Baseball gets national TV spotlight for Fourth of July weekend

Great news, baseball lovers: The national pastime will get significant national exposure during July 4 weekend as America celebrates its 250th birthday.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday will all feature a slate of games that includes at least one national broadcast, with Sunday in particular offering a super-sized dose of viewing options.

Here's a look at the weekend's schedule (all times ET).

Friday

"Friday Night Baseball" continues on Apple TV with a pair of games that could potentially have postseason implications.

In the first game, the red-hot Junior Caminero and the Rays take on AL MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez and the Astros at 8:15 p.m. In the nightcap, Jackson Chourio and the NL Central-leading Brewers battle Corbin Carroll and the Wild Card-hopeful D-backs at 9:45 p.m.

An Apple TV subscription is required to watch these games.

Saturday

Fan voting for the 2026 All-Star Game starters has concluded, but find out the reserves and pitchers who will get the call for the Midsummer Classic with the All-Star Game Selection Show at 7:30 p.m. on FOX.

2026 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard
• Watch on FOX, July 14 at 8 p.m. ET

Then, at 8 p.m., "Baseball Night in America" takes over with either Cardinals-Cubs or Mets-Braves, depending on your market.

Cardinals-Cubs continues a generations-long rivalry between two NL Central teams that each have their eyes on the postseason, while Mets-Braves renews those teams' longtime battle for NL East bragging rights as Atlanta tries to maintain its grip on the division lead.

Sunday

NBC and its platforms (NBC, Peacock, NBCSN) will broadcast every game on July 5 with "Star-Spangled Sunday," offering baseball fans a full day of action all in one place -- with no blackouts. Game coverage kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with Mets-Braves on NBC and Peacock, and continues all day on the various platforms.

A Peacock subscription is required to watch most games on that platform.