You're probably staring at your calendar or refreshing your sports app right now, wondering about the boys in blue. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. The air is cold in North Texas—or at least as cold as it gets around here—and the itch for baseball is becoming a full-on rash.
But honestly? If you’re asking do the Texas Rangers play today, the answer is a flat no.
Baseball is a seasonal heartbreaker. Right now, we are stuck in that weird "no-man's-land" of the sports calendar. The NFL playoffs are dominating the conversation, and the Texas Rangers are currently a collection of guys hitting in private cages or working out in their home gyms. There is no game at Globe Life Field today. There isn't even a game in the Arizona desert yet.
When Does the Action Actually Start?
If you want to see the Rangers in a uniform against an opponent, you’ve got a bit of a wait. The 2026 preseason doesn't kick off for another month. Specifically, the Rangers open their Spring Training schedule on Friday, February 20, 2026.
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They’ll be taking on the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium in Arizona. That’s the "Cactus League" opener. It's the first time you'll get to see the new roster additions and the young prospects who spent the winter getting bulked up.
For those of us who need meaningful games—the ones that actually count toward a pennant—you’re looking at March 26, 2026. That’s Opening Day. The Rangers are starting the year on the road in Philadelphia this time around. It's actually the earliest season opener in the history of the franchise.
Key Dates for Your 2026 Calendar
- February 20: First Spring Training game vs. Kansas City Royals (Surprise, AZ).
- March 26: Regular Season Opening Day @ Philadelphia Phillies.
- April 3: Home Opener at Globe Life Field vs. Cincinnati Reds.
Why There’s No Game on January 17
January is for the "Hot Stove." It’s the season of rumors. While nobody is playing today, the front office is likely working the phones. We’re in the middle of the offseason where trades are finalized and the final pieces of the bullpen are usually being assembled.
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You might see "Rangers" on your TV guide today, but don't get your hopes up for a home run. The New York Rangers are playing the Philadelphia Flyers today in the NHL. It’s a common mix-up for casual fans or those using voice assistants that don't know the difference between a puck and a slider.
Also, it's worth noting that the 2026 schedule has some weird quirks. Because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Rangers have some unusual off-days later in the summer—specifically June 17 and July 3—to accommodate the chaos happening at AT&T Stadium next door. But today? Today is just a standard winter Saturday with zero baseball.
The Offseason Buzz: What to Watch Instead
Since there’s no game, what are the beat writers talking about? Most of the chatter right now is centered on the rotation. Fans are tracking the recovery of the pitching staff and seeing who survived the latest round of free-agent signings.
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Kennedi Landry and other Rangers insiders have been busy lately discussing the franchise's moves to bolster the depth. The "winter of waiting" is almost over, but we aren't there yet.
If you're really desperate for a Rangers fix, you might check out the Rangers Fantasy Camp which usually wraps up around this time in early January. It's where legends like Pudge Rodríguez and Fergie Jenkins hang out with fans who have enough cash to pretend they're in the big leagues for a week.
Final Verdict for Today
So, do the Texas Rangers play today? No. They don't play tomorrow, either.
You have about 34 days until the first pitch of Spring Training. If you need to see a game at Globe Life Field, you’re waiting until April 3. In the meantime, maybe go grab some brisket or watch some old highlights of the 2023 World Series run to keep the spirit alive.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official MLB site to see if tickets for the April 3 Home Opener against the Reds are still available; they usually go fast.
- Verify your TV subscription for Bally Sports or whatever the 2026 broadcast partner is to ensure you’re ready for the March 26 opener in Philly.
- If you’re planning a trip to Arizona for the February 20 opener, book your flights to Phoenix (PHX) now before the spring break prices kick in.