A guide for how to stream 2019 MLB Postseason games. A guest post by Chris Brantner of Streaming Observer.
October might be about falling leaves and pumpkin-everything for some people, but for sports fans it means MLB playoffs, football, and other fall sports. The trickiest part of cutting the cord has always been sports. This is due to things like black-outs and restricted streaming. However, as streaming becomes more mainstream, sports streaming has become easier. It’s so easy, in fact, that you should be able to stream the entire MLB playoffs without cable.
The key to streaming is choosing a package that has as many of the channels that you want. For MLB streaming you’re looking for ESPN, FS1, FOX, TBS, and MLB Network. Naturally some of these channels will be easier to find than others. That said, it’s not impossible to find a streaming service that offers all of these channels and more, for one low price.
Online Streaming Options
In most cases services like Hulu Live, AT&T Now, and others operate similar to cable. You purchase a set package of channels and possible add-ons and you can watch anything on those channels. The main differences are usually that streaming services offer similar packages for less money and since you’re not hooked up through cable, you’re able to stream when and where you want as opposed to being tethered to a specific television.
There are a variety of services currently on the market that will let you watch the MLB Playoffs straight through to the World Series. So, if you’re holding onto cable for baseball, you can let it go and opt for a cheaper streaming alternative. In addition to the live stream channels these services offer, they also allow for the use of network TV Everywhere apps based on the channels in their package. This allows you to use apps like WatchESPN or FOX Sports Go, in addition to the service you choose. This gives you another way to watch live and on-demand TV on the streaming or mobile device of your choice.
If you’re looking for a streaming service to watch the MLB Playoffs, here are your options:
Hulu Live
• One package option with 60+ live channels
• Plans from $45 per month
• FOX is available live in most areas – TBS, FS1, and ESPN are also included
• MLB Network is missing
• No contracts so you can cancel anytime
• TV Everywhere apps are included
• A cloud-DVR allows you to save shows you can’t watch live
fuboTV
• A great option for sports streaming
• MLB games air in 4k
• FOX is available in some areas, FS1 and TBS are also available
• Missing both ESPN and MLB Network
• FOX Sports Go and other TV Everywhere apps are included
• 95+ channels are included, and more can be added
• $55/month but the first month is $45
Sling TV
• Three package options
• For MLB streaming the Sling Orange package is currently best
• Sling Orange includes ESPN and TBS
• Add the Sports Extra package for MLB Network and other sports channels
• FOX and FS1 were recently removed from the service due to a carriage dispute
• $25 per month with no contracts
• TV Everywhere apps are compatible
• If you want a cloud-DVR it will cost you extra
AT&T NOW
• Several available package options
• The starter package is $50 with 40+ channels
• Base plan includes local channels (in some areas), TBS, ESPN, and FS1
• MLB Network is not included
• Works with TV Everywhere apps
• HBO is offered in the base package at no added cost
• A cloud-DVR is included, offering limited space
PlayStation Vue
• Four plans from $50/month
• The Core plan – $55/month includes every channel needed to watch MLB Playoffs
• Stream on PS3/PS4 consoles, as well as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, mobile devices, etc.
• Extra channels can be added for a fee
• The cloud-DVR stores saved shows for 28-days
• Stream on 5 devices at the same time
Over the Top Streaming Services
MLB.TV
MLB.TV offers live stream access for any out-of-market games. This is great for fans that live in California that are Yankees fans. The catch is that while all post season games are available through MLB.TV, you can’t watch any of them live. In the U.S. and Canada all playoff and World Series games are archived on-demand as opposed to offering a live stream. This means you can’t watch any of the games until they’ve gone off the air. Games usually become available around 90 minutes or so after they are over.
You can watch most sports without cable these days and MLB access is no different. When you find a service you think is right for you, just sign up for the free trial! None of these services require contracts, which means that if you aren’t satisfied with your choice, you can cancel and find a better option for you!
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