You Don’t Need Peacock: Watch All Remaining MLB Wild Card Games For Free On YouTube TV

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man
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TV For Seniors earlier told you how to watch this week’s MLB Wild Card games for free on Peacock. And now we let you in on another little secret: You can watch the remaining Wild Card contests for free without Peacock!

Today’s Wild Card Schedule

•  Phillies at Braves, 2 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

•  White Sox at Astros, 5 p.m. ET (NBCSN, Peacock)

•  Red Sox at Yankees, 8 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

•  Cubs at Padres, 10 p.m. ET (NBCSN, Peacock)

You certainly have noticed by now that two games are exclusive to Peacock and NBCSN. But the good news for cord-cutters and seniors looking for a simple way to watch is that YouTube TV carries local NBC channels and NBCSN. That means you can catch every one of today’s Wild Card games live through YouTube TV without needing a separate Peacock subscription.

And best of all, YouTube TV is now offering a two-day free trial which means you can watch both the Wednesday games and any game three contests on Thursday for free. (Free trials only available to new users; if you have trouble signing up with your primary e-mail address, try a different one. I’ve done that and it works.)

What Is YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that works on Smart TVs, streaming devices (like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV or Chromecast), computers, phones, and tablets. It includes unlimited cloud DVR so you can pause, rewind, or record games, plus easy search and Multiview options on some devices. For many older adults, the menu and features are straightforward once set up, and you can watch from the comfort of your living room on a big screen.

How to Start the YouTube TV Free Trial

New users can sign up for a free trial of YouTube TV. (The streamer has offered free trials up to 21 days in the past, but it’s just two days this morning. So check the exact number of free days you will get during signup at tv.youtube.com.) You will need a Google account and a payment method on file, but you will not be charged if you cancel before the trial ends. This makes it a low-risk way to test the service specifically for today and tomorrow’s Wild Card games.

Step-by-Step Guide For Seniors

1. Open a web browser on a computer or use the YouTube TV app on your Smart TV or streaming device.

2. Go to tv.youtube.com (or search for the YouTube TV app in your device’s app store and open it).

3. Sign in with your Google account (or create one if needed; use an email address you check regularly. And if you have trouble with an e-mail you previously used to watch YouTube TV, try a different one.)

4. Look for the “Try it free” or similar button and follow the prompts. Enter your ZIP code so the service shows the correct local channels (including your NBC station).

5. Review the trial details shown on screen, add a payment method, and confirm. The trial begins right away with full access.

6. Once inside, search for “MLB,” “Wild Card,” the team names, or go to the live guide and find NBC or NBCSN. The games should appear at the scheduled times.

You can start watching almost immediately after signup. Record the games if you need to step away, or use the pause feature during commercial breaks. If multiple games overlap in interest, the guide and search make it easy to switch channels. YouTube TV also has a Multiview feature which can display multiple games on screen at the same time.

Senior-Friendly Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Use a stable home Internet connection. A wired connection or strong Wi-Fi helps prevent buffering.

• On a Smart TV or streaming stick, pin or favorite the YouTube TV app for quick access.

• IF the remote feels complicated, many seniors find a voice search feature helpful (Say “Play Yankees game” or “Tune to NBC”).

• Cancel anytime before the trial ends through the membership settings in the app or website to avoid charges. (The current monthly rate is $82.99 but YouTube TV is now offering discounts. Check the YouTube TV web page for the lastest price.) You keep access until the trial period finishes. If you are worried about forgetting to cancel, see our article, The Free Trial Trap.

• Local NBC availability depends on your location, but YouTube TV covers the vast majority of U.S. households with the major networks.

For more senior-friendly guides on streaming sports, setting up devices, or comparing services, visit, TVForSeniors.com.

Happy viewing and stay safe!

Have a question? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.