While Toronto Maple Leafs fans were already busy poring over the release of the 2026-27 NHL schedule, eagerly anticipating the team hitting the ice this September, it turns out that baseball fans were in for an unexpected treat as well.
On Thursday, MLB released its full schedule for the 2027 regular season with the Toronto Blue Jays issuing a press release at 3 p.m. — just two hours after their NHL brethren did the same.
Why was MLB schedule release a surprise?
While it’s not out of the ordinary for MLB to release the schedule for the following year with the current season underway, the timing and circumstances certainly were curious.
The NHL’s schedule release had been planned for weeks with the opening slate announced a day earlier. MLB’s announcement seemingly came out of nowhere for many media outlets.
Looking back to last year’s release of the 2026 MLB calendar, that announcement came on Aug. 26 — almost a month and a half later than this edition.
There’s also the rather large elephant in the room regarding the announcement of games set to be played next year: It looks almost certain that there will be a labour stoppage.
With MLB and the MLB Players Association seemingly at loggerheads over a potential salary cap, there is much fear amongst fans that the 2027 season could be delayed.
What does the Blue Jays schedule look like?
On the bright side, optimistic fans can begin pencilling in dates on their calendars to see their favourite team in action — even though the second half of the current MLB season only gets underway on Thursday night with the Mets taking on the Phillies.
The Blue Jays will begin their 2027 campaign on the road, taking on the rival New York Yankees in the Bronx on Thursday, March 25 — MLB Opening Day.
The team then plays a series in Baltimore against the Orioles before flying back North for the home opener on Friday, April 2, against the Seattle Mariners.
The Jays will have 48 interleague matchups during the 2027 season, including games at Rogers Centre against the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves.
The team’s annual Canada Day celebration will pit the Blue Jays against the Los Angeles Angels and caps off a nine-game home stand.
According to the team, Loonie Dogs Nights and Jr. Jays Sundays will return for 2027 with the full list of promotions to be released during the off-season.
The Blue Jays will wrap up their regular-season schedule with a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays from Sept. 24-26.
The schedule is subject to change, while start times and broadcast details will be revealed at a later date.