So, you're looking for the Cleveland Guardians game time today, January 17, 2026. I'll give it to you straight: there isn't one. If you look at the calendar, we are smack in the middle of the "dead zone" of the MLB offseason. While the NFL is busy with divisional playoff games—like the Bills taking on the Broncos this afternoon—Progressive Field is currently quiet, likely covered in a light dusting of Lake Erie snow.
It's a bit of a bummer, honestly. You've probably got that itch for the sound of a wood bat cracking or the sight of José Ramírez rounding second base. But while there’s no live box score to refresh today, the gears are absolutely turning behind the scenes.
When does the real action start?
If you're marking your calendar for the actual return of baseball, the wait isn't as long as it feels. We are less than a month away from the boys heading out to Goodyear, Arizona. The Cleveland Guardians game time today might be non-existent, but the countdown to Spring Training is officially on.
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for their first workouts on February 12, 2026. The full squad follows shortly after on February 17.
- First Spring Training Game: Saturday, February 21, 2026.
- The Matchup: Split-squad action. One group stays at Goodyear Ballpark to host the Cincinnati Reds, while the other heads to Phoenix to face the Milwaukee Brewers.
- First Pitch: Both games are slated for early afternoon starts, typically around 1:05 PM or 1:10 PM MST.
That February 21 date is the true light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the first time we’ll see the 2026 jersey on the field, even if the stats don't "count" yet in the standings.
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Why today actually matters for the front office
Even though there's no game on the schedule, the front office is arguably having one of its busiest weeks of the year. Just two days ago, on January 15, the international signing period opened up. This is where the future of the franchise is often built, far away from the bright lights of October.
The Guardians just signed 22 international amateur free agents. The big name to watch is Svert Reinoso, a shortstop from the Dominican Republic who is ranked among the top 50 international prospects.
Think about it this way: the kid they signed Thursday might be the one hitting a walk-off in 2030. It’s a long game. The team’s international scouting staff, led by guys like Paul Gillispie and Richard Conway, have been scouting these teenagers for years just to get to this week.
Mapping out the 2026 season
Once we get past the desert heat of Arizona, the real grind begins. The Guardians open the 2026 regular season on the road. It’s a seven-game trek starting March 26 against the Seattle Mariners, followed by a high-profile series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
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The Home Opener is the one everyone in Northeast Ohio is circling. Mark it down: Friday, April 3, 2026, against the Chicago Cubs.
It’s only the second time in franchise history that Cleveland has hosted a National League team for the home opener. The last time was against the Giants back in 2022. There’s something special about those Interleague openers; it feels a little more like an "event" than just another divisional game against the Tigers or Royals.
Key Dates for your 2026 Calendar
- February 12: Pitchers and Catchers report.
- February 21: Spring Training opener vs. Cincinnati.
- March 3-4: World Baseball Classic exhibition games (Keep an eye on these, they're usually high-energy).
- March 26: Opening Day in Seattle.
- April 3: Home Opener at Progressive Field vs. the Cubs.
The roster reality
Coming off a 2025 season where the team clinched another AL Central title, expectations are sky-high. Fans are looking at guys like Travis Bazzana, the former No. 1 overall pick, to see if 2026 is the year he truly cements himself as a cornerstone. He had some injury bugs last year, but the word out of the development camp is that he's looking sharp.
There's also the "boring" stuff that matters. Corporate communications folks like Curtis Danburg—a BGSU alum who has been with the org for 30 years—are currently prepping the stadium for the influx of fans come April. It’s a massive logistical dance.
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Basically, if you were hoping for a Cleveland Guardians game time today, you’re out of luck on the field. But in the boardrooms and the scouting offices, the 2026 season is already well underway.
What you can do right now
Since you can't watch a game today, the best move is to prep for when they actually start.
- Check your passports: If you're planning on a Spring Training trip to Arizona, the "Guardians Takeovers" travel packages are usually live by now. They often include meet-and-greets with legends like Corey Kluber or Rajai Davis.
- Secure Home Opener Tickets: These usually vanish the second they go on sale to the general public. If you aren't a season ticket holder, keep a very close eye on the single-game release dates in February.
- Follow the Prospects: Keep tabs on the 22 new international signings. While they won't be in Cleveland this year, their progress in the Dominican Summer League will be the first ripple of the next championship window.
The snow will melt, the lockout fears of years past are gone, and baseball is coming back. We’ve only got a few more weeks of "no game time today" before the daily grind of the 162-game schedule returns.