2026: Early Rivalries Ignite

0:00For the Toronto Blue Jays, it's March 20th. Here's what's happening. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. The 2026 Major League Baseball season kicks off with some heated early matchups, starting right after opening day on March 25th. Fans are buzzing about revenge games before May 1st, including a World Series rematch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays from April 6th to 8th in Toronto. That's the defending champs facing the team they beat last fall, with Shohei Otani returning to the scene. Other big series pile on the drama, like the Atlanta Braze visiting the Philadelphia Phillies from April 17th to 19th, then hosting them. Again April 24th to 26th. The New York Yankees head Defendway Park for a classic rivalry clash with the Boston Red Sox April 21st to 23rd, their first meeting. Since the Yankees won last year's Wildcard series, these games carry real weight because of playoff history and divisional battles.

1:00The Phillies dominated the Braves last season and looked strong to repeat in the National League East, while Yankees Red Sox tension lingers from years of intense playoffs. It's all part of the new schedule where every team plays each other annually, keeping rivalries fresh. Player storylines add extra spice, with former Metz closer Edwin Diaz facing his old team April 13th to 15th as a Dodger. Edwin Kyle Tucker, who signed a massive four year $240 million deal with Los Angeles after one year in Chicago, takes on the Cubs. April 24th to 26th. Expect fireworks from motivated stars. As spring training wraps up, these early tilts set the tone for what could be another thrilling season full of surprises and settling scores.