Blue Jays push season opener back a day, now kick off with a March 27 night game

Toronto Blue Jays' pitcher Max Scherzer leaves the game during the fifth inning in Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays will open their 2026 season a day later than originally planned, the Major League Baseball team announced Thursday.

The Blue Jays will now kick off their season on the evening of Friday, March 27, against the visiting Athletics.

They were originally scheduled to start the campaign with an afternoon home game on March 26.

A reason for the switch was not provided. But given the surge in the Blue Jays’ nationwide popularity during their run to last year’s World Series, a Friday night opener would likely better capitalize on the buzz around the team.

The Blue Jays also announced that, outside a few exceptions, home games would continue to start at 7:07 p.m. ET on weekdays, 3:07 p.m. Saturdays and 1:07 p.m. Sundays.

Toronto plays 12 of its first 15 games at home in 2026, including an anticipated World Series rematch with the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers from April 6-8.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2025.