If you’re staring at your phone or TV right now wondering what time do the yankees play today, I’ve got some news that might be a little frustrating if you were hoping to crack a beer and watch Aaron Judge take some hacks this afternoon.
It is January 16, 2026.
The short answer? They don’t play today. In fact, nobody in Major League Baseball is playing a real game today. We are currently deep in the "dark days" of the winter, smack in the middle of the offseason. While Yankee Stadium in the Bronx is probably covered in a light dusting of New York slush, the team is busy in backrooms making deals rather than on the diamond making plays.
When Do the Yankees Actually Take the Field?
I know, it's a bummer. We all want the crack of the bat back in our lives. But if you’re looking for the next time you can actually see the pinstripes in action, you’re going to have to wait until Friday, February 20, 2026. That is the official start of Spring Training.
On that day, the Yankees will travel to Sarasota to take on the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. That game is scheduled for a 1:05 PM ET first pitch.
💡 You might also like: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
Honestly, that’s just over a month away. If you’ve survived the football playoffs and the holiday season, you can make it through the next few weeks of January. The first home game down in Tampa at George M. Steinbrenner Field happens the very next day, February 21, against the Detroit Tigers. Also a 1:05 PM start. Basically, once Spring Training hits, the "what time do the yankees play today" question usually has a "1:05 PM" or "6:35 PM" answer.
Why Today Is Still a Big Day for Yankees Fans
Just because there isn’t a game doesn’t mean the team is sleeping. Yesterday, January 15, was a massive day in the MLB world because the 2026 International Signing Period officially opened.
While you were looking for a game time, Brian Cashman and his scouting department were busy handing out millions of dollars to the next generation of stars. The big news coming out of the Bronx right now is that the Yankees have already snagged two top-tier shortstops and three catchers. Most notably, they signed Venezuelan catcher Kenneth Melendez.
Is Melendez going to help the big league club this afternoon? Obviously not. He’s probably a teenager. But this is how the Yankees stayed relevant for a hundred years—by reloading the farm system while everyone else is focused on the winter cold.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
Recent Roster Moves You Might Have Missed
If you haven't checked the news in the last 48 hours, the front office has been surprisingly active:
- January 15: They re-signed right-handed reliever Paul Blackburn to a one-year, $2 million deal. He's a solid depth piece for the bullpen.
- January 13: They pulled off a significant trade with the Miami Marlins, landing left-handed starter Ryan Weathers. To get him, they had to ship off a package of prospects including Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus.
- Winter Ball Updates: If you're really desperate for baseball, some guys are playing in the Caribbean Series qualifiers. While most of the Yankees' big stars sit those out to avoid injury, keep an eye on the Winter Ball playoffs in the Dominican Republic (LIDOM) and Puerto Rico. They are happening right now, though the actual New York Yankees roster isn't involved as a unit.
The Road to Opening Day 2026
Once we get past this quiet January stretch, things move fast. The Yankees have a 33-game Spring Training schedule lined up for 2026. They’re playing the Red Sox twice (March 4 and March 18) and even have an exhibition game against Team Panama on March 3 to help players get ready for the World Baseball Classic.
But let’s talk about the date everyone really cares about.
Opening Day 2026 is Thursday, March 25. The Yankees won’t even be in New York for it. They’re starting the season on a West Coast road trip against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. That game is a night game, starting at 8:05 PM ET (5:05 PM local time).
👉 See also: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
It’s a bit of a weird way to start the year—playing in a pitcher-friendly park in San Francisco—but it’ll be the first time the stats actually count. After three games in the Bay Area and three more in Seattle, they finally come home for the Bronx home opener on April 3 against the Miami Marlins.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there’s no game today, you might as well get your ducks in a row for when the season actually starts.
First, mark February 20 on your calendar. That’s your first "real" baseball fix. Second, if you're planning on heading down to Tampa for Spring Training, tickets are already on sale. Prices for the opener against the Tigers are hovering around $63 on the secondary market.
Third, keep an eye on the pitching market. The Yankees are still reportedly hunting for one more veteran arm to slot into the middle of the rotation behind Gerrit Cole. With the Ryan Weathers trade, they’ve shown they aren't done tinkering.
Basically, the "game" today is being played in the front office, not on the field. Check back in late February for the actual first pitch times.