You’re staring at your phone, refreshing the app, and wondering why the heck the "Live" tab is empty. Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer. We’ve all been there, especially when the itch for Bronx Bomber baseball starts hitting hard right around mid-January.
But here is the cold, hard truth: What's the score in the Yankees game? Right now, it's 0-0, because the game hasn't even started. In fact, nobody has even put on a jersey yet.
Today is January 17, 2026. We are currently in the deep "dark ages" of the MLB offseason. While the hot stove is burning—mostly with rumors that make fans want to pull their hair out—there aren't any actual box scores to check. No Judge home runs. No Cole strikeouts. Just a lot of guys in suits negotiating contracts in air-conditioned offices.
When do the Yankees actually play again?
If you're looking for an actual live score, you have to circle February 20, 2026 on your calendar. That is when the Yankees officially kick off their Spring Training schedule. They'll be heading over to Ed Smith Stadium to take on the Baltimore Orioles.
It’s the first time we’ll see the 2026 squad in action, though "action" in February usually means a lot of minor leaguers with numbers like 94 on their backs.
👉 See also: Eastern Conference Finals 2024: What Most People Get Wrong
The home opener in Tampa at George M. Steinbrenner Field follows right after on February 21 against the Detroit Tigers. If you’re a die-hard, that’s your real target date. Until then, the only "score" we're keeping is in the front office.
The Offseason Scorecard: Who is winning?
Since there isn't a game on the field, the real "score" is how Brian Cashman is doing in free agency. Kinda mixed reviews there, if we're being real.
The biggest storyline right now is the Cody Bellinger saga. He declined his player option back in November, and the Yankees have been in a staring contest with his agent, Scott Boras, ever since. Rumor has it the Yanks offered something in the ballpark of $155 million over five years. Boras wants seven years.
It’s getting tense because the Mets—yeah, those guys—just signed Bo Bichette and might be looking to swoop in on Belli too. Losing out on Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers already stung. If the Yankees lose Bellinger to the Mets, the "score" for this offseason is going to look pretty ugly for the pinstripe faithful.
✨ Don't miss: Texas vs Oklahoma Football Game: Why the Red River Rivalry is Getting Even Weirder
Recent "Wins" for the Yankees:
- Ryan Weathers: Just a few days ago, the Yankees pulled off a trade with the Marlins to grab this 26-year-old lefty. He’s got a live arm but has struggled with injuries (lat strains, forearm issues). It’s a gamble.
- Paul Blackburn: They re-signed the right-hander on January 15 to steady the back end of the rotation.
- International Signings: The 2026 international period just opened on January 15. The Yankees snagged two shortstops from the Dominican Republic (Germayhoni Beltre and Abrahan Pichardo) and some catching depth from Venezuela.
Why the 2026 Season feels different
The 2025 season ended with the Yankees going 94-68, finishing second in the AL East. They were good, sure, but the Blue Jays really gave them a hard time in the postseason.
Now, Aaron Judge is entering his age-34 season. The window isn't slamming shut, but it’s definitely not getting any wider. That’s why fans are so obsessed with the "score" of these trades. Every day without a major middle-of-the-order bat signing feels like a missed opportunity.
There’s also the pitching situation. Gerrit Cole is coming back from that elbow surgery timeline, and the rotation behind him looks a bit like a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of missing pieces. Adding Weathers and Blackburn helps, but is it enough to beat a loaded Orioles team or a Dodgers squad that seems to be playing a different sport entirely?
Stop refreshing—do this instead
Since you can't get a live score today, here is how you should actually be prepping for the 2026 season.
🔗 Read more: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
First, keep an eye on the Freddy Peralta rumors. The Yankees are reportedly "heating up" their pursuit of the Brewers' ace. If they land him, that’s a massive victory that changes the math for the entire American League.
Second, check the spring training broadcast schedule. YES Network usually starts announcing which games will be televised around late January. You don't want to miss that first game in Sarasota on the 20th.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Transaction Wire: Follow MLB Trade Rumors daily. The Bellinger decision could drop any minute, and that will be the "score" that matters most this month.
- Verify your Spring Training Tickets: If you’re planning a trip to Tampa in February, the home games at Steinbrenner Field against the Mets (Feb 22) and Red Sox (March 18) are already selling fast.
- Monitor the World Baseball Classic (WBC) News: The Yankees are playing an exhibition against Team Panama on March 3. Several Yankees might be suiting up for their home countries, which adds a layer of injury risk to watch out for.
Basically, the game hasn't started, but the season has. The score is 0-0, but the pressure is already at a 10.