The Boston Red Sox now know how next year will begin.
The club will open the 2026 season on [March 26 in Cincinnati](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/26/sports/red-sox-2026-schedule-release/), part of a three-game set with the Reds, according to Emma Healy of the Boston Globe. They will move straight to Houston for three more before returning to Fenway Park. That home opener falls on April 3, when the Padres visit to start a weekend series.
Key rivalry matchups are sprinkled throughout. The New York Yankees will make two trips to Boston, with April 21-23 and June 25-28 circled on the calendar. The Red Sox head to The Bronx twice as well, playing June 5-7 and again August 28-30.
The club’s traditional Patriots’ Day game will be played April 20, finishing off a four-game run against the Detroit Tigers. Other holiday dates at Fenway include Mother’s Day on May 10 against the Tampa Bay Rays and Labor Day on September 7 against the Los Angeles Angels.
The interleague schedule brings a wide mix of National League opponents to Boston. The San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs will all visit. The final homestand features the Cleveland Guardians on September 22-24 and the Chicago Cubs on September 25-27.
Story continues below advertisement
Major League Baseball also announced broader league highlights.
Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru of MLB.com noted that the season will open one night earlier, March 25, with the Giants and Yankees playing under the lights in San Francisco.
What do you think? [Leave a comment.](javascript:void(0))
Philadelphia will host the All-Star Game on July 14, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and the Phillies’ first time as host since 1996.
Story continues below advertisement
Special dates remain on the league calendar, including Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, Lou Gehrig Day on June 2 and Roberto Clemente Day on September 15. Another Rivalry Weekend is planned for May 15-17, highlighted by Yankees- New York Mets and Cubs- Chicago White Sox.
The Red Sox will close the year out at Fenway against the Cubs.