MLB On Apple TV: Can You Watch Every Game?

Hey baseball fans! Wondering if you can catch every MLB game on Apple TV? Let's dive into what Apple TV offers for Major League Baseball and whether it's a grand slam or a foul ball when it comes to game availability. These days, with so many streaming options, it can get confusing figuring out where to watch your favorite teams, so we're breaking it all down for you.

What Baseball Games Can You Watch on Apple TV?

Let's get straight to the point: Apple TV doesn't stream every MLB game. However, it does offer a specific package that might be of interest to you. Apple TV+ features "Friday Night Baseball," a weekly doubleheader streamed exclusively on the platform. This means that every Friday night during the MLB season, you can watch two games without needing a cable subscription. Pretty cool, right?

The broadcast is available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. So, if you're in any of those locations, you are good to go.

Now, talking about the specifics of "Friday Night Baseball," Apple has made a deal with MLB to broadcast these games, which is a big win for baseball fans who are also Apple enthusiasts. The production quality is top-notch, with multiple camera angles, expert commentary, and pre- and post-game shows. It’s designed to give you a comprehensive viewing experience.

But remember, while "Friday Night Baseball" is awesome, it's not the whole ballgame. If you're looking to watch every single game, you'll need additional subscriptions or services. So, keep reading to figure out what other options are out there to make sure you don’t miss a single pitch, hit, or home run!

Why Doesn't Apple TV Show Every MLB Game?

You might be wondering, "If Apple TV is so great, why doesn't it just show all the MLB games?" Good question! The answer lies in the complex world of broadcasting rights and agreements. MLB has existing deals with various networks and streaming services, and these agreements dictate who gets to show which games. For instance, ESPN, Fox, and MLB Network all have their own packages of games.

These broadcasting rights are incredibly valuable. Networks pay big bucks for the exclusive rights to show certain games, as they know that live sports are a major draw for viewers. When Apple TV+ acquired the rights to "Friday Night Baseball," it was a significant move, but it didn't give them carte blanche to air every single game. That's why you only see a select few games on Apple TV+.

To put it simply, think of it like a pie. The MLB broadcasting rights pie is sliced up among different players. Apple TV+ has a slice, but it's not the whole pie. Other networks and streaming services have their own slices, and they're not about to give them up easily. This is why you need to navigate multiple platforms to catch all the action throughout the season.

Furthermore, some games are subject to regional blackouts, which are determined by MLB. These blackouts prevent certain games from being shown in specific geographic areas, usually to protect the local broadcast rights of regional sports networks. So, even if Apple TV+ wanted to show a particular game, it might be restricted due to these blackout rules. Understanding these factors helps explain why no single platform, including Apple TV+, can offer every MLB game.

How to Watch All the MLB Games

Okay, so Apple TV+ doesn't have every MLB game. What are your options if you want to watch all the games? Well, you've got a few choices, each with its own pros and cons. Let's break them down so you can decide what works best for you.

MLB.TV

First up is MLB.TV, the official streaming service of Major League Baseball. This is probably your best bet if you want access to the most games. With MLB.TV, you can watch out-of-market games live or on demand. This means if you're a fan of a team that's not local to you, you can follow them all season long. The service offers different subscription tiers, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and budget.

MLB.TV also offers features like multi-game viewing, so you can watch multiple games at once, and personalized highlights, so you can catch up on the action even if you can't watch the whole game. It’s a comprehensive package designed for the serious baseball fan. However, keep in mind that MLB.TV is subject to blackout restrictions. If you live in the same market as the team you want to watch, you might be blacked out from watching their games live.

Cable or Satellite Subscription

Old-school but still relevant! A traditional cable or satellite subscription that includes channels like ESPN, Fox, and MLB Network will give you access to a wide range of MLB games. These channels broadcast nationally televised games, and MLB Network often carries games that aren't available anywhere else. Plus, with many cable and satellite providers offering streaming apps, you can watch games on your phone, tablet, or computer, as well as on your TV.

The downside is that cable and satellite subscriptions can be pricey, and you might end up paying for a lot of channels you don't watch just to get the sports channels. But if you're already a cable or satellite subscriber, this is a convenient way to catch a lot of MLB games.

Streaming Services with Live TV

Another option is to subscribe to a streaming service that offers live TV channels, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV. These services carry many of the same channels as cable and satellite, including ESPN, Fox, and MLB Network. This means you can watch nationally televised MLB games without a traditional cable subscription.

These services typically offer a more flexible and affordable alternative to cable, with no long-term contracts and the ability to cancel anytime. However, the channel lineups and prices vary, so you'll want to compare the different options to find the one that best meets your needs. Also, keep an eye out for regional sports networks, as not all streaming services carry them. If you want to watch your local team, make sure the service you choose includes the relevant regional sports network.

Tips for Maximizing Your MLB Viewing Experience

Alright, now that you know how to watch MLB games, here are a few tips to enhance your viewing experience. Because let’s face it, watching baseball is more than just turning on the TV; it's about immersing yourself in the game.

Check the Schedule

First, always check the MLB schedule to see which games are being broadcast on Apple TV+, ESPN, Fox, MLB Network, and your regional sports network. This will help you plan your viewing and make sure you don't miss any important matchups. You can find the schedule on the MLB website or app, or on the websites of the various networks and streaming services.

Use a VPN

If you're traveling or living outside the United States, you might encounter blackout restrictions or other limitations on MLB.TV. In this case, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your location and access the games as if you were in the US. Just be sure to check the terms of service of MLB.TV and the VPN provider to make sure you're not violating any rules.

Follow on Social Media

Social media can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest MLB news, highlights, and analysis. Follow your favorite teams, players, and sports journalists on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to get real-time updates and insights. Plus, you can join online communities of baseball fans to discuss the games and share your thoughts.

Upgrade Your Setup

Last but not least, consider upgrading your TV and audio setup for the best possible viewing experience. A large, high-definition TV with good picture quality can make a big difference, as can a soundbar or surround sound system. And if you're streaming games, make sure you have a fast and reliable internet connection to avoid buffering and other issues.

Final Thoughts: Apple TV and MLB – A Piece of the Puzzle

So, does Apple TV have every MLB game? Nope. But with "Friday Night Baseball," it offers a solid dose of weekly action. For the die-hard fans wanting to catch every game, combining Apple TV+ with MLB.TV or a cable/streaming package is the way to go. Happy watching, and may your team win!