MLB announces earliest ever Opening Day for 2027, Wrigley Field All-Star Game amid labor uncertainty
Major League Baseball just wrapped up the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia, which means it’s time to look at next year’s game and schedule.
MLB announced its full 2027 season schedule Thursday afternoon, with a few notable changes from past years. Next season will open on March 24 with a single game between two yet-to-be-determined teams, instead of the traditional late March-early April window.
This is the earliest date in baseball history, excluding international games. After hosting the recently completed Home Run Derby, Netflix will also host the special Opening Night game; Considering the mediocre ratings the derby brought in, this might not be the best outcome if the league is trying to attract the biggest audience.
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But perhaps most importantly, this new Opening Day schedule raises some serious questions and potential problems for the league, players and team owners. So what happens if there is a lockout? Something that doesn’t resolve particularly quickly?
A general view of the atmosphere is seen at Netflix Sports Club during the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Netflix)
Nearly everyone on every side agrees that baseball is finally showing momentum and growth. Interest is increasing, ratings are increasing, the audience is increasing. The only thing that could jeopardize this? If he misses baseball games. And with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between team owners and the MLB Players Association set to expire on December 1, that’s a very real possibility.
The two sides are no closer to an agreement, although they are not as far apart as initially feared. The $69 million Marlins are 12 games ahead of the $370 million Mets as owners launch a frankly ridiculous ad campaign saying the sport needs to “even the field” with the salary cap. Just as an example. But players have long said they would never accept the cap system because it arbitrarily limits their earning potential to protect ownership.
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This is a fundamental disagreement about the future of the sport and this early opening date narrows the number of days available for the two sides to find a compromise. Not just because it’s March 24, but also because players will need some form of spring training to be ready for the regular season. The last lockout delayed the start of the regular season by a week, but that was from March 31 to April 7. In 2027, there will be one less week to negotiate before postponing or canceling the games.
But that might be a good thing if it forces the two groups to come to the table more often. But imagine team owners telling players that the game is broken and that small markets have no hope after the Milwaukee Brewers or Miami Marlins win the 2026 World Series. Real competitive balance.
Assuming the two sides come together and reach an agreement quickly, the 2027 All-Star Game will return to one of baseball’s cathedrals, Wrigley Field.
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the Chicago Cubs will host the 2027 All-Star Game at Wrigley Field. (David Banks/Imagn Images)
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Wrigley, historically one of the sport’s best venues for dramatic home runs, will be a great setting for the Home Run Derby. And fans in Chicago are already excited about hometown star and fan favorite Pete Crow-Armstrong.
“This is going to be crazy,” he said MLB.com. “Wrigleyville is fun Monday through Sunday,” he told reporters at a media day event ahead of this year’s All-Star Game. “I’m intrigued to see how crowded it is, how difficult it is to try to get around. But knowing [Cubs chairman Tom] Ricketts, our front office and the people who will probably have a big part in planning this, I’m sure it’s going to be great. “Wrigley is a beautiful ballpark and I’m happy it will be on display for everyone to see.”
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 17: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after being hit by a pitch in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on May 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo: Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images) ((Photo: Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images))
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As always, Wrigley will put on a great show for the stars of the sport and the game. Assuming there is a 2027 MLB season, of course. And if the league doesn’t want to cost itself millions, if not billions, by permanently alienating fans, it better be.
