If you’re staring at a blank TV screen wondering is there any baseball games on right now, you aren't alone. It’s mid-January, that weird "dead zone" where the Major League Baseball (MLB) hot stove has cooled to a simmer and pitchers and catchers haven't yet reported to Florida or Arizona. But here’s the thing: baseball doesn't actually stop. You just have to know where the sun is still shining.
While the big-league stadiums in the Bronx or Los Angeles are currently covered in tarps or hosting stadium tours, professional baseball is in the middle of some of its highest-stakes moments of the year in the Caribbean and Australia.
The Winter Leagues: Real Stakes and Playoff Intensity
Honestly, most fans think the season ends when the World Series trophy is hoisted in November. They’re missing out. Right now, on January 15, 2026, the Caribbean winter leagues are in the absolute thick of their playoff "Round Robin" and semi-final stages.
In the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), tonight features massive matchups at 6:30 PM ET. You’ve got the Gigantes del Cibao taking on the Águilas Cibaeñas at Estadio Cibao, while the Leones del Escogido travel to face the Toros del Este. These aren't just exhibition games; they are determining who represents the D.R. in the upcoming Caribbean Series.
Over in Mexico, the Mexican Pacific League (LMP) is in the middle of its semi-finals. Tonight is Game 4 for two critical series:
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- Charros de Jalisco vs. Águilas de Mexicali (10:30 PM ET)
- Tomateros de Culiacán vs. Algodoneros de Guasave (9:30 PM ET)
If you’ve never watched LMP baseball, it's basically a party with a high-level ballgame in the middle. The atmosphere is electric, and the caliber of play—often featuring MLB prospects and seasoned veterans—is surprisingly sharp for January.
Geopolitics and the Venezuelan League (LVBP)
If you’re checking the scores and seeing things look a bit chaotic in Venezuela, you’re right. The Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP) has had a wild start to 2026. Following major political shifts and the capture of Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, the league actually had to hit the pause button for a few days.
However, they are back at it. The round-robin phase is currently making up for lost time. Tonight, you can catch the Bravos de Margarita and the Navegantes del Magallanes fighting to stay alive in the standings. Because of the schedule shifts, the championship series in Venezuela has been pushed back slightly, now expected to start around January 23. It’s a messy situation, but the baseball has been a necessary distraction for the local fans.
Is There Any Baseball Games On Right Now in Australia?
If you’re an insomniac or living on the West Coast, the Australian Baseball League (ABL) is your best friend. Because of the time difference, these games often pop up on streaming services in the middle of the night or very early morning in the U.S.
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Today, the Perth Heat are facing off against the Adelaide Giants. The ABL has become a primary developmental ground for MLB teams to send their "Type A" prospects who need more reps against professional pitching. It’s a faster, slightly more "small ball" version of the game that’s incredibly fun to watch if you can find a stream.
When Does MLB Return in 2026?
Okay, maybe you're only interested in the big show. I get it. We are exactly 70 days away from Opening Day 2026, which is set for March 26.
This year is actually going to be pretty historic for the broadcast side of things. After 25 years away, NBC is returning to baseball. They’re kicking things off with a massive Opening Day doubleheader:
- Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets (1:00 PM ET): A duel between Paul Skenes and Juan Soto.
- Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers (8:00 PM ET): The Dodgers will be raising another banner that night.
Before that, we have Spring Training, which starts in late February. The first "official" Grapefruit and Cactus League games are scheduled for February 21. We are roughly five weeks away from seeing guys in crisp new jerseys stretching on backfields in Mesa and Clearwater.
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College Baseball and the Road to Omaha
For the college fans, the wait is almost over, but not quite. The 2026 NCAA Division I season officially begins on February 13.
UCLA enters the season as the preseason #1 in several polls, but the SEC is looking as dominant as ever. Texas A&M and Florida both have opening-day home stands that are already sold out. If you’re looking for "amateur" ball right now, you might find some local "winter ball" collegiate wood-bat leagues in warmer climates, but the official NCAA clock doesn't start for another month.
How to Watch Baseball in January
Since you probably don't have a cable package that includes "Caribbean Sports Network," how do you actually see these games?
- MLB.TV: Believe it or not, MLB.TV often carries the LIDOM and LMP games, though blackouts sometimes apply depending on your region.
- YouTube: The Australian Baseball League (ABL) frequently streams games for free on their official YouTube channel.
- Betting Apps: I'm not encouraging a gambling habit, but many major sportsbook apps stream these international games for free if you have a funded account. It’s often the highest-quality stream you’ll find.
Basically, if you’re asking is there any baseball games on right now, the answer is a resounding "yes"—provided you're willing to look south of the border or across the Pacific.
Actionable Next Steps for Baseball Fans
If you're itching for a fix today, here is how you can jump in:
- Check the LIDOM schedule on the official MLB app; the 6:30 PM ET games are your best bet for high-quality production.
- Set a reminder for February 1, which is the start of the 2026 Caribbean Series in Jalisco, Mexico. This is the "World Series of Winter Ball" and is usually televised on ESPN Deportes or available via streaming.
- Download the "ABL" app if you want to track the Australian scores overnight; it's the best way to see which MLB prospects are tearing it up Down Under.
- Mark February 21 on your calendar for the first televised MLB Spring Training games.
Baseball doesn't have an off-season; it just changes its zip code.