It’s time to make new cherished baseball memories, as the Toronto Blue Jays are set to commence a 2026 season filled with anticipation and hope, after a memorable 2025 campaign.
The Blue Jays went through a rollercoaster postseason, first by beating the New York Yankees, and then the Seattle Mariners in the A.L. Championship Series, where they fought back from 0-2 and 2-3 holes. The crowning moment was one of the most iconic home runs in franchise history, as George Springer hit a go-ahead three-run bomb in the seventh inning of Game 7, as Toronto would go on to secure the A.L. pennant.
In the World Series, the Blue Jays played tremendous baseball against season-long favourites the Los Angeles Dodgers and brought a 3-2 series lead back to Toronto. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t seal the deal at home and lost Game 7 in heartbreaking fashion after giving up a game-tying home run in the ninth inning and then losing it in the 11th.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kevin Gausman, George Springer, Max Scherzer and a host of others are back to try and go one step further than they did last season, though there are a few friendly faces missing this time around.
Bo Bichette has moved on to the New York Mets in free agency, while Chris Bassitt found a new home with the Baltimore Orioles.
The New York Yankees remain the most imminent threat in the A.L. East, while the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles have enough to mount their own respective challenges.
For now, the only opponent in front of the Blue Jays this opening weekend is the Athletics. No longer associated with Oakland in anticipation of a move to Las Vegas in 2028, the A’s finished fourth in the A.L. West with a 76-86 record last season.
Home opener: How to watch Blue Jays vs. Athletics
Date: March 27, 2026.
First pitch: 7:07 p.m. EST / 4:07 p.m. PST.
Location: Rogers Centre, Toronto.
TV Channel: Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet Pacific.
Stream: Sportsnet+.
When and what time does Blue Jays vs. Athletics start?
The game is scheduled to start at 7:07 p.m. EST / 4:07 p.m. PST on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Sportsnet will have pre-game coverage beginning with “Blue Jays Central” at 5:30 p.m. EST/2:30 p.m. PST. There will be an opening ceremony in celebration of the Blue Jays winning the AL pennant last season and commemorating what was a truly special 2025 season concluding in a run to the World Series.
What channel is Blue Jays vs. Athletics?
If you’ve subscribed to Sportsnet through your cable package, such as through Bell or Rogers, you’re covered. Just look for Sportsnet’s Ontario, East, West, or Pacific channels.
How to stream Blue Jays vs. Athletics in Canada?
You can watch the game on your phone via the Sportsnet app via a paid Sportsnet+ subscription. You can also stream the game via the Sportsnet+ website. Monthly plans currently start at $29.99.
If you’ve already paid for a cable subscription to Sportsnet’s TV channels, you can also sign into Sportsnet+ using those login details.
Digital services like Rogers Ignite TV and Bell Fibe can be used to access Sportsnet.
Who’s playing for the Blue Jays?
Mar 8, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
On Wednesday, the Blue Jays announced their 2026 Opening Day 26-man roster.
Starting pitchers: Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Max Scherzer, Eric Lauer.
Relievers: Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, Mason Fluharty, Braydon Fisher, Brendon Little, Spencer Miles, Tommy Nance.
Catchers: Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heineman.
Infielders: Vladimier Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Andrés Giménez, Kazuma Okamoto.
Outfielders: George Springer, Daulton Varsho, Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, Myes Straw, Jesús Sánchez.
Pitchers Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, José Berríos and Yimi Garcia are all starting the season on the 15-day injured list. Outfielder Anthony Santander starts his season on the 10-day IL.
Gausman will be the starting pitcher on opening night.
Who’s playing for the Athletics?
Sep 18, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) is congratulated after hitting a two run home run against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
Luis Severino, who Blue Jays fans will be quite familiar with from his days with the New York Yankees, will be the starter on Friday night. Here is Oakland’s roster to open the season:
Starting pitchers: Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Luis Morales, Aaron Civale, Jacob Lopez.
Relief pitchers: J.T. Ginn, Justin Sterner, Luis Medina, Michael Kelly, Scott Barlow, Mark Leiter Jr., Elvis Alvarado, Hogan Harris.
Catchers: Shea Langeliers, Austin Wynns.
Infielders: Nick Kurtz, Jeff McNeil, Jacob Wilson, Max Muncy, Darrell Hernaiz, Andy Ibáñez.
Outfielders: Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom, Denzel Clarke, Lawrence Butler, Carlos Cortes.