The Short Answer: Do the Toronto Blue Jays Play Today?
No. If you’re checking your watch or flipping through channels hoping to catch a first pitch, you’re going to be waiting a bit. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026, which means we are firmly in the depths of the MLB offseason.
There is no game today.
Baseball is a summer game, and right now, the only thing hitting the dirt in Toronto is road salt. The Blue Jays won’t be taking the field for a meaningful game for several more weeks. Honestly, the Rogers Centre is probably better suited for a massive indoor skating rink than a baseball diamond this afternoon.
When Does the 2026 Season Actually Start?
If you're asking about the next time the boys in blue suit up, you need to circle February 21, 2026 on your calendar. That is when Spring Training officially kicks off down in Dunedin, Florida. The Jays are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Phillies at TD Ballpark for their Grapefruit League opener.
It’s always a bit of a tease, isn’t it? Those Florida games feel like real baseball, but they don't count for much more than seeing which prospects have actually been hitting the gym.
🔗 Read more: Cowboys Score: Why Dallas Just Can't Finish the Job When it Matters
As for the games that actually matter? The 2026 Regular Season Opening Day for Toronto is set for Friday, March 27, 2026. They’ll be hosting the Athletics (who are currently navigating their own complicated relocation drama) right at home in Toronto.
Key Dates for the Blue Jays Calendar
- Pitchers and Catchers Report: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
- First Full Squad Workout: Monday, February 16, 2026
- First Spring Training Game: February 21 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- 2026 Regular Season Opener: March 27 vs. Oakland Athletics
Why Today is Actually a Huge Day for Blue Jays Fans
Even though there isn't a game to watch, today—January 16—has been a whirlwind of a day for the front office and the fanbase. If you’ve been away from social media, you’ve missed some massive news.
Just hours ago, the "Bo Bichette era" in Toronto officially ended.
In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the city, Bo Bichette reportedly signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets. It’s a gut punch. For years, the core of this team was supposed to be Vladdy and Bo. Now, that identity is fundamentally changing.
💡 You might also like: Jake Paul Mike Tyson Tattoo: What Most People Get Wrong
Earlier this week, there was hope. Fans were buzzing about the possibility of landing Kyle Tucker, but he just signed a record-breaking $240 million deal with the Dodgers. It’s been a rough 48 hours for Jays GM Ross Atkins.
The Current Roster Shuffle
The Jays haven't been totally silent this winter, though. They did manage to land Dylan Cease on a $210 million deal earlier in the offseason, and they recently added Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract.
Basically, the team you see on the field in March is going to look wildly different than the one that finished the 2025 season.
Where to Get Your Blue Jays Fix Right Now
Since you can't watch a game today, what are you supposed to do? You've got a few options to keep the stove hot:
📖 Related: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
- Check the "Hot Stove" Reports: Sportsnet and TSN are currently dominated by the Bichette fallout. Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith are the go-to sources for how the Jays might pivot now that their star shortstop is heading to Queens.
- Look into the 2026 World Baseball Classic: Don't forget, the WBC exhibitions are sprinkled into the Spring Training schedule this year. The Jays will be hosting some of those tune-up games in March.
- Ticket Sales: If you're planning on being at the Rogers Centre for Opening Day, tickets are already becoming a hot commodity. With the stadium renovations mostly settled now, the "flight deck" experience is still the place to be, but prices aren't getting any cheaper.
The Bottom Line
The Toronto Blue Jays don't play today, and the news cycle is currently more about "who is leaving" than "who is hitting." It’s a tough day to be a fan if you were hoping for a reunion with Bo, but the 2026 season is still shaping up to be an aggressive one for a team that is clearly willing to spend—even if they've missed on a few big fish recently.
Keep an eye on the waiver wire and the remaining free agents like Eugenio Suarez, as the front office is under immense pressure to fill the hole left at shortstop before that February 21st start date in Dunedin.
To get ready for the upcoming season, you should double-check your MLB.tv subscription or local cable sports packages, as the broadcast landscape for 2026 has seen some shifts with more games moving to streaming platforms like Peacock for Sunday morning starts.