If you woke up looking for last night baseball scores from the Major Leagues, you probably noticed the schedule looked a little... empty. That's because we’re deep in the "hot stove" season. MLB is currently in its winter hibernation, but that doesn't mean the diamond is cold. In fact, between the Caribbean winter leagues and a massive trade that just shook up the National League West, there's actually a ton to talk about.
Honestly, the biggest "score" from yesterday didn't even happen on a field. It happened in a front office.
The Diamondbacks Just Won the Offseason (For Now)
Late Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Arizona Diamondbacks pulled off an absolute heist. They acquired eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. It’s the kind of move that changes the trajectory of a division.
The Cardinals received minor league right-hander Jack Martinez to complete the deal. Chaim Bloom, the Cardinals' president of baseball operations, basically thanked Arenado for his five years in St. Louis and wished him well. It's a clear salary dump for the Cardinals, but for Arizona? They just got a 10-time Gold Glove winner who, despite a rough 2025 where he hit .237 with only 12 homers, is still one of the most feared names in the game.
You’ve gotta wonder if a change of scenery—and a return to the NL West where he spent his prime with Colorado—is exactly what Arenado needs to find his power again.
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Winter League Action: LIDOM and Beyond
If you’re strictly looking for last night baseball scores involving actual runs and hits, you have to look south. The Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) is in the heat of its Round Robin phase, and the intensity is way higher than any Grapefruit League game you'll see next month.
Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) Scores - January 13, 2026
The schedule featured two massive rivalry games last night. These games are loud. The fans are relentless. It’s basically October atmosphere in mid-January.
- Aguilas Cibaenas vs. Gigantes del Cibao: A classic matchup where every pitch felt like a playoff game.
- Toros del Este vs. Leones del Escogido: The battle for the capital remains the centerpiece of Dominican baseball culture.
In these leagues, the stats matter for guys trying to find their way back to an MLB roster. You’ll see veterans like Jean Segura or Robinson Canó still grinding alongside 19-year-old prospects who haven't even seen Double-A yet. It's a weird, beautiful mix of desperation and pure talent.
Australian Baseball League (ABL) and Youth Championships
Down under, the 2026 Australian Youth Championships are reaching a fever pitch in Victoria.
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- Western Australia 3, Victoria 2: This was the Qualification Final. Western Australia punched their ticket to the Gold Medal game.
- Victoria 10, New South Wales 9: Victoria had to fight through the Preliminary Final just hours later to keep their title hopes alive.
- Queensland 16, ACT Roos 3: A blowout in the consolation bracket, but a reminder that the Australian talent pool is getting deeper every year.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Baseball
Most casual fans think baseball stops after the World Series. It doesn’t.
January 15th is actually one of the most important dates on the MLB calendar. Why? International Signing Day. Tomorrow, millions of dollars will be handed out to teenagers from Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. The top prospect this year is Luis Hernandez, a shortstop from Venezuela who already has scouts drooling over his exit velocities. He’s the first Venezuelan to be ranked as the consensus #1 international prospect since the current ranking system began back in 2012.
When you look at last night baseball scores, you aren't just looking at wins and losses. You're looking at the shifting landscape of the sport. The Arenado trade, the winter league results, and the upcoming international signings are all connected.
Why the Cardinals Let Arenado Go
It feels weird to see a legend like Arenado traded for a prospect like Jack Martinez. But the math rarely lies in modern baseball. Arenado has two years left on a massive $260 million contract. After a shoulder injury sidelined him for six weeks last year, St. Louis decided it was time to pivot.
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Arizona is gambling that his .666 OPS last season was a fluke caused by the injury rather than a permanent decline. If they're right, the NL West just became a three-horse race between the Dodgers, Padres, and D-backs.
Real Insights for the Week Ahead
If you want to keep up with the real action while MLB is in the "dark," here is what you should actually be watching:
- Keep an eye on LIDOM standings: The Round Robin ends soon, and the Final Series is the pinnacle of Caribbean baseball.
- Watch the International Signings on Jan 15: Teams like the Padres and Dodgers usually go aggressive here. It’s where the next Juan Soto or Julio Rodríguez comes from.
- Spring Training is closer than you think: Clemson baseball has already started their "preseason" phase. Division 1 college ball starts in about four weeks, with Clemson opening against Army on Feb 13.
The search for last night baseball scores might bring up a lot of "No Games Scheduled" on the big apps, but if you know where to look, the game never actually stops. Whether it's a walk-off in the Dominican Republic or a blockbuster trade in the desert, the stove is definitely hot.
Check the LIDOM box scores this evening for the latest updates on the Round Robin standings, and keep an ear out for more trade rumors involving the Cardinals as they continue their apparent rebuild.