You woke up today, January 13, 2026, probably hoping to check a box score or see if your favorite parlay hit. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but there are zero major league baseball games today. Like, none. Not in the Bronx, not in Chavez Ravine, not even in that cozy little temporary park in Sacramento where the A's are hanging out.
It’s the middle of January. It’s freezing in half the country. The players are mostly posting Instagram stories from tropical beaches or grinding through "best shape of my life" workouts in private gyms. But don’t close the tab yet. Even though the lights are off at the stadiums, today is actually one of the most frantic, high-stakes days on the MLB calendar.
Honestly, it’s kinda chaotic behind the scenes right now. While you aren't getting a first pitch, the front offices are currently locked in a room (or on a very long Zoom call) dealing with the fallout of the arbitration deadline and the looming international signing period.
The St. Louis Bombshell and the Diamondbacks' New Weapon
If you want to know why everyone is talking about baseball today despite the lack of games, look at the desert. We just saw a massive trade go down that basically shifted the power balance of the NL West. The St. Louis Cardinals finally pulled the trigger, sending Nolan Arenado and a significant chunk of cash to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
St. Louis is getting back a young right-hander named Jack Martinez. It's a "changing of the guard" moment. The Cardinals are clearly leaning into a rebuild, while Arizona is signal-boosting that they intend to chase down the Dodgers. You’ve gotta wonder how Arenado feels about this—going from a historic franchise in a slump to a hungry contender that just added one of the best gloves to ever play the hot corner.
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It wasn't the only move. The Dodgers just picked up Andy Ibáñez to bolster their depth, and Ryne Stanek found a new home with the Cardinals. Even the Phillies and Pirates were busy swapping arms, with Chase Shugart heading to Philly. Basically, the "games" today are being played in the trade market, and the stakes are millions of dollars and playoff positioning.
Why the Schedule Matters More Than Ever This Year
We are exactly 71 days away from the earliest traditional Opening Day in the history of the sport. On March 25, the Yankees and Giants will kick things off at Oracle Park. That’s a standalone night game that’s going to be absolutely electric.
But here is what most people get wrong about major league baseball games today: the preparation for the 2026 season is fundamentally different because of the World Baseball Classic.
The WBC is back this March. That means the "spring" schedule is compressed. Pitchers are ramping up way earlier than usual. If you’re a fan of the superstars like Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge, you aren't just watching them prepare for 162 games; they are preparing for a high-intensity international tournament that starts in less than two months.
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The 2026 Special Events Calendar
- March 25: Yankees vs. Giants (Opening Night)
- March 26: Full Opening Day slate (The earliest ever)
- April 25-26: Mexico City Series (Diamondbacks vs. Padres)
- July 14: All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia
- August 13: Field of Dreams Game (Twins vs. Phillies)
- August 23: Little League Classic (Brewers vs. Braves)
The $155 Million Question in Baltimore
While there are no physical major league baseball games today, the Baltimore Orioles are acting like they’re in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded. They just signed Pete Alonso to a massive five-year, $155 million contract.
Seeing "Polar Bear" Pete in anything other than Mets blue is going to be jarring. It’s the kind of move that changes a franchise's DNA. The Orioles have been "the young, scrappy team" for a while now, but adding a veteran power hitter like Alonso means the "scrappy" era is over. They are officially the big bad wolves of the AL East.
Meanwhile, the Mets are left with a massive hole at first base and some very grumpy fans. They did grab Devin Williams to close games, but you can’t help but feel like Steve Cohen has another move up his sleeve. You don't just let your franchise home run leader walk without a plan.
The International "Super Bowl" is Two Days Away
If you’re craving actual baseball news that feels like a game, mark your calendar for January 15. That is the start of the International Signing Period.
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MLB experts call this day the "International Super Bowl." Why? Because it’s when the next generation of stars—kids who will be the Elly De La Cruzs and Juan Sotos of 2030—officially join the league.
All eyes are on Luis Hernandez, a shortstop from Venezuela. He’s the consensus #1 international prospect this year. Scouts are obsessed with his bat speed. He’s expected to sign for a bonus in the $5 million range. For a 16-year-old, that is life-changing money. It’s not a "game" in the traditional sense, but the scouting reports and signing wars that happen this week will dictate which teams are good five years from now.
What You Should Actually Do Today
Since you can't watch a game, the best way to spend your time as a fan is to prep for the fantasy season or look at the updated betting lines after the Arenado trade.
- Check the Arbitration Tracker: Most players settled their contracts this week, but a few—like Reid Detmers and Yainer Diaz—are heading to hearings. These hearings can get ugly and sometimes sour the relationship between a player and their team.
- Look at the 2026 Rule Changes: This is the year of the "Pitch Challenge." Fans at the stadium will see ball/strike challenges on the big screen in real-time. It’s going to change the flow of the game significantly.
- Draft Prep: If you’re in a keeper league, the Alonso and Arenado moves just threw your rankings into a blender. Alonso in Camden Yards is a home run machine's dream.
Baseball is a 365-day-a-year sport. The lack of major league baseball games today is just a technicality. The real "game" is the chess match happening in the front offices. By the time we get to that Yankees/Giants opener in March, the league is going to look completely different than it did when the Dodgers hoisted the trophy last October.
Actionable Insight: If you're planning to attend a game this year, book your Philadelphia All-Star Game travel now. Between the 250th anniversary of the country and the game being at Citizens Bank Park, it’s going to be one of the hardest tickets to get in a generation.