Look, I get it. The off-season feels like a literal decade. You’re sitting there in the middle of January, staring at your Mookie Betts jersey, just waiting for the sound of a wood bat cracking. Since it's currently January 18, 2026, we are officially in the "home stretch" of the winter lull.
If you’re asking who does the Dodgers play next, you technically have two answers depending on how much "fake" baseball you’re willing to watch.
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The absolute first time you’ll see the boys in blue take the field for a game—even if it doesn’t count for the standings—is Saturday, February 21, 2026. They’re heading over to Tempe Diablo Stadium to face the Los Angeles Angels. It’s the annual Cactus League kickoff, and honestly, there’s nothing like seeing guys wearing jersey numbers in the 90s trying to make a name for themselves in the 7th inning.
But if you’re a "wake me up when the lights are bright" kind of fan, the real answer is the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers open the 2026 regular season at home. Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 26. It’s going to be a massive night at Chavez Ravine. Not only is it Opening Day, but the Dodgers are coming off that 2025 title run, so expect the ring ceremony and the banner raising to be a whole production.
The Immediate Road to Camelback Ranch
Before we get to the Diamondbacks, we have to talk about the desert. Spring Training isn't just for autographs; it's where we see if the pitching rotation actually holds up this year.
Pitchers and catchers report on Friday, February 13. Happy Valentine's Day to us, right?
The first full-squad workout is set for Tuesday, February 17. That’s when the energy really shifts at Camelback Ranch. If you’re planning a trip to Glendale, here is what that first week of exhibition play looks like:
- Feb 21: @ Los Angeles Angels (Tempe Diablo Stadium)
- Feb 22: @ San Diego Padres (Peoria Sports Complex)
- Feb 23: vs. Seattle Mariners (Camelback Ranch - Home Opener)
- Feb 24: vs. Cleveland Guardians (Camelback Ranch)
- Feb 25: @ Arizona Diamondbacks (Salt River Fields)
It’s a heavy divisional start even in the preseason. Playing the Padres and D-backs right out of the gate sort of sets the tone, even if the starters only play three innings.
One weird, cool detail for 2026: The Dodgers are playing an exhibition game against the Mexico national team on March 4. This is a tune-up for the World Baseball Classic. If you remember the atmosphere from the last WBC, you know that game is going to feel way more intense than a standard March afternoon in Arizona.
Who Does the Dodgers Play Next in the Regular Season?
Once the Freeway Series exhibition games wrap up against the Angels in late March, the real grind begins. The 2026 schedule is actually the earliest "traditional" Opening Day in MLB history. No international flights to Korea or Australia this time—just pure, uncut 8:00 PM baseball in Los Angeles.
The Opening Homestand
The Dodgers start with a six-game homestand. This is huge for the fans who want to soak in the championship glow.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (March 26–28): A three-game set to start the year. Expect the place to be rocking. The March 26 opener is actually a national primetime game on NBC/Peacock.
- Cleveland Guardians (March 30–April 1): The first interleague matchup of the year.
Basically, the Dodgers don't even leave California until April 3, when they head to D.C. to see the Nationals.
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Key Dates You Shouldn't Miss
If you're trying to plan your life around the 2026 season, there are a few series that stand out. Honestly, the mid-summer stretch looks brutal but exciting.
- Jackie Robinson Day (April 15): The Dodgers are at home against the New York Mets. It’s always the most special night of the year at the stadium.
- Mother’s Day (May 10): Home against the Atlanta Braves.
- The Yankee Stadium Trip (July 17–19): This is the "big one." The Dodgers travel to the Bronx right after the All-Star break. If both teams are healthy, this is basically a World Series preview.
- Independence Day (July 4): A home game against the San Diego Padres. Fireworks at Dodger Stadium on the 4th against your biggest rival? You've gotta buy those tickets months in advance.
Why the 2026 Schedule Feels Different
MLB is sticking with the "balanced schedule" they started a few years back. What this means for you: the Dodgers play every single team in the league at least once.
You’ll see the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium (June 19–21) and the Boston Red Sox coming to town (July 31–August 2). The downside? We see less of the Giants and Padres. We only play division rivals 13 times each now, instead of the old 19.
Some people hate it. They say it kills the rivalries. Personally? I kinda like seeing the American League stars come to town more often. Seeing Gunnar Henderson or Adley Rutschman at Dodger Stadium is a treat we didn't get often enough in the old days.
Navigating the Early Season
If you're looking to catch these games, the TV situation is still a bit of a maze. Most local games are on Spectrum SportsNet LA, but the 2026 season opener against Arizona is a massive national broadcast on NBC.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your local listings: If you're out of market, the March 26 game is on Peacock/NBC, so you don't need MLB.tv for that specific one.
- Book Spring Training travel now: If you're planning to go to the February 23 home opener at Camelback Ranch, hotel prices in Glendale are already spiking.
- Monitor the WBC Roster: Since the World Baseball Classic is happening this year, keep an eye on which Dodgers are leaving camp in early March. It might change who you actually see playing in those Cactus League games.
The wait is almost over. February 21 is only a few weeks away. Get your gear ready.