If you're frantically checking your sports app or flipping through cable channels to figure out what time do the Kansas City Royals play today, I have some news that might be a little disappointing, but honestly, it makes total sense once you look at the calendar.
There is no game.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you're standing outside Kauffman Stadium right now, the only thing you're going to see is a lot of empty concrete and maybe some leftover snow from a Midwestern winter blast. We are currently in the heart of the MLB offseason. While the hot stove might be simmering with trade rumors and free-agent signings, the actual crack of the bat is still weeks away.
The Reality of the Offseason Schedule
Basically, the boys in blue are currently scattered. Some are probably working out at the facility in Surprise, Arizona, while others are likely enjoying the last few weeks of family time before the grind begins.
It's easy to get confused, especially with the Utah Royals (the NWSL soccer team) often popping up in search results this time of year as they prepare for their March kickoff. But for the MLB squad, the diamond remains empty for now.
When Does the Action Actually Start?
If you're itching for baseball, you don't have to wait that much longer. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Surprise, Arizona, in just a few weeks. The Royals' official 2026 Spring Training schedule kicks off on Friday, February 20, 2026, against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium.
That game is set for a 1:05 p.m. local time start (which is 3:05 p.m. CT for those of us back in Kansas City).
Key Dates for Your 2026 Calendar
Since you were looking for what time do the Kansas City Royals play today, you should probably mark these down so you aren't left guessing when the season actually ramps up:
- February 11, 2026: Pitchers and catchers report for their first formal workouts.
- February 16, 2026: First full-squad workout. This is when the energy really picks up in the desert.
- February 20, 2026: Cactus League opener vs. Texas Rangers (3:05 p.m. CT).
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day! The Royals start the regular season on the road against the Atlanta Braves.
The 2026 Home Opener at The K
If you are specifically waiting to head to Kauffman Stadium, the wait is a bit longer. After a three-game stint in Atlanta to start the year, the Royals return to Kansas City for the Home Opener on Monday, March 30, 2026.
That game against the Minnesota Twins is scheduled for a 3:10 p.m. CT first pitch. It’s going to be a big deal, mostly because it kicks off a season where the expectations are higher than they’ve been in years.
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
I get it. You want to know what time do the Kansas City Royals play today because baseball is a rhythm. It's a daily constant. But right now, the "game" is happening in the front office. General Manager J.J. Picollo and the rest of the staff are busy navigating the 2026 international signing period, which just opened up on January 15.
They are scouting the next generation of talent while fans are just hoping for a warm day and a cold beer at the stadium.
Watching Out for the "Other" Royals
Just a heads up: If you see a headline today about a "Royals game," double-check the sport. The Utah Royals are very active in the news cycle right now as the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) prepares for its 2026 season. They actually play the Kansas City Current in their season opener on March 14, but that’s soccer, not the American League Central baseball team you’re likely looking for.
Final Word on Today’s Non-Game
So, to recap: what time do the Kansas City Royals play today? They don't.
You’ve got about 34 days until the first Spring Training game and 68 days until Opening Day in Atlanta. Use this time to grab some new gear or maybe finally look into those season ticket packages before the prices jump as we get closer to the spring.
The best thing you can do today is check out the latest 2026 international signing tracker on MLB.com to see which prospects the Royals just added to their farm system. It isn't a live game, but it's the only winning move for a Royals fan in the middle of January.