This upcoming weekend isn't just another weekend in the Major Leagues. It's MLB Players' Weekend!
Back for a third consecutive year, Players' Weekend is a three-day celebration of what makes big leaguers unique. This is a time for them to express themselves through wearing custom gear on the field and telling personal stories off of it. And for any fans who would like to get their hands on some of that gear, there will be an auction just for that.
Here is everything you need to know about this fun event.
When is Players' Weekend?
The weekend kicks off Friday and continues through Sunday. All 30 teams will participate.
What are the themes of Players' Weekend?
The 2026 edition will feature a different theme each day, and those themes will be displayed in stadiums, on broadcasts and on social media. Here's the thematic breakdown of each day's theme:
Off-Field Interests: Showcasing players’ passions and interests beyond baseball.
Causes: Focusing on charitable and community efforts that are important to players.
Appreciation: Celebrating the people who helped them on their path to the Major Leagues.
What kind of player-focused content will be available?
Fans will get to know many of their favorite players on a much deeper level during Players' Weekend. There will be interviews with players across MLB Network programming, giving them a platform to highlight their personalities and talk about the game through their eyes.
This includes a conversation between former big league All-Star Yonder Alonso and Reds rookie All-Star Sal Stewart about growing up in Miami with Alonso and the Padres' Manny Machado as two of his mentors. Plus, take a trip to Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies' house to check out his fish collection.
On social media, there will be Q&A compilations with players and longer player-centric features that will delve into their charitable efforts and personal devotions.
Will players be using personalized items on the field?
Yes. There won't be any special uniforms with players' nicknames or other slogans like we saw from 2017-19, but you will see players rocking custom bats and cleats and wearing branded caps and batting practice T-shirts. Unique and colorful bats from Victus and Marucci will be in the hands of stars such as Bryce Harper, Fernando Tatis Jr., Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson and Home Run Derby champion Jordan Walker, to name a few.
Can fans get their hands on those items?
After the weekend, players will have the opportunity to auction off their custom bats and cleats on MLB Auctions to benefit charities of their choice. Be sure to sign up for the MLB Auctions Newsletter to find out what custom gear from the weekend will be available for purchase and when the auction launches.
What are the top matchups during Players' Weekend?
The first game of Players' Weekend is the opener of a three-game series between two of the best teams in baseball: Braves-Brewers at 4:10 p.m. ET Friday. That game might also feature two of the nastiest pitchers in baseball. Chris Sale is the Braves' probable for Friday, and although Milwaukee hasn't yet announced it's probable for that game, Friday would be Jacob Misiorowski's spot in the rotation. Plus, Sunday's series finale between the Braves and Brewers is the 2026 Little League Classic at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pa.
Beyond that juicy series, Players' Weekend will also include matchups between AL East rivals who are all trying to fit into the American League playoff picture (Blue Jays-Yankees, Rays-Orioles). The Giants and Red Sox will also meet up at Fenway Park, which will mark Rafael Devers' first time playing in Boston since last season's blockbuster trade between the two clubs.