The 2023 MLB Playoffs run from Tuesday, October 3, into November—ending with the 119th edition of the World Series. Playoff games air on popular networks like FOX, TBS, ESPN, and MLB Network, though channel lineups vary across each round.
Last year, the MLB postseason pool expanded from 10 teams to 12. With more playoff games on the calendar, you’ll want to ensure you have the right TV plan.
Keep scrolling for a complete look at which providers offer each playoff channel and how you can watch postseason games for free.
What channels are the MLB Playoffs on?
The 2023 MLB Playoffs will air across seven channels:
Most MLB playoff channels are easy to find from various TV providers, but you may need a higher-tier TV plan to access MLB Network. Additionally, Fox Deportes and truTV carry Spanish-language postseason coverage.
Pro tip: Not every channel broadcasts games from every round of the playoffs, so you’ll want to view the schedule below for a complete round-by-round channel breakdown.
MLB Playoffs schedule
The 2023 MLB Playoffs begin in early October, with the newly expanded set of Wild Card games returning to ESPN channels. After the Wild Card round, games will air on FOX, FS1, TBS, and MLB Network.
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV plans for watching the MLB Playoffs
Now that you know the channels you’ll need for watching this year’s playoffs, you have a better idea of what to look for when choosing a TV plan. But we’ll make it a step easier. Our table below lists the most popular TV providers and whether they carry important playoff channels.
Sling TV is our favorite provider for watching the MLB postseason because it’s inexpensive and carries every playoff channel. You’ll need its Sling Orange plan ($40 a month) and the Sports Extra add-on ($11 a month), but it’s still over $10 cheaper monthly than other live TV streaming services. The only downside is that Sling TV doesn’t offer FOX in every region, so you may need an antenna to pick up the channel.
Which TV providers offer MLB playoff channels?
| Provider | Price | FOX | FS1 | TBS | ESPN | MLB Network | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $56.00–$139.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | $69.99–$159.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read DIRECTV review |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $69.99–$159.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read DIRECTV STREAM review |
| DISH | $92.99–$117.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read DISH review |
| fuboTV | $74.99–$94.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read fuboTV review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99–$89.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — |
View plans Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | $35.00–$125.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Optimum review |
| Philo | $25.00/mo. | — | — | — | — | — |
View plans Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $40.00–$55.00/mo. | ✔* | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $59.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Spectrum review |
| Vidgo | $69.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Vidgo review |
| Xfinity | $20.00–$80.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — |
View plans Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available in select markets.
How to watch the MLB Playoffs for free
CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Amazon.com Price; $59.99 (as of 10/3/23 10:30 a.m. CT). Read full disclaimer.
Because the MLB Playoffs air across several basic cable networks, you’ll need a TV subscription to access the entire slate of playoff games. Some live TV streaming services offer free trials, but most don’t last longer than seven days.
You can watch a slice of playoff action without subscribing to a TV plan using a digital antenna on your smart TV. Since ABC and FOX air various playoff games, you can tune in for free through your local network affiliates. That’s especially important since FOX will show the complete World Series.
If you need a high-quality antenna, we suggest checking out the Mohu Leaf 50. It’s one of our favorite antennas because of its 60-mile range and 4K capabilities. Though, you’ll want to enter your zip code on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Reception Map Tool before committing to an antenna. That way, you can ensure ABC and FOX affiliate stations are within range of your home.
Ready to dive into the MLB Playoffs?
ABC, FOX, FS1, TBS, ESPN, ESPN2, and MLB Network are the seven channels that give you access to every game of the 2023 MLB Playoffs. While you can catch ABC and FOX over the air with a simple digital antenna, you’ll need a more comprehensive TV plan to get the other channels.
We recommend Sling TV because it carries every playoff channel in its Sling Orange plan with the Sports Extra add-on. The live TV streaming service is also a great way to watch NBA games, which return to the court in mid-October.
How to watch the MLB Playoffs FAQ
What app can I watch the MLB Playoffs on?
If you already have access to MLB playoff channels through a TV provider, you can watch live games through individual channel apps like ESPN, FOX Sports, and TBS. All you need to do is sign in to each app with your TV provider credentials.
You can also watch the MLB Playoffs through the MLB.TV app, but you’ll need an eligible TV provider login for live game access.
How can I watch the MLB Playoffs without cable?
Without cable, you can watch the entire MLB Playoffs via most live TV streaming services. We recommend Sling TV because it offers every playoff channel for as low as $51 a month.
Does Amazon Prime have the MLB Playoffs?
No, Amazon Prime Video doesn’t carry nationally televised MLB games like the MLB Playoffs. The streaming service only has live regular-season games from MLB.TV and YES Network.
Methodology
Our baseball experts researched the best ways to watch the MLB Playoffs by comparing the most popular TV providers head to head. We based our viewing recommendations primarily on ease of use—focusing on each provider’s channel lineups, pricing, and set-up process.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
Disclaimer
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Amazon.com price as of 10/3/23 10:30 a.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
