If you’re currently staring at your phone wondering about the red sox game today what time it starts, I have a bit of a reality check for you. It’s mid-January. Specifically, it's January 14, 2026. Unless the Sox have suddenly started a winter league at a frozen Fenway, there isn't a game happening tonight.
Baseball is still in hibernation.
But look, I get it. The itch is real. The "truck day" countdown is basically a holiday in New England. We’re all just waiting for that first scent of overpriced Fenway Franks and the sound of a crack of the bat. While there's no game today, the 2026 schedule is already out, and honestly, it’s looking like a wild ride.
When Does the 2026 Red Sox Season Actually Start?
You’ve got about a month and a half to go. If you want to see the squad in action, you're looking at February 20, 2026. That’s the annual exhibition warmup against the Northeastern Huskies at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.
Key Spring Training Dates (Grapefruit League)
The Florida schedule is pretty consistent. Most games down in Fort Myers are afternoon affairs because, well, it’s Florida and people like to be home for dinner.
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- February 20: vs. Northeastern Huskies (1:05 PM ET)
- February 22: vs. Toronto Blue Jays (1:05 PM ET)
- February 24: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (1:05 PM ET)
- March 3: Special night game vs. Puerto Rico National Team (6:05 PM ET)
- March 4: The first spring meeting with the Yankees (1:05 PM ET)
Spring training is basically the "vibes" portion of the season. Results don't matter, but seeing if the new pitching prospects can actually find the strike zone definitely does.
The Regular Season: Red Sox Game Today What Time (Starting March)
If you aren't interested in the Florida sun and just want the real deal, mark your calendars for Thursday, March 26, 2026. That is the earliest "traditional" Opening Day in the history of Major League Baseball.
The Red Sox are starting on the road this year. They’ll be at Great American Ball Park taking on the Cincinnati Reds. It's a bit of an odd matchup for an opener, but with the balanced schedule MLB is pushing now, these cross-league starts are becoming the norm.
Opening Day Start Time: 4:10 PM ET.
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The Sox stay on the road for a bit after that, heading to Houston to face the Astros before finally coming home to Boston.
Fenway Park Home Opener
If you’re looking for the red sox game today what time because you’re planning a "sick day" for the home opener, that date is Friday, April 3, 2026. They’ll be hosting the San Diego Padres.
- Date: April 3
- Opponent: San Diego Padres
- First Pitch: 2:10 PM ET
There’s something uniquely "Boston" about a 2:00 PM game on a Friday in early April. It’s usually 40 degrees, potentially snowing, and everyone is wearing three layers of wool under their jersey. It’s perfect.
Why 2026 is Different (The NBC Factor)
You might notice some weird start times this year. MLB and NBC struck a massive deal for 2026, meaning Sunday Night Baseball is back on a major broadcast network.
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The Red Sox are featured heavily in these primetime slots. For example, on June 14, the Sox play the Rangers at 7:00 PM on NBC. Then on June 28, it’s the Yankees at Fenway, also at 7:00 PM. If you’re used to the old 1:35 PM Sunday starts, you’re going to need to double-check your tickets this summer.
How to Check Game Times Moving Forward
Honestly, the best way to keep track of the red sox game today what time once the season actually starts is to use the MLB At Bat app. It’s usually accurate down to the minute, including weather delays.
Don't just trust a random Google snippet from three years ago. Times shift for TV all the time. ESPN loves to flex games into their window, and the new NBC deal means more "Apple TV+ Friday Night" style shifts might happen.
A Quick Tip for Fans
If you're heading to Fenway, always aim to be in your seat 45 minutes before the "official" start time. Between the security lines at Jersey Street and the national anthem ceremonies, that "7:10 PM" start time really means the first pitch is at 7:12 PM, and you’ll want a beer in your hand by 6:50 PM.
Actionable Next Steps for Sox Fans
Since there isn't a game today, here is how you can actually prepare for the 2026 season:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Red Sox site and download the 2026 schedule to your Google or Outlook calendar. It auto-updates for time changes.
- Check the "Patriots' Day" time: This year, the Marathon Monday game (April 20) is an 11:10 AM start. If you want tickets, buy them now; they disappear faster than a 100mph fastball.
- Verify your streaming: Make sure you know which games are on NESN versus the new NBC/Peacock Sunday window so you aren't staring at a black screen come June.
The season is closer than it feels. Just hang in there through the January frost.