The 2026 MLB season begins on March 25 with the Giants hosting the Yankees, followed by the earliest full Opening Day slate in history on March 26. The 96th All-Star Game takes place on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Notable events include the Mexico City Series, the return of the Field of Dreams game, and a Subway Series marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, while the London Series was cancelled due to the FIFA World Cup. A major rule change introduces the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) with team challenges. Early milestones feature Chase DeLauter and José Fernández hitting two home runs in their debuts, and DeLauter and Munetaka Murakami homering in their first three games. The postseason starts September 29, with the World Series scheduled from October 23 to 31.