Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees: Wild Card Series Returns

The storied rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees reignites as they meet for the 2026 MLB Wild Card Series. This best-of-three series is broadcast exclusively across NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. While first pitch times await confirmation, dates are set and anticipation builds.

Wild Card Series Schedule

The series begins at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, September 29. Game 2 will be played on Wednesday, September 30, with a possible Game 3 scheduled for Thursday, October 1. NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN will cover each game.

Game 1: Date: Tuesday, September 29, Time: 8:00pm ET
Game 2: Date: Wednesday, September 30, Time: 8:00pm ET
Game 3: Date: Thursday, October 1 (if necessary), Time: TBA

Recap and Analysis

Expert analysis of the Wild Card Series will be provided by Hall of Famer CC Sabathia and Ahmed Fareed on Peacock and the NBC Sports YouTube channel.

Probable Starting Pitchers

With the regular season nearing its end, teams finalize their pitching lineups. The Yankees may pitch Cam Schlittler and Max Fried in Games 1 and 2, while Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole are options for Game 3. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy will likely rely on Payton Tolle, Sonny Gray, and Ranger Suarez.

Season Series Results

The Yankees narrowly won the regular season series against the Red Sox with a 7-6 record, including a 4-2 home record. Historically, the rivalry has produced memorable postseason moments.

Key Players to Watch

• Aaron Judge: The Yankee star aims for a return in the Wild Card Series despite a recent injury.
• Cam Schlittler: The 25-year-old pitcher, with a 1.95 ERA and 11.1 K/9, is favored for the AL Cy Young Award.
• Payton Tolle: Red Sox rookie boasts a 3.03 ERA, excelling against the Yankees with a 0.69 ERA.
• Aroldis Chapman: Yankees’ top closer returns with a 1.92 ERA, supported by Garrett Whitlock.

MLB Wild Card Series Format

Each Wild Card Series features best-of-three matchups. Higher seeds have home-field advantage for the entire series from September 29 to October 1.

No. 6 seeds vs. No. 3 seeds
No. 5 seeds vs. No. 4 seeds

How to Watch the Wild Card Series

Watch the 2026 MLB Wild Card Series on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. Sign up for Peacock, compatible with many devices, and find game broadcasts via YouTube TV, Fubo, and Xfinity.