So, you're looking for the score. You want to know who is winning the Yankees game today, but there's a bit of a problem. If you look at the calendar, it’s January 17, 2026.
The Bronx is cold. Yankee Stadium is currently a quiet fortress of concrete and empty seats, probably covered in a light dusting of snow or that grey New York slush we all love to hate. There is no game today.
Honestly, the "winning" isn't happening on a diamond right now; it's happening in the front office. While the actual crack of the bat is still weeks away, the Yankees are currently locked in a high-stakes chess match that feels just as intense as a late-inning rally against the Red Sox. If you're checking the score, you're essentially checking the pulse of the hot stove league.
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When Do the Yankees Actually Play?
If you're itching for a box score, you've got to wait until February. The 2026 Spring Training schedule officially kicks off on February 20, 2026. The Yankees will open up against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.
That’s when the "who is winning" question actually gets an answer. Until then, the only numbers changing are the zeros on contract offers.
The real date you should circle in red ink? March 25, 2026. That is Opening Night. The Yankees are headed to San Francisco to take on the Giants at Oracle Park. It’s actually going to be a standalone game, which is kind of a big deal—the earliest traditional Opening Day in the history of Major League Baseball.
Key Dates for the 2026 Season:
- February 20: First Spring Training game (@ Orioles)
- February 21: First home Spring Training game (vs. Tigers)
- March 25: Opening Night (@ Giants)
- April 3: Home Opener at Yankee Stadium (vs. Marlins)
The Offseason Battle: Who’s Winning the Negotiations?
Since nobody is winning on the field today, fans are obsessing over the roster. The biggest story right now? Cody Bellinger.
The Yankees have been in a slugfest with the Mets and the Blue Jays to keep him in pinstripes. As of this morning, January 17, the Yankees have a five-year, $155 million offer on the table. But it's complicated. Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, is reportedly hunting for a seven-year deal.
The Yankees just blinked, though. Word is they are now offering a second opt-out clause to sweeten the pot without adding those extra years. It’s a classic Brian Cashman move—flexible but firm.
Meanwhile, the Mets just signed Bo Bichette to a $126 million deal. That’s a massive blow to Yankees fans who wanted to see Bichette in the Bronx. If the Mets pivot and steal Bellinger too? That’s a loss that will sting way worse than a regular-season shutout.
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Why the 2026 Schedule is Different
You might notice some weird gaps in the schedule this year. It's not your imagination. Because the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being hosted in North America, MLB had to get creative.
There are "built-in" off days throughout the summer to accommodate the chaos of the World Cup matches happening in cities like Philadelphia and Seattle. For example, the Yankees have a massive 10-game road trip in late July, but they also have some strategic breaks to avoid the World Cup crowds.
Another highlight to look forward to: The Subway Series is taking on a much heavier meaning this year. The Yankees and Mets will face off at Yankee Stadium from September 11–13. It marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and the atmosphere is going to be electric and emotional.
Practical Steps for Yankees Fans Today
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve:
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- Check the Non-Roster Invitees: Keep an eye on the guys invited to Tampa. With the Yankees investigating trades for players like Luis Robert Jr. or Nico Hoerner, the bottom of the roster is where the real "winning" starts for the 2026 depth chart.
- Set Your Alerts for February 20: That’s your first chance to see the new-look lineup in action.
- Monitor the Bellinger Watch: If a deal isn't signed by the end of this week, expect the Yankees to pivot hard toward a trade with the White Sox.
The scoreboard might be dark today, but the 2026 season is already being won or lost in the boardroom. We’ll see you in Sarasota in 34 days.