The Boston Red Sox' 2023 schedule is here, and it's a significant change from previous seasons.
For the first time in Major League Baseball history, all 30 teams will play one another at least once during the 162-game season. The balanced schedule means fewer divisional matchups -- teams will face their division opponents 14 times each -- but more games against stars from across the league.
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You can check out the Red Sox' full 2023 schedule here, but here are the biggest takeaways from next year's unique slate.
Six-game homestand to start
Red Sox Opening Day is set for March 30 vs. the Baltimore Orioles, who Boston will host for a three-game series to begin the campaign. After the O's, the Red Sox will welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Fenway Park for another three-game set. Trips to Detroit and Tampa Bay will follow.
A long wait for Red Sox-Yankees
Boston Red Sox
With the balanced schedule, fans will have to be patient for the first Red Sox-Yankees series of the season. The archrivals won't face off until a three-game series at Yankee Stadium starting on June 9. They'll meet again for another three-game set starting June 16 at Fenway Park.
After that, the Red Sox and Yankees won't meet again until August 18 in the Bronx. The final series of the season between the American League East clubs is a four-game slate at Fenway Park beginning on Sept. 11.
Mookie Betts returns to Boston
Perhaps the most intriguing series of 2023 will begin on Aug. 23 when the Red Sox host the Los Angeles Dodgers. The three-gamer will bring plenty of star power to Boston, including former Red Sox superstar Mookie Betts. Get your popcorn ready for that one.
Other fun matchups
Thanks to the new schedule format, Red Sox fans will get to see most of the league's stars next season. In addition to Mookie Betts and the Dodgers, there will be series against Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies (May 5-7), Ronald Acuńa Jr. and the Atlanta Braves (May 9-10, July 25-26), Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals (May 12-14), Juan Soto and the San Diego Padres (May 19-21), Francisco Lindor and the New York Mets (July 21-23).