If you’re walking past the Fens right now looking for a game, you’re going to be disappointed. It is January 17, 2026. The grass is likely dormant, the monster is quiet, and the only "pitch" happening at Fenway involves a shovel and some ice melt. But here's the thing: today is actually a massive day for the Sox. It’s the official kickoff of Red Sox Winter Weekend, and while there isn’t a regular-season red sox first pitch today, the ceremonial vibe is very much alive out in Springfield.
Baseball in January is a weird, beautiful tradition in New England. We’re still months away from the March 26 opener in Cincinnati, but the team essentially takes over the MassMutual Center and MGM Springfield this weekend to bridge the gap.
The Reality of the Red Sox First Pitch Today
Let’s be real. Nobody is throwing a 95-mph heater in a competitive game today. If you see a headline about a "first pitch," it’s almost certainly referring to the fan-facing festivities at Winter Weekend. Specifically, today, Saturday, January 17, is the heavy-lifting day for the event.
Instead of a pitcher standing on a dirt mound, you’ve got guys like Brayan Bello or perhaps newly acquired veteran arms (the hot stove has been active this winter) standing on a stage. The "pitch" today is more about the Town Hall meeting and the player introductions. It’s where the front office tries to sell the fans on the 2026 roster.
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Why Springfield and Not Boston?
A lot of people get confused by this. Why isn't this at Fenway? Well, Boston had "Fenway Fest" last weekend on January 10. That was the hometown huddle. Today is for the rest of the region.
The Red Sox moved their primary winter fan fest to Springfield years ago to capture that Western Mass and Connecticut crowd. It’s a smart move. It’s also indoors. You ever tried to sign autographs in a dugout when it’s 22 degrees out? Your hand would freeze to the Sharpie.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now?
If you have a pass for today, your schedule is packed. We aren't talking about nine innings; we’re talking about:
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- Autograph Sessions: These are strictly scheduled. If you missed your window this morning, you’re basically out of luck unless you find a player wandering near the MGM casino floor.
- The Speed Pitch: This is the closest thing to a red sox first pitch today. In the Fan Fest area at the MassMutual Center, they’ve got the cages set up. You can actually see how your arm stacks up against a radar gun. Most people find out they throw about 48 mph and leave with a bruised ego.
- The 2004/2007/2013/2018 Trophies: They’re all there. It’s the one time of year you can get a photo with the hardware without being a billionaire or a bench coach.
The atmosphere is kinda electric in a nerdy way. It’s thousands of people in jerseys and winter coats talking about "expected ERA" while the wind howls outside. Honestly, it’s the best way to survive a New England January.
Looking Ahead: The Real First Pitch
While today is about fan connection, the countdown to the actual red sox first pitch today (the real one, with stakes) is officially under 70 days.
The 2026 schedule is an interesting beast. The Sox open on the road. March 26 against the Reds. That’s a historic matchup because Cincinnati is the birthplace of professional baseball, and they’re celebrating their 150th Opening Day. The Sox being the guest for that is a pretty big deal.
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If you’re holding out for Fenway, you’ve got a wait. The home opener isn't until April 3 against the San Diego Padres. That’ll be the first time we see a ceremonial first pitch on the actual Fenway mound this year.
Expert Take: The State of the Rotation
Since we’re talking about pitching, we have to talk about the roster. The Sox have been active. We saw the trade for Johan Oviedo and the signing of T.J. Sikkema to a minor league deal late last year. The "first pitch" of the season will likely belong to Lucas Giolito or Bello, depending on how spring training shakes out in Fort Myers.
There's been a lot of talk about the "internal first pitch"—meaning, who sets the tone for the season? With the departures of some veteran depth in December (goodbye, Cooper Criswell), the pressure is on the young guys to prove that the 2025 late-season slide was a fluke.
Actionable Steps for Fans Today
If you’re looking for Sox action today, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the NESN Schedule: If you aren't in Springfield, NESN usually broadcasts the "Town Hall" and various panels from Winter Weekend throughout the day.
- Download the MLB Ballpark App: If you bought tickets for Fenway Fest or Winter Weekend, your "April/May voucher" for a 2026 game will show up here. Don't forget to redeem it; those early-season games against the Tigers or Brewers are the easiest way to get close to the field for cheap.
- Watch the Weather in Fort Myers: Spring training starts in about five weeks. Equipment trucks usually head out in early February. That’s when the "real" first pitches start to feel close.
So, while there isn't a baseball flying toward a catcher's mitt in a stadium today, the season has effectively started. The vibes in Springfield are the first indicator of whether this 2026 team has the chemistry to actually compete in a brutal AL East. Get your gear out. Winter is halfway over.