So, you're looking for the score? Or maybe you’re just trying to figure out if you should head down to Daikin Park—which, yeah, we’re all still getting used to calling it that instead of Minute Maid.
But here’s the reality check.
Today is January 17, 2026.
If you’re looking for a live box score or a starting pitcher for tonight’s game, you’re basically a few weeks too early. Major League Baseball is deep in the "Hot Stove" phase of the year. The grass in Houston is probably looking pristine, but there isn't a cleat marks in sight.
Where Are the Houston Astros Playing Today? (The Actual Answer)
Right now, the Houston Astros aren't playing anywhere. Not in a competitive sense, anyway.
The stadium at 501 Crawford Street is quiet. Most of the roster is scattered across the map. Some guys are at home in Florida or the Dominican Republic, while others are probably grinding through hitting sessions at private facilities.
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In January, the "game" is all about the front office. Dana Brown and the crew are likely hunkered down in the offices at Daikin Park, hammering out the final details of the roster. We’ve seen a lot of movement this winter—the Alex Bregman era in Houston officially ended with him heading to the Cubs, which still feels weird to say out loud.
Honestly, the team is currently in a state of "organized waiting."
When does the action actually start?
If you're itching to see them on a dirt diamond, you have a little less than a month to go. Here is the timeline for the 2026 ramp-up:
- February 11, 2026: Pitchers and catchers report to West Palm Beach. This is the first official "day of school."
- February 16, 2026: The full squad arrives. This is when the energy actually shifts.
- February 22, 2026: The first Grapefruit League game kicks off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches.
The 2026 Season Kickoff: No More Waiting
Once we get through this January lull, the schedule gets aggressive. Because 2026 is a World Baseball Classic (WBC) year, the schedule is a bit funky.
The Astros actually have a huge role in the WBC this year. Daikin Park is hosting Pool B games from March 6 to March 11. That means while the Astros are technically still in Florida for Spring Training, their home turf in Houston will be hosting international powerhouses.
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As for the real games?
The 2026 Opening Day is the earliest in MLB history. The Astros will officially start their season on March 26, 2026, at home against the Los Angeles Angels.
It’s a four-game series. If you're planning your life around the schedule, that Thursday game is the one you need to circle in red ink.
Why the Offseason Location Matters
You might think "nowhere" is a boring answer for where a team is playing. But for the 2026 Astros, the "where" is actually about the injury tent and the training room.
Coming off a season where the rotation was basically held together by duct tape and prayers, where the players are training today matters more than where they are playing. Hunter Brown and Spencer Arrighetti are the focal points now.
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We’re also keeping a close eye on the rehabilitation of guys like Lance McCullers Jr. Is he throwing today? Probably. Is he playing in a game? No. But his location—whether he's in Houston or Florida—usually tells us how close he is to a return.
What can you do today?
Since there’s no game to watch, most fans are doing one of three things:
- Checking Trade Rumors: With the Winter Meetings behind us, the remaining free-agent pool is shrinking. Fans are hovering over social media waiting to see if a veteran lefty starter signs a one-year "prove it" deal.
- Buying Tickets: Single-game tickets for the 2026 season usually start popping up around now. If you want to see that Opening Day matchup against the Angels, you basically have to act now before the resellers grab everything.
- WBC Prep: Since Houston is a hub for the World Baseball Classic this year, people are already scouting the rosters for Venezuela and Puerto Rico, as those games will bring a postseason atmosphere to downtown in early March.
Summary of Upcoming Key Locations
To make it simple, here is where the team will be over the next few weeks.
| Date | Location | Event Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 17 - Feb 10 | Various (Home/Private Gyms) | Personal Workouts |
| Feb 11 - March 24 | West Palm Beach, FL | Spring Training |
| March 6 - March 11 | Daikin Park (Houston) | WBC Games (Venue Only) |
| March 26 | Daikin Park (Houston) | Opening Day vs. Angels |
It’s kinda tough when the calendar says "Baseball Season" isn't here yet, but the 2026 cycle is moving fast.
Basically, keep your jersey in the closet for about 30 more days. If you're looking for a fix today, the best you're going to get is a highlight reel from last year or a podcast debating whether the farm system has enough depth to survive another run at the AL West title.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official MLB site or the Ballpark app for the specific release of single-game tickets for the March 26 opener. If you're planning on traveling to Florida for Spring Training, book your flights into Palm Beach International (PBI) now, as prices usually spike once pitchers and catchers officially report on February 11.