No, the St. Louis Cardinals do not have a game today. It’s January 18, 2026. If you were looking for a box score or a starting pitcher, you’re about a month too early for the Grapefruit League and even further out from the regular season.
But here’s the thing. Even though there isn’t a game, today is actually one of the biggest dates on the St. Louis baseball calendar.
Right now, Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village are packed. It’s the final day of the 2026 Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up. If you’re a fan, this is basically Christmas in January. Instead of watching them play, fans are actually hanging out with over 50 players, coaches, and alumni.
Honestly, it’s a weird time to be a Redbirds fan. The team just traded Nolan Arenado to the Diamondbacks a few days ago. That news is still stinging. People at the Winter Warm-Up today aren’t just looking for autographs; they’re looking for answers about the "full rebuild" that’s clearly underway.
Do St. Louis Cardinals Play Today? The Short Answer
The Cardinals are not playing a baseball game today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. The 2026 MLB season hasn't started yet.
Baseball is a seasonal game, and we are currently in the heart of the "Hot Stove" season. That means trades, contract negotiations, and fan festivals take the place of double plays and home runs. While the diamond is empty, the front office is incredibly busy.
If you're wondering when the actual action starts, here’s the timeline:
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- Spring Training Opener: February 21, 2026, against the Washington Nationals.
- Official Opening Day: March 26, 2026, against the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium.
What’s Happening Today at the Winter Warm-Up?
Since they aren't playing, what are the players doing? They’re busy talking.
Today’s schedule at the Winter Warm-Up is pretty packed. If you’re at the event, you’ve probably seen the "Player Chats." These are basically informal Q&A sessions where fans get to grill the guys.
At 1:00 p.m. today, there was a "Kids Only" press conference. Jordan Walker and Gordon Graceffo took questions, but only from kids. It's usually the most entertaining part of the weekend because kids ask the questions adults are too polite to ask. Like, "Why did you strike out?" or "What’s your favorite cereal?"
Later this afternoon, at 4:15 p.m., there’s a session with Andre Granillo. Fans are also waiting for the 1:30 p.m. reveal of the 2026 Promotion Schedule. We already know about the Stan Musial military bobblehead coming in May, but everyone wants to see the rest of the giveaway list.
The Baseball Writers' Dinner
Tonight is also the 66th annual St. Louis Baseball Writers’ Dinner at the Missouri Athletic Club. This is the "fancy" part of the day. They’ll be honoring the top performers from 2025 and having a big roundtable with members of the 2006 World Series Championship team.
It’s a bit of a bittersweet night. Celebrating the past is great, but with the Arenado trade and the talk of moving Brendan Donovan, the mood is definitely "transitional."
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When is the First Cardinals Game of 2026?
If you’re itching to see a box score, you have to wait until February. The Cardinals head down to Jupiter, Florida, for Spring Training very soon.
The first time they’ll take the field for a real (well, exhibition) game is Saturday, February 21, 2026. They’ll be at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium facing the Washington Nationals.
Here is how the first week of the 2026 schedule looks:
- Feb 21: vs. Washington Nationals (Home)
- Feb 22: at Houston Astros (Away)
- Feb 23: vs. Miami Marlins (Home)
- Feb 24: at Washington Nationals (Away)
Tickets for these games actually went on sale on January 10. If you’re planning a trip to Florida, you’ve probably noticed that prices are starting around $29 for the opener. Not too bad for a bit of sun and a look at the new roster.
The Chaim Bloom Era and the "New" Cardinals
When we ask "do St. Louis Cardinals play today," we're usually thinking about the team we know. But the team playing in 2026 is going to look radically different.
Chaim Bloom, the President of Baseball Operations, is officially steering the ship now. The trade of Arenado for minor league pitching was the loudest signal yet that the old "win now at all costs" mentality has shifted.
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The focus today—and for the rest of this season—is on the kids.
- JJ Wetherholt: The number one prospect. People are already calling him the upgrade at third base.
- Masyn Winn: The Gold Glover who is basically the face of the franchise now.
- Quinn Matthews: A name you'll hear a lot during Spring Training as he fights for a rotation spot.
Basically, the "game" today is a game of management and development. It’s about whether this rebuild can actually happen fast enough to keep the St. Louis fans from getting too restless.
How to Follow the Cardinals Until Opening Day
Since there’s no game to watch on TV today, how do you stay in the loop?
Most fans are glued to the "Cardinals Caravan" updates. The Caravan has been traveling through 15 cities over the last few days. They just hit Springfield, Missouri, on Friday, where guys like Victor Scott II and JJ Wetherholt were meeting fans for free.
The Caravan wraps up tomorrow, Monday night, when everyone heads back to St. Louis.
If you want the real-time scoop, follow the local beat writers like Derrick Goold or the "Rains on the Cardinals" podcast. They’ve been deep-diving into the fallout of the Arenado trade and what it means for the remaining veterans like Sonny Gray or Willson Contreras.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your vouchers: If you attended a Caravan stop (like the one in Springfield), make sure you redeem your voucher for a 2026 home game ticket.
- Sync your calendar: Opening Day is March 26. It’s the earliest traditional Opening Day in MLB history.
- Get Spring Training Tickets: If you're heading to Jupiter, buy your tickets now at cardinals.com/springtraining before the prime dates sell out.
- Watch the Prospects: Keep an eye on the box scores starting February 21 specifically for names like Wetherholt and Bernal. These are the guys who will determine if 2026 is a success.
The Cardinals might not be playing today, but the 2026 season has effectively begun. Between the Winter Warm-Up and the massive roster shifts, there’s plenty to keep track of before that first pitch in February.