If you’re staring at a blank TV screen wondering why the MLB app is so quiet, I get it. We’re in that weird mid-January limbo where the hot stove has cooled to a simmer and Spring Training feels a lifetime away. But here’s the thing: baseball doesn't actually stop. It just moves south.
Right now, as in Saturday, January 17, 2026, the real action isn't happening in the Bronx or Chavez Ravine. It's happening in the Caribbean and Australia. We are currently in the absolute teeth of the Winter League playoffs. If you want to know what baseball game is on right now, you need to look at the LIDOM Round Robin in the Dominican Republic, the LVBP semi-finals in Venezuela, and the stretch run of the Australian Baseball League.
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Forget the snow. There's high-stakes baseball happening today. Let’s look at who’s playing and how you can actually watch them.
The LIDOM Battle: Gigantes vs. Escogido
The Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) is basically the crown jewel of winter ball. Today, January 17, features a massive matchup between the Gigantes del Cibao and the Leones del Escogido.
The game is scheduled for 6:15 PM ET.
Honestly, the atmosphere in these games puts most MLB regular-season games to shame. We’re talking about the "Round Robin" phase, which is a 12-game sprint to see who makes the Finals. Every single pitch matters.
- The Stakes: Both teams are fighting for a spot in the championship series.
- Where to watch: You can stream this directly on MLB.TV. Most people don't realize their subscription often covers these winter league games, or you can buy a dedicated winter ball pass.
- Players to watch: Keep an eye out for MLB prospects and veterans like Jorge Mateo or Franmil Reyes, who often suit up to stay sharp or represent their home teams.
Venezuela’s League Championship Series
While the DR is rocking, Venezuela is arguably more intense. The Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP) is deep into its League Championship Series today.
We have two major games on the slate for this evening:
- Zulia vs. Caribes at 6:00 PM ET.
- Margarita vs. Magallanes at 6:00 PM ET.
The Magallanes vs. Margarita game is the one to circle. The Navegantes del Magallanes are one of the most storied franchises in Latin American baseball. If you’ve ever wanted to see what "playoff intensity" looks like in January, this is it. These games are also typically available via streaming services like BeisbolPlay or occasionally on MLB's international feeds.
The ABL: Baseball from the Future (Literally)
Because of the time zone difference, the Australian Baseball League (ABL) is either "just finished" or "about to start" depending on when you read this. Today is the final day of Round 10, the last push before the playoffs start next week.
The ABL is a different beast. You’ll see a mix of local Aussie legends and top-tier MLB prospects from teams like the Rays and Rangers who are down there getting "reps" in the sun.
- The Matchups: Teams like the Adelaide Giants and Brisbane Bandits are the ones to watch.
- The Vibe: It's summer in Australia. The parks are smaller, the beer is cold, and the talent level is surprisingly high—roughly equivalent to High-A or Double-A ball.
When does "Real" MLB start back up?
I know, you're really waiting for the big leaguers to report to Florida and Arizona. We’re close, but not quite there.
The 2026 Spring Training season officially kicks off on February 20, 2026, with the Kansas City Royals taking on the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. That’s about a month away.
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In the meantime, the Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe) is the next big milestone. That starts on February 1, 2026, in Jalisco, Mexico. It brings together the champions of all these winter leagues—Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico, and Panama—for a week-long "World Series" of the Caribbean. It’s arguably the most fun baseball tournament on the planet.
How to Find Games Right Now
If you’re hunting for a live box score or a stream today, here is your checklist:
- Check MLB.TV: Go to the "Offseason" or "Winter Leagues" section. LIDOM games are almost always there.
- Social Media: Follow accounts like @LIDOMRD or @LVBP_Oficial. They post live updates and highlight clips in real-time.
- YouTube: Many of the Mexican Pacific League (LMP) games or Australian games have highlights or even live streams available depending on regional blackouts.
There is a common misconception that January is a "dead month" for baseball. It isn't. It's just that the center of the baseball world has shifted to the Caribbean. If you're looking for what baseball game is on right now, grab some plantains, fire up a stream of the LIDOM Round Robin, and watch the Gigantes try to claw their way to a title.
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Next Steps for Today:
Log into your MLB.TV account and check the "Ligas Invernales" schedule. The Escogido vs. Gigantes game at 6:15 PM ET is your best bet for high-quality, professional baseball tonight. If you're a night owl, check the ABL scores tomorrow morning to see who clinched the final playoff spots in Australia.