If you’re checking your phone and wondering what time do the blue jays play today, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating. There’s nothing on the TV guide. No Sportsnet notification. No box score to refresh. Honestly, that’s because the calendar currently says January 17, 2026, and in the world of Major League Baseball, this is the "dead zone."
The Blue Jays aren't playing a game today. In fact, nobody in the MLB is. While the NFL is busy with divisional playoff matchups like the Bills taking on the Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET, the boys from Toronto are currently scattered across the globe, likely enjoying the last few weeks of their offseason before the Florida humidity kicks in.
When Do the Blue Jays Actually Take the Field?
The wait isn't as long as you might think. We are officially less than a month away from the first sounds of a ball hitting a glove in Dunedin. If you want to circle a date on your calendar, February 11, 2026, is the big one. That’s when pitchers and catchers report to the TD Ballpark complex.
The first actual game—the one where you can finally sit down and watch some version of the Jays—happens on Saturday, February 21, 2026. They’ll be hosting the Philadelphia Phillies in Dunedin. That game is scheduled for 1:07 p.m. ET.
Until then, "what time do the blue jays play today" is a question with a bit of a sad answer: they don't. But just because there isn't a game doesn't mean the team isn't making headlines.
The Chaos of the 2026 Offseason
It has been a wild week for the front office. If you’ve been following the rumors, you know the Blue Jays have been aggressively hunting for a "franchise-altering" star. They reportedly put a massive 10-year, $350 million offer on the table for outfielder Kyle Tucker.
He turned it down.
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Instead, Tucker signed a shorter, high-value deal with the Dodgers. Then, just yesterday, the news broke that Bo Bichette—a face of the franchise for years—decided to sign a three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets. It’s a gut punch for fans who expected him to stay in Toronto for the long haul.
This leaves a massive hole in the middle of the infield. Ross Atkins and the rest of the management team are now pivoting. There’s a lot of chatter about pursuing Eugenio Suarez to add some much-needed power to the lineup, especially since the team ranked 13th in home runs last season despite leading the league in batting average.
Why the January Lull Matters for Fans
You might feel like you're missing out by not having a game to watch today, but this period is actually when the 2026 season is won or lost. The Jays have already invested heavily in guys like Kazuma Okamoto and Dylan Cease (who signed a record-breaking $210 million deal).
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The roster you see on Opening Day—which is March 26, 2026, against the Athletics—is being built right now.
Essential Dates for Your 2026 Blue Jays Tracker
- February 11: Pitchers and Catchers report.
- February 16: Full squad's first official workout.
- February 21: Spring Training Opener vs. Phillies (1:07 p.m. ET).
- March 26: Regular Season Opening Day vs. Oakland Athletics (Time TBD, likely early afternoon).
How to Follow the Team Right Now
Since there’s no game today, the best way to get your fix is through the rumor mill. The "hot stove" is literally the only thing keeping baseball fans warm in January. Keep an eye on the Sportsnet 590 The FAN broadcasts or follow insiders like Ben Nicholson-Smith. They’re the ones who will break the news if the Jays finally land that big replacement bat for Bichette.
If you’re desperate for live sports today, your best bet is to tune into the NFL playoffs. The 49ers and Seahawks are playing at 8:00 p.m. ET, which should fill that competitive void until the Jays return to Dunedin next month.
Basically, enjoy the quiet while it lasts. Once February hits, the schedule gets packed, the games start counting (sort of), and the stress of the AL East race begins all over again.
To stay ahead of the schedule, set a calendar alert for February 21 at 1:00 p.m. ET. That is the moment the "what time do the blue jays play today" search finally returns a real result. Between now and then, keep your notifications on for any free-agent signings, as the front office still has plenty of cash to spend after missing out on Tucker and Bichette.