If you’re staring at your watch and wondering what time is today's yankee game, you’re definitely not alone. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and while the Bronx is currently shivering under a layer of winter frost, the "Hot Stove" is absolutely scorching. Usually, when people ask about the start time, they’re looking for a first-pitch countdown at Yankee Stadium. But since we are deep in the heart of the offseason, "game time" right now refers to the front-office maneuvers and the high-stakes negotiation clock that never really stops ticking for Brian Cashman and the Steinbrenner family.
Baseball fans are a specific breed of restless. We don't just wait for April. We track flights. We refresh social media feeds at 3:00 AM hoping for a cryptic "eyes" emoji from a top-tier free agent. The Yankees, more than any other franchise in sports history, operate on a 24/7 news cycle.
The Current Schedule and 2026 Spring Training
Right now, the most important "start time" isn't a 7:05 PM first pitch in the Bronx. It’s the report date for Pitchers and Catchers. We are officially less than a month away from the gates opening at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.
If you are planning your trip to Florida, keep in mind that most Grapefruit League games kick off at 1:05 PM ET. It’s that classic sunshine-and-baseball vibe. However, there are always a few night games peppered in—usually 6:35 PM starts—to get the guys used to playing under the lights before they head north.
Honestly, the 2026 season feels different. There’s a weight to it. After the rollercoaster of the last couple of years, the fanbase is demanding more than just a winning record. They want the trophy back in the canyon of heroes.
Why the Yankee Game Start Time Changes So Much
Ever notice how a Tuesday game starts at 7:05 PM but a Wednesday game might be at 1:05 PM? It’s not just random. The "getaway day" rule is a huge factor. MLB tries to make sure teams have enough time to fly to their next city without arriving at 4:00 AM.
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Television networks also have a massive say. If ESPN picks up the Yankees for Sunday Night Baseball, that start time is getting pushed to 7:10 PM or 8:10 PM ET, regardless of what the original schedule said. It’s a bit of a headache for season ticket holders who have to work the next morning, but that’s the price of being the most popular team in the world.
Local fans know the drill. If it’s a Saturday game, it’s often a 1:05 PM or 4:05 PM start to accommodate national broadcasts on FOX or FS1. The Yankees are the ultimate ratings draw.
How to Check the Start Time Instantly
If you need to know what time is today's yankee game during the regular season, the fastest way is usually the MLB At Bat app. But here’s a pro tip: follow the YES Network’s official account on X (formerly Twitter). They post the lineup and the exact first-pitch time about three hours before the game.
Don't just rely on Google's snippet. Sometimes rain delays or late-breaking broadcast changes aren't reflected in the automated search results right away.
- Check the YES Network Schedule: They usually start pre-game coverage exactly one hour before first pitch.
- MLB.com Official Scoreboard: This is the "source of truth" for all timing.
- WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM: If you're driving, John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman (or their successors) are the voices that tell you exactly when the national anthem is starting.
The Offseason "Game" is in Full Swing
Since it is January 17, the "game" is happening in luxury hotel suites and over Zoom calls. The Yankees are currently navigating a tricky salary cap situation while trying to bolster a rotation that looked a bit shaky toward the end of last year.
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Rumors are swirling about a potential trade with the Mariners for pitching depth. If that happens, the "start time" for that news could be any second. Baseball insiders like Ken Rosenthal and Jeff Passan are the ones setting the tempo right now.
You've probably heard the chatter about the Yankees looking for a more contact-oriented bat to balance out the high-strikeout power hitters like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. It’s a delicate balance. You want the home runs, but you also need guys who can move the runners over when it's the bottom of the ninth and the bases are loaded.
Navigating Yankee Stadium in 2026
When the regular season does start, getting to the stadium on time is a whole other game. If the game starts at 7:05 PM, you really want to be through the gates by 6:00 PM. Why? Because the security lines at 161st Street can be brutal.
The 4 train and the D train are your best friends, but they are also the best friends of 40,000 other people. If you’re coming from Midtown, give yourself at least 45 minutes. If you’re driving... well, honestly, just don't drive. The parking prices around the stadium are basically a down payment on a small house at this point.
Key Matchups to Watch This Year
The 2026 schedule is packed with high-intensity series. The rivalry with the Red Sox is always the headliner, but keep an eye on the interleague matchups. With the balanced schedule that MLB implemented a few years ago, the Yankees play every team every year now.
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Seeing the Dodgers come to the Bronx is always a spectacle. Those games are almost guaranteed to be primetime 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM starts because of the "star power" tax.
Actionable Steps for Yankee Fans Today
Even though there isn't a live game on the field today, January 17, 2026, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve so you never have to scramble to find a start time again.
Sync your calendar. Go to the official Yankees website and download the "Add to Calendar" file. This will automatically populate your phone’s calendar with every game time, including any updates made by the league for TV schedules.
Verify your streaming credentials. If you're watching on the YES App or MLB.TV, make sure your login still works. There’s nothing worse than missing the first two innings because you’re resetting a password.
Plan your commute early. If you’re heading to Tampa for Spring Training next month, book your rental cars now. February in Florida is peak season, and prices jump the closer you get to Pitchers and Catchers reporting.
Follow the beat writers. Bryan Hoch and Jack Curry are essential follows. They often provide updates on weather delays before the official MLB channels do. If a 7:05 PM start is looking like an 8:30 PM start due to a thunderstorm, they’ll be the first to tell you.
The countdown to Opening Day is officially on. Whether it's a cold January afternoon or a sweltering July night, being a Yankee fan means always knowing when the next big moment is about to happen. Keep your eyes on the schedule and your notifications on.