You’re waking up in the middle of January, the frost is thick on the windshield, and you're already itching for the sound of a wood bat cracking a fastball. It’s a specific kind of Michigan hunger. If you’re asking what time are the tigers playing today, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’re going to have to wait a little longer for that Comerica Park magic.
Today is Friday, January 16, 2026.
The Detroit Tigers are currently in the thick of the offseason. There isn't a game today. Honestly, the only "playing" the guys are doing right now is probably taking hacks in a warm cage in Lakeland or working on their slider in a private facility. MLB baseball is a summer game, and January is the month of silence, trades, and hot stove rumors.
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Why there's no game on January 16
Baseball has a rhythm. It’s long, grueling, and strictly seasonal. Right now, the 40-man roster is essentially in a holding pattern. We are deep in the "Hot Stove" season where front offices are looking at data, trying to figure out if they can snag a veteran lefty on a one-year deal or if the young prospects in Triple-A are finally ready for the big show.
If you see a headline today about "Tigers" scores, you’re likely looking at one of three things:
- Auburn Tigers: Their college athletics programs are in full swing.
- LSU Tigers: Another massive college brand that plays everything from basketball to gymnastics this time of year.
- Hanshin Tigers: This is Japan’s beloved NPB team. Even they are in the offseason right now, with their spring training typically kicking off in February.
Basically, if it’s January 16, the Detroit Tigers are still hibernation-mode.
When does the 2026 Tigers season actually start?
If you're like me, you've already got the calendar marked. You want to know when the "what time are the tigers playing today" question actually has a real answer.
The wait isn't as long as it feels. Spring Training is the first light at the end of the tunnel. For 2026, the Tigers are heading back to their second home at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida.
Spring Training Kickoff: The first official Grapefruit League action is set for Saturday, February 21, 2026. They’ll be taking on the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. That game is scheduled for a 1:05 PM EST start. It’s the first time you’ll get to see the new jersey patches and the fresh faces in live action.
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Opening Day 2026:
The real deal happens in March. The Tigers actually start the 2026 regular season on the road this year. They’ll be out West taking on the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
- Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
- Time: 4:10 PM EST (1:10 PM local time in San Diego)
The Home Opener at Comerica Park is the one everyone in Detroit cares about. That’s scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026, against the St. Louis Cardinals. First pitch for that one is slated for 1:10 PM EST. You know the drill—cold beer, heavy coats, and hopefully a win to start the home slate.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
People often get confused by the "split-squad" games during the spring. If you're looking at the schedule in late February and see two different times for the Tigers, it’s not a glitch.
In spring training, the team often splits into two groups to get more players' eyes on live pitching. One half might stay in Lakeland while the other travels to Clearwater or Sarasota. If you're betting or just trying to watch, make sure you check which squad is the "A" team if you're looking for the starters.
Also, game times in April are notoriously fickle. Michigan weather in early April is basically a coin toss. You might see a 1:10 PM start time listed, but keep your notifications on. Rain—or more likely, sleet—can push those starts back or turn them into traditional doubleheaders later in the season.
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How to stay ready for the 2026 season
Just because they aren't playing today doesn't mean nothing is happening. The Tigers are entering a window where their young core is supposed to start peaking.
Keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of the early voluntary workouts. Usually, by mid-January, we start hearing about who "added 15 pounds of muscle" or who "reworked their pitching mechanics" over the winter. It’s mostly hype, but it’s the fuel that gets us through the snow.
Your Offseason Checklist:
- Check the 40-man roster: See who survived the winter meetings.
- Verify your regional sports network: Broadcast rights have been a mess lately. Make sure you actually know where to find the games this year before March 26 rolls around.
- Book Lakeland travel: If you're planning on seeing them in February, those Florida flights get pricey fast.
The Tigers aren't on the field today, but the countdown to Lakeland is officially under 40 days. Clear your schedule for February 21 if you want to catch that first spring broadcast. Until then, maybe check out the Red Wings or the Pistons to get your Detroit sports fix while the grass at Comerica stays under a tarp.
Next Steps for Tigers Fans:
If you want to be ready for the first pitch, download the MLB At Bat app now and set the Tigers as your primary team to get notified the second Spring Training tickets go on sale. You should also check your local cable or streaming provider to confirm they still carry the Tigers' regional sports network, as several contracts are up for renewal before the 2026 season begins.