So, you’re looking to find out: did the Cleveland Indians win today? It’s a habit. I get it. For a century, that was the name on the front of the jersey, the name on the scoreboard, and the name we shouted from the bleachers at Progressive Field. But if you’re looking for a box score under that specific name today, January 18, 2026, you’re going to run into a bit of a technicality.
The team doesn't exist anymore. At least, not by that name.
They’re the Cleveland Guardians now. They have been for years. Since the 2022 season, the organization transitioned away from the "Indians" moniker to embrace a new identity inspired by the Hope Memorial Bridge statues. So, if you're checking the MLB scores for a January game, you're actually looking for something that doesn't happen—baseball in Cleveland in the dead of winter. It's freezing outside. The Guardians, like the rest of the league, are currently in the thick of the offseason, preparing for Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona.
The confusion over the name change
Names stick. They really do. You’ve probably got an old Chief Wahoo hat in your closet or a "Windians" t-shirt from the 2016 World Series run that you just can't bring yourself to toss. That’s why people still type "did the Cleveland Indians win today" into search bars. It’s muscle memory.
The transition to "Guardians" wasn't just a simple swap of stationery. It was a massive branding overhaul that faced plenty of pushback from traditionalists. Yet, the team has pushed forward, finding success under the new banner. When you look at the standings now, you'll see "CLE" or "Guardians," but the DNA of the team—that gritty, pitching-heavy, small-ball approach—remains exactly the same as it was during the Terry Francona era.
Where is the team right now?
It's January. Nobody is winning or losing games today. The players are scattered. Some are in Florida; others are training in warm-weather climates across the globe. The front office, led by Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff, is busy tinkering with the roster.
🔗 Read more: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
If you’re wondering about their "win" status in a broader sense—the offseason win—that’s a different story. Fans are currently tracking every minor league signing and trade rumor. Will they add another power bat? Can the rotation stay healthy? These are the questions that define a "win" in the winter. For a team with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, every penny counts. They win by being smarter, not richer.
Looking back at the 2025 season
To understand where they are today, you have to look at how they finished last year. The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. We saw the continued emergence of young talent and the steady, elite presence of Jose Ramirez. Ramirez is arguably the greatest player to ever wear a Cleveland uniform, regardless of which name was on the chest. He stays. He produces. He’s the heartbeat of the city.
The pitching staff, as usual, kept them in the hunt. Cleveland has this uncanny ability to turn unheralded prospects into Cy Young contenders. It’s like a factory. You see a guy with a 92-mph fastball and a weird delivery, and three months later, he’s striking out the side in the Bronx. That’s the Cleveland way.
Why people still use the old name
Language evolves slower than corporate branding. For many, the name "Indians" represents decades of family history. It’s about going to Municipal Stadium with your grandpa. It’s about the 455-game sellout streak. It’s about Sandy Alomar Jr.’s home run in the All-Star game.
But the reality of the "did the Cleveland Indians win today" query is that Google and other search engines are getting better at redirecting you. They know what you mean. They show you the Guardians' schedule. They show you the score from the last game played in September or October. They bridge the gap between your nostalgia and the current reality of Major League Baseball.
💡 You might also like: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
The schedule for 2026
If you want to know when they actually play next, you’re looking at February. Pitchers and catchers report soon. The first Spring Training games will kick off shortly after. That’s when the "did they win" question becomes relevant again, even if the games don't count in the standings.
Here is the thing about Cleveland baseball: it’s resilient. Whether they are called the Blues, the Bronchos, the Naps, the Indians, or the Guardians, the relationship between the city and the team is permanent. We’ve seen the highest highs—like the 22-game winning streak—and the lowest lows.
How to track the team correctly
If you want the most accurate, up-to-the-minute info, you need to adjust your search habits. Following "Cleveland Indians" news might get you some legacy articles or fan blogs, but for the official transactions, you have to look for the Guardians.
- Check the MLB App: It’s the fastest way to see the 40-man roster.
- Follow local beat writers: People like Paul Hoynes or Zack Meisel. They provide the context that a simple score can't give you.
- Watch the waiver wire: Cleveland lives on the waiver wire. It’s where they find the "boring" players who end up winning them games in July.
The 2026 season looks promising. The American League Central is always a bit of a dogfight, but Cleveland’s internal development usually gives them an edge. They don't buy championships; they grow them.
What about today's "win"?
Technically, no. They didn't win today because they didn't play. But in the world of professional sports, the "win" is often what happens in the dark. It’s the rehab sessions for a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery. It’s the extra hours in the batting cage for a rookie trying to fix a hitch in his swing.
📖 Related: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
If you are a fan, today is about anticipation. It's about that feeling when you first see the green grass of the diamond after a long, gray Ohio winter. That’s the real win.
Actionable insights for fans
Stop searching for the old name if you want the newest gear. The official MLB shop has transitioned entirely. If you’re looking for vintage "Indians" apparel, you’re relegated to secondary markets like eBay or specialized vintage shops.
Update your bookmarks. If you have a "did the Cleveland Indians win today" bookmark from 2015, it’s probably broken or redirecting poorly. Point your browser to the official Guardians schedule page.
Prepare for Spring Training. If you're planning a trip to Arizona, book now. The Cleveland facility in Goodyear is one of the best for fan access. You can get closer to the players there than you ever will at Progressive Field.
Final thought: the name changed, but the heartbreak and the hope stayed exactly where they’ve always been. That’s baseball. That’s Cleveland.
Next Steps for the Offseason
- Audit your sports apps: Ensure your notifications are set for "Cleveland Guardians" so you don't miss breaking trade news.
- Review the 2026 schedule: Mark the home opener on your calendar now; those tickets go fast regardless of the weather.
- Watch the arbitration numbers: January is when salary figures are settled for many key players, which dictates how much "room" the team has for late-winter free-agent signings.
- Check the prospect rankings: Look into the "Top 30" lists from Baseball America or MLB Pipeline to see which young arms will likely be called up to Cleveland this summer.