Apple TV+ does not include MLB games in its standard subscription
Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month (or $99 per year with an annual plan), but baseball is not part of that package. MLB games on Apple TV+ are sold separately through MLB.TV, which is a different service entirely. If you want to watch baseball through Apple's platform, you will need both subscriptions, or you can buy individual games through the MLB app.
The only way to watch MLB on Apple TV+ without paying extra is if you already have a cable or streaming package that includes ESPN, Fox, or MLB.TV as part of your plan. Some internet providers bundle MLB.TV with their service, and some cell phone plans include it as well. If you have one of those, you can sign in through the Apple TV app using your existing account credentials.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ subscription does not include baseball games; you need MLB.TV or a cable package that carries MLB broadcasts.
- Some internet providers and cell phone plans bundle MLB.TV at no extra cost, so check your existing subscriptions first.
- You can sign into the Apple TV app using credentials from ESPN+, cable, or MLB.TV if you already have one of those services.
- Individual games can be purchased through the MLB app or Apple TV, but this costs more than a season pass.
Check if your internet or phone plan already includes MLB.TV
Before paying for MLB.TV separately, look at what you already have. Several major internet providers include MLB.TV as a free add-on for their broadband customers. Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and some regional cable companies offer it. The coverage varies by provider and changes year to year, so log into your account online or call your provider's customer service to confirm.
Cell phone carriers also sometimes bundle MLB.TV. T-Mobile has offered it free to certain plan tiers in past seasons. Check your carrier's website or call them directly to see if it is included in your current plan. If it is, you can use those login credentials to sign into the MLB app or watch through Apple TV.
Sign in through the Apple TV app if you have MLB.TV elsewhere
If you have MLB.TV through your internet provider, phone plan, or as a standalone subscription, you can watch games on Apple TV without buying anything extra. Open the Apple TV app on your device, search for "MLB," and select the MLB app or the game you want to watch. When prompted to sign in, choose your provider or enter your MLB.TV username and password.
The same process works if you have ESPN+ or a cable login that carries baseball broadcasts. The Apple TV app acts as a hub that lets you sign in with credentials from other services you already own. This is the closest thing to "free" MLB on Apple TV+ — you are not paying Apple, but you are using a subscription you already have through another company.
Understand the cost if you need to buy MLB.TV separately
MLB.TV is sold directly by Major League Baseball and costs around $139 for a full season pass (prices vary slightly year to year). This gives you access to out-of-market games — games not being broadcast on local or national television in your area. Blackout rules mean you cannot watch your home team's local broadcasts through MLB.TV, even if you pay for it.
If you only want to watch a few games, you can buy individual games through the MLB app or Apple TV for around $10 to $15 per game. This is more expensive per game than a season pass, but it works if you are not a regular viewer. Games sold individually are usually available the day before they air.
Use free trial periods if MLB.TV offers them
MLB.TV sometimes offers a free trial period at the start of the season, usually lasting 7 to 14 days. This is the legitimate way to watch games for free if you do not have the service through another provider. Check the MLB.TV website directly or the MLB app to see if a trial is currently running. You will need to provide a payment method to start the trial, and you must cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
Trial availability changes from year to year and is not may provide. If no trial is running when you check, you will need to either wait for the next promotional period or pay for the service. Set a calendar reminder a few days before your trial ends so you do not forget to cancel.
Watch free games through local broadcasts instead
Many MLB games air on free, over-the-air television through Fox, ESPN, or MLB Network. These broadcasts are available to anyone with an antenna or a cable package that includes these channels. You do not need Apple TV+ or MLB.TV to watch them. Check your local TV listings or the MLB website to see which games are being broadcast on free channels in your area.
If you have a cable or streaming TV package (like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Sling TV), you can watch these broadcasts through the provider's app or website. Some of these services also include MLB.TV as part of their package, so check what your plan covers before buying anything separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch live MLB games on Apple TV+ right now?
No, Apple TV+ does not carry MLB games as part of its subscription. You would need MLB.TV, a cable package, or a free broadcast through Fox or ESPN. Check your current subscriptions first — you may already have access through your internet provider or phone plan.
Does Apple TV+ ever show baseball games?
Apple TV+ has aired some MLB games as part of special deals, but these are not regular or may provide. Your best option is to sign in through the Apple TV app using an MLB.TV account you already have, or watch free broadcasts on Fox and ESPN.
What is the difference between MLB.TV and Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ is a general entertainment subscription with movies and shows. MLB.TV is a baseball-specific service run by Major League Baseball. They are separate products, and you need both if you want Apple's entertainment plus baseball streaming.
Can I use a free trial to watch the whole season?
No. MLB.TV trials last 7 to 14 days, which covers only a small number of games. You would need to pay for a full season pass to watch the entire season, or watch free games on broadcast television.
Why can't I watch my home team on MLB.TV?
Blackout rules prevent MLB.TV from showing local broadcasts of your home team's games. This is to protect local television stations and cable providers. You can watch your team through local broadcasts, cable, or by traveling outside your home market.