If you’re waking up in the middle of January looking for the Texas Rangers game today, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a reality check. We aren’t quite at the "batter up" stage of the year yet. It's January 18, 2026. Right now, Globe Life Field is less about home runs and more about the hum of offseason preparation.
Actually, if you're in Arlington today, you're not seeing a game, but you are seeing the biggest event of the winter. Today is the 38th Annual Texas Rangers Fan Fest. It’s the one day a year where the barrier between the players and the fans basically disappears, and honestly, for a die-hard, it’s better than a random mid-week game in June.
What Time is Texas Rangers Game Today?
There is no official MLB game on the schedule for January 18. The Rangers, like the rest of the league, are currently in the deep freeze of the offseason. But if you’re looking for when the action actually starts, you’ve got to look toward the desert.
Spring Training is the real "re-entry" point. The Rangers are scheduled to kick off their Cactus League play in Surprise, Arizona, in just about a month. Usually, those games start around 1:05 PM local time, which is 2:05 PM back in Texas.
For today, the "game" is really Fan Fest. It runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Globe Life Field. If you’ve got tickets, that’s your window to get autographs, tour the clubhouse, and maybe see if you can handle a heater in the batting cages.
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Why the January Schedule Matters
People often get confused because "baseball season" feels like it should be starting when the calendar flips. It doesn't. We’re in the transaction phase. This is when front offices are frantically checking the waiver wire and trying to finalize deals before pitchers and catchers report.
If you’re checking the schedule because you’re bored and miss the smell of grass, I get it. The 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster—finishing 81-81 and seeing Bruce Bochy's final year as manager. Now, we're looking at a 2026 squad that’s trying to find its new identity.
Tracking the 2026 Season Opener
The wait isn't forever. We’ve already got the dates locked in. If you're planning your life around the Texas Rangers game today or any day soon, keep these milestones on your radar:
- February 20-21: The true start. Pitchers and catchers have already been running drills, and the first Cactus League games usually fire up around this weekend.
- Late March: Opening Day. This is the holy grail. The Rangers typically start at home every other year, and the energy in Arlington for that first 3:05 PM or 7:05 PM first pitch is unmatched.
- The Mid-Summer Classic: We usually look toward July for the All-Star break, which is the only other time the schedule goes completely blank for a few days.
Where to Watch When They Do Play
When the season actually starts, the "what time is the game" question gets a lot easier to answer. Most night games at Globe Life Field start at 7:05 PM CT. Sunday matinees usually move to 1:35 PM CT.
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Broadcasting has been a mess lately, right? Between regional sports networks and streaming, it's a headache. For 2026, most games are expected to be on the Rangers Sports Network or the Victory+ streaming platform. If it's a national broadcast on ESPN or FOX, expect those start times to jump around to accommodate East Coast viewers.
Common Misconceptions About the Rangers Schedule
I see it every year—fans show up to the stadium in January or early February thinking there's a winter league game or an exhibition.
- Winter Meetings aren't games. They are just rooms full of guys in suits talking about trades.
- Fan Fest isn't a scrimmage. You won't see a full 9-inning game today. You'll see players in jerseys, but they’ll be holding Sharpies, not bats.
- The "Today" search is tricky. Google often shows old scores from last September if you aren't careful with the year filter.
Honestly, the best thing you can do today if you're craving Rangers baseball is head over to the stadium for the memorabilia show. They added a massive card and collectible section to Fan Fest this year. It's the first time they've really leaned into the hobby side of things during the official event.
Actionable Steps for Rangers Fans Today
Since there isn't a game to watch on TV right now, you have to find other ways to get your fix.
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First, if you're in DFW, head to Globe Life Field before 4:00 PM. Parking is free for Fan Fest, and even if you didn't pre-purchase an autograph pass, the atmosphere is worth the $20 entry.
Second, download the MLB Ballpark App. This is where the 2026 schedule will officially populate with confirmed times once we hit February. You can set alerts so you never have to manually search for "what time is the game" again—your phone will just yell at you thirty minutes before first pitch.
Lastly, keep an eye on the roster moves. The "game" being played right now is one of logistics and contracts. Following beat writers like Evan Grant or the official Rangers PR feed is the only way to stay ahead of the curve before the team heads to Arizona next month.