It may be only the opening weekend of Grapefruit League action, but anytime the New York Yankees and the New York Mets meet — no matter the month — the matchup immediately energizes fans across both boroughs and beyond.

The two New York rivals square off Sunday in Tampa, offering baseball diehards an early glimpse of new faces, roster battles, and the first sparks of what could become deeper narratives throughout the 2026 season.

The Yankees enter the contest fresh off a dominant opening performance at Steinbrenner Field on Saturday, a game highlighted by two towering home runs from captain Aaron Judge, who appeared locked in despite the calendar still reading February.

Judge’s early display of power reflects his ongoing preparation for meaningful international competition, with the upcoming World Baseball Classic prompting several star players to accelerate their conditioning ahead of March.

Meanwhile, the Mets opened their spring schedule on a much quieter note, producing minimal offense in a sluggish debut against the Miami Marlins, a game where their revamped lineup showed flashes of potential but struggled to manufacture consistent contact.

One of their many newcomers, former Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes, recorded the only hit among the Mets’ starting position players, although the lineup also featured high-profile additions including Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Juan Soto.

Their quiet showing was not a cause for alarm, but rather a reminder that even elite hitters typically spend early spring training refining timing, evaluating mechanics, and easing into full-speed gameplay.

Sunday’s matchup will see Luis Gil take the mound for the Yankees, looking to build upon his comeback foundation after injuries slowed his progress over multiple seasons and placed renewed emphasis on his durability and command.

For the Mets, right-hander Justin Hagenman will receive the ball to open the afternoon, offering him a valuable early opportunity to showcase his potential role within a pitching staff undergoing significant restructuring.

Both clubs will follow their starters with a series of relievers and young prospects, giving fans a wide look at bullpen depth, developing talent, and candidates fighting for final roster spots as the organizations move deeper into exhibition play.

📺 Where to Watch Yankees vs. Mets Spring Training Game

Sunday’s contest will be broadcast nationally on MLB Network, ensuring widespread visibility for fans eager to evaluate early-season form from both New York squads during the opening days of their Grapefruit League schedules.

Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup through Fubo, a platform offering access to more than one hundred channels, including ESPN, FOX, ABC, and CBS, with a free trial available for new subscribers seeking flexible, no-cable live-sports options.

Fans located within the New York market can stream the game live via the Gotham Sports app, continuing the growing trend of regional sports platforms expanding digital access for home-market audiences.

🕒 Game Time and Venue Details

The Yankees and Mets will meet on Sunday, February 22, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET at Steinbrenner Field, a site that annually hosts thousands of traveling fans escaping winter temperatures to enjoy early glimpses of baseball under the Florida sun.

The ballpark atmosphere during spring training often blends relaxed energy with genuine anticipation, particularly when rivalry matchups draw larger crowds and inject heightened interest into otherwise developmental exhibition games.

📻 Radio Coverage and Live Audio

Fans who prefer audio broadcasts can listen to the game through SiriusXM, which will carry live coverage accessible via the SiriusXM app for subscribers interested in tuning into pitch-by-pitch action and expert commentary.

New subscribers can take advantage of a free four-month trial, offering access not only to MLB games but also live broadcasts of NFL, NBA, NHL, college sports, and an expansive network of sport-specific analysis channels.

The auditory experience of spring training games remains a favorite tradition for many fans, capturing the rhythm of baseball through pacing, storytelling, and the subtle sounds that define the sport during the early weeks of February.

📅 Yankees Spring Training Schedule (Next 5 Games)

Here are the Yankees’ next five Grapefruit League matchups as they build toward Opening Day:

• Feb. 23 — at Pittsburgh Pirates — 1:05 p.m.

• Feb. 24 — at Toronto Blue Jays — 1:07 p.m.

• Feb. 25 — vs. Washington Nationals — 6:35 p.m.

• Feb. 26 — vs. Atlanta Braves — 1:05 p.m.

• Feb. 27 — at Minnesota Twins — 1:05 p.m.

These games will allow the Yankees to evaluate roster depth, assess their rotation options, and continue pacing star players such as Judge, who is preparing for one of the busiest springs of his professional career.

📅 Mets Spring Training Schedule (Next 5 Games)

The Mets’ next five games are as follows:

• Feb. 23 — at Toronto Blue Jays — 1:07 p.m.

• Feb. 24 — vs. Houston Astros — 1:10 p.m.

• Feb. 25 — vs. St. Louis Cardinals — 1:10 p.m.

• Feb. 26 — at Houston Astros — 1:05 p.m.

• Feb. 27 — at St. Louis Cardinals — 1:05 p.m.

For the Mets, this stretch represents a key evaluation period for newcomers, highlighted stars, and young prospects competing for bench roles on a roster reshaped through multiple significant offseason transactions.

🔎 Final Thoughts

Spring training may not carry the high-stakes intensity of the regular season, but games like Yankees vs. Mets offer valuable early insight into team identity, individual readiness, roster structure, and potential storylines that will follow both franchises deep into 2026.

These matchups help establish tone, chemistry, and internal expectations, giving coaches clarity on where adjustments must be made while providing fans with the first taste of baseball energy after a long winter.

As both teams continue adjusting lineups, evaluating prospects, and preparing for the demanding months ahead, the annual meeting in Tampa once again delivers a reminder that baseball’s greatest rivalries thrive all year long — even in February.