You're probably staring at your phone or checking the weather in Kansas City, wondering exactly what time does kc royals play today so you can plan your evening. Here is the honest, no-fluff answer for January 14, 2026: The Kansas City Royals are not playing a baseball game today.
It’s the middle of January. Snow might be on the ground at Kauffman Stadium, and the only things moving out there are likely construction crews working on those newly announced fence adjustments. If you see a headline saying the "Royals" are playing at 7:05 PM ET tonight against the Worcester Railers, don't get confused—that’s the Reading Royals, an ECHL hockey team. Different sport, different state, same name.
When does the real action start?
If you are looking for Bobby Witt Jr. and the boys, you have a bit of a wait. The 2026 MLB season is still in the "offseason" phase, which is basically just a fancy way of saying everyone is at home or in the gym while the front office tries to win the winter.
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The first time you'll actually need to know a first-pitch time is Friday, February 20, 2026. That is when the Royals kick off Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona. They'll be taking on the Texas Rangers at 2:05 PM CST. It's that glorious time of year where the stats don't matter, but the sound of the bat finally feels right again.
Key dates for your 2026 calendar
- February 20: Spring Training opener vs. Rangers (2:05 PM).
- March 26: Official Opening Day! The Royals head to Atlanta to face the Braves. This is the earliest start in franchise history.
- March 30: The Home Opener at The K against the Minnesota Twins.
Why the schedule looks different this year
Major League Baseball is sticking with the balanced schedule for 2026. This means the Royals play every single one of the other 29 teams at least once. It’s great for fans who want to see National League stars come through Kansas City, but it makes the divisional race feel a little different than the old days when you’d play the Tigers and Twins until you were sick of them.
Speaking of "The K," there is a big buzz right now about the fences. General Manager J.J. Picollo just confirmed the team is moving most of the outfield walls in by about 10 feet. For years, Kauffman has been a "triples alley" graveyard where home runs go to die. By moving the fences in, they are trying to make the park play more "neutral." Basically, they want to make sure that when Salvy or Witt catches one flush, it actually leaves the yard instead of dying on the warning track.
What to do while you wait for Opening Day
Since you aren't watching a game tonight, you can still get your baseball fix. The team is currently in the middle of their offseason development programs. You’ve also got the Hall of Fame announcements coming up soon, and everyone in KC is keeping a close eye on the ballot.
If you’re desperate for "Royals" action today, January 14, you can technically watch the Reading Royals hockey game on FloSports. They are 17-13-4 and fighting for a spot in the ECHL standings. But if it’s the boys in blue and white on the diamond you're after, just sit tight for about five more weeks.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your calendar and clear the afternoon of March 30 for the home opener. If you're planning a trip to Spring Training, tickets for games at Surprise Stadium are already on sale through the team's official site. Also, keep an eye on the local news regarding the new stadium tax discussions, as those will likely ramp up as we get closer to February.