So, if you just checked your weather app and saw it’s mid-January, you probably know the answer already, but let's be real—the itch for Bronx baseball never actually goes away.
The short answer? The New York Yankees didn't play anyone today. Honestly, nobody in Major League Baseball did. We are currently smack in the middle of the "dead zone" of the offseason. The diamond at Yankee Stadium is likely covered in a light dusting of New York frost, and the only "games" being played are happening in the front offices between Brian Cashman and high-powered agents like Scott Boras.
But while there aren't any box scores to dissect this morning, there is a ton of movement (and a frustrating lack of it) that defines what this team will look like when they actually do take the field. If you’re asking who did the Yankees play today because you're looking for the next time they suit up, you’ve got about a month of waiting left before the Grapefruit League kicks off in Florida.
The Current State of the "Non-Game" Schedule
If we’re talking about today, January 16, 2026, the Yankees are playing a high-stakes game of chicken in the free-agent market. While the Mets just pulled a fast one and signed Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal, the Yankees are seemingly stuck in neutral.
It’s kind of wild to think about. Just a few days ago, the team made a minor splash by re-signing right-hander Paul Blackburn to a one-year deal. It's the kind of move that fills out a roster but doesn't exactly make you book playoff tickets. Blackburn, who struggled a bit in 2025 with a 6.23 ERA across his time with the Mets and Yanks, is a depth piece. But depth doesn't win October.
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The real opponent today? The "Stalemate."
The Yankees have been locked in a grueling negotiation with Cody Bellinger for what feels like an eternity. Rumor has it the Yanks offered something in the ballpark of $155 million over five years, but Bellinger's camp is reportedly holding out for seven years. It’s a classic Brian Cashman standoff. He doesn't want to get burned by a long-term deal that looks ugly in 2030, but the fan base is starting to get restless.
Why the Offseason Feels Like a Loss Right Now
- The Bo Bichette Miss: Seeing Bichette go to the Mets for $126 million stung. A lot. The Yankees reportedly didn't see him as a fit for shortstop, which is a take that has plenty of fans scratching their heads.
- The Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes: The Dodgers (because of course it was the Dodgers) landed Kyle Tucker earlier this winter. It feels like everyone is getting better except the guys in the Bronx.
- The Luis Robert Jr. Rumors: There’s talk about a trade for the White Sox outfielder. He’s got a massive ceiling but he’s coming off a career-low .223 batting average. It’s a gamble.
Looking Ahead: When Do They Actually Play?
If you're tired of the rumors and just want to see Aaron Judge hit a ball into orbit, the wait is almost over. The 2026 schedule is actually going to be a historic one.
The Yankees officially report for Spring Training in about four weeks. Pitchers and catchers usually show up around February 11-13. The first time you'll actually see them play a game against another jersey will be Friday, February 20, 2026.
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They'll be opening their Spring Training slate against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. If you’re planning a trip down to Tampa, mark your calendar for the home opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 21 against the Tigers.
The 2026 Regular Season Kickoff
This year is a bit weird—and cool. The Yankees aren't starting at home. They aren't even starting on the East Coast.
The MLB is doing a standalone "Opening Night" on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The Yankees will be in San Francisco to take on the Giants at Oracle Park. It’s the earliest traditional Opening Day in the history of the sport.
What You Should Watch For Today
Since there’s no game on TV, the real "action" is on the transaction wire. Keep an eye on the Cody Bellinger news. If that falls through, the Yankees might pivot to names like Luis Robert Jr. or maybe even a reunion with someone like Harrison Bader—though some analysts think that’s a move based more on nostalgia than actual stats.
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Basically, the Yankees are playing a game of "Wait and See." They’ve got a solid core, but as we saw last year, the gap between "good" and "World Series favorites" is massive.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're itching for baseball, now is actually the best time to look into Single Game Tickets for the 2026 season. Prices for those early Spring Training games are surprisingly decent right now—some are hovering around $33 for matchups at Steinbrenner Field in late February. Also, if you’re a jersey nerd, the new 2026 gear usually starts hitting the shops around this time of month.
The season will be here before you know it, but for today, the only thing the Yankees are playing is the long game.