Red Sox vs. Yankees: Wild Card Series Overview
The historic rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees reignites for the 2026 MLB Wild Card Series. Set for a best-of-three format, fans can catch all the action exclusively on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN.
The Red Sox and Yankees will face off starting Tuesday, September 29, at Yankee Stadium. Game 2 follows on Wednesday, September 30, with a possible Game 3 slated for Thursday, October 1.
Viewing Information
Fans eager to watch the nail-biting series can find their TV and live stream options on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. Hall of Famer CC Sabathia and Ahmed Fareed will provide post-game recaps on Peacock and the NBC Sports YouTube channel.
Probable Starting Pitchers
With the regular season concluding, starting pitchers are yet to be confirmed. The Yankees might use Cam Schlittler and Max Fried initially, with Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole as reserves for Game 3. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy anticipates deploying rookie Payton Tolle, alongside veterans Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez.
Season Series Recap
Throughout the regular season, both teams had fiercely competitive matches, with the Yankees edging the Red Sox 7-6 overall. New York maintained dominance at home, going 4-2 against Boston at Yankee Stadium.
Historical Playoff Clashes
- 2025 AL Wild Card Series: Yankees won 2-1, progressing to the ALDS.
- 2021 AL Wild Card Game: Red Sox secured victory, 6-2.
- 2018 ALDS: Red Sox triumphed 3-1, eventually winning the World Series.
- 2004 ALCS: Famous Red Sox comeback from a 3-0 deficit.
- 2003 & 1999 ALCS: Yankees continued their playoff dominance.
- 1978 AL East tiebreaker: Known for the ‘Bucky Dent game’, fueling the rivalry.
Key Players to Watch
- Aaron Judge: Intent on returning despite calf issues. Known for October heroics.
- Cam Schlittler: AL Cy Young hopeful. Anticipated to pitch Game 1 or 2.
- Payton Tolle: Rookie sensation with stellar past performance against the Yankees.
- Aroldis Chapman: Top closer returning to Bronx with support from Garrett Whitlock.
Wild Card Series Format
The MLB Wild Card Series features four best-of-three matchups, with higher seeds retaining home-field advantage. Games occur from September 29 to October 1, with potential Game 3s on October 1.
Broadcast Details
Catch the entire 2026 MLB Wild Card Round exclusively on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. Peacock subscriptions offer varied device compatibility. NBCSN access is available via YouTube TV, Fubo, and Xfinity.