If you're refreshing your browser asking what's the score of the guardians baseball game, I have some news that might be a little bit of a letdown for your Saturday afternoon. Right now, on January 17, 2026, there is no score to report because there isn't a game happening.
We are currently in the heart of the MLB offseason. While the Cleveland Guardians are busy behind the scenes with roster moves and contract arbitrations, the actual crack of the bat is still a few weeks away. If you were hoping to see José Ramírez launching homers today, you’ll have to wait until Spring Training officially kicks off in February.
Why There’s No Score Today (And When to Check Back)
It’s easy to lose track of the baseball calendar, especially when the weather in Ohio makes you want to skip straight to July. Currently, the Guardians are in the "Hot Stove" phase. This is the time for trades, minor league signings, and avoiding those dreaded arbitration hearings.
Honestly, the most recent "score" involving the team wasn't on a diamond—it was on a paycheck. Just a few days ago, Steven Kwan settled his contract for the 2026 season at $7.725 million. That's a huge win for the team's stability in left field, even if his OPS dipped a bit last year to a career-low .704. He’s still the engine of that lineup, and keeping him happy is priority number one for Stephen Vogt.
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Key Dates for Your Calendar
- February 21, 2026: This is the big one. The Guardians play their first Spring Training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day. Cleveland travels to Seattle to face the Mariners.
- April 3, 2026: The Home Opener at Progressive Field against the Chicago Cubs.
If you’re looking for a live score today, you might be accidentally seeing results from the Cleveland Cavaliers or perhaps a college game. For instance, Liberty University’s Zach Cleveland just put up 20 points to beat UTEP—lots of "Cleveland" in the headlines, but no professional baseball quite yet.
The Roster Moves You Actually Need to Know
While the scoreboard is dark, the front office has been remarkably busy. If you haven't been following the transactions wire, a few names have shuffled around that will definitely impact the 2026 season.
Basically, the Guardians are betting on youth. Chris Antonetti and the crew recently traded for Franklin Gomez, a 20-year-old lefty from the Mets organization. He’s likely starting at High-A Lake County, but he’s a name to watch. They also brought back catcher Dom Nunez and signed infielder Carter Kieboom to minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training. These aren't "blockbuster" moves, but they are the kind of depth plays that Cleveland excels at.
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"David [Fry] having a full winter, healthy, completed the throwing rehab... It's going to be really exciting to be able to use him the way his skill set is intended." — Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager
The David Fry situation is particularly interesting. After Tommy John surgery and a scary incident where he took a pitch to the face late last season, he’s expected to be a full go for 2026. He won't just be a DH; we’re talking about him getting back behind the plate and playing the corners. His .996 OPS against lefties in 2024 was legendary, and the team desperately missed that production last year when they ranked 27th in the league against southpaws.
What the 2026 Lineup Might Look Like
Predicting a lineup in January is kinda like predicting the weather in Cleveland—you’re probably going to be wrong, but it’s fun to try. Based on the current roster and recent Winter Meeting chatter, here is how the Guardians might take the field on Opening Day in Seattle:
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- Steven Kwan (LF) – The spark plug.
- Chase DeLauter (CF) – The highly anticipated prospect ready to take the leap.
- José Ramírez (3B) – The GOAT. No explanation needed.
- Kyle Manzardo (1B) – Ready to prove his power is elite at this level.
- Juan Brito (2B) – Providing that middle-infield stability.
- George Valera (RF) – Finally getting a sustained look in the bigs?
- C.J. Kayfus (DH) – A potential breakout candidate.
- Bo Naylor (C) – Continuing his growth as a premier backstop.
- Brayan Rocchio (SS) – The defensive wizard at the 6.
This lineup feels younger and higher-upside than what we saw last year. The focus is clearly on letting the kids play. The front office has explicitly stated they don't want to sign veterans who would block the path for guys like DeLauter and Valera. It’s a risky strategy, but it’s the "Guardians Way."
Where to Find the Score Once the Season Starts
When February 21st finally rolls around, you won't have to wonder what's the score of the guardians baseball game anymore. You’ll have plenty of options to stay updated.
- The MLB Ballpark App: This is generally the most reliable for pitch-by-pitch data. Tickets also move to this app starting in January, so it’s worth a download now.
- WKYC and Local News: For those of us in Northeast Ohio, local stations are great for post-game highlights and locker room interviews.
- Radio Affiliates: There is still nothing quite like listening to a Guardians game on a transistor radio (or the digital equivalent) while working in the garage.
One thing to keep an eye on this spring is the World Baseball Classic. It returns in 2026, which means some of our favorites might be playing for their home countries instead of in Cleveland colors during March. It adds a bit of flavor to the preseason, though it always makes fans nervous about potential injuries.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there isn't a game to watch today, here’s how you can get your Guardians fix and prepare for the 2026 season:
- Check your tickets: Single-game and season tickets are already on sale. If you want to catch that home opener against the Cubs on April 3, you should probably look into that sooner rather than later.
- Update your apps: Make sure your MLB and sports news apps are set to provide notifications for the Guardians so you don't miss the first Spring Training score on February 21.
- Follow the prospects: Keep an eye on reports from Lake County and Columbus. The 2026 season is going to rely heavily on how the "young core" develops over the next six months.
The wait for baseball is almost over. Hang in there through the rest of the winter, and before you know it, the scoreboard at Progressive Field will be lit up again.