You probably hopped on Google, typed in some variation of who won the Astros game today, and expected to see a box score with Yordan Alvarez hitting a moonshot or Hunter Brown carving up a lineup.
Here is the quick, no-nonsense answer: Nobody won the Astros game today because there wasn't one.
It is January 18, 2026. If you look outside in Houston, it might be a beautiful day for baseball, but the Minute Maid Park (now Daikin Park) lights are off. We are currently in the dead of the MLB offseason. The crack of the bat is still weeks away, and the only "wins" the Astros are tallying right now are happening in the front office, not on the diamond.
When Do the Astros Actually Play?
If you're itching for a game, you've got a bit of a wait. The 2026 Houston Astros schedule doesn't officially kick off until late February.
To be specific, the Astros are slated to start Spring Training on February 21, 2026. They'll be facing off against the Washington Nationals at their shared facility, CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. That is the first time you'll see the navy and orange back on the field in any competitive capacity.
If you are looking for the games that actually count—the ones that go toward the standings—Opening Day 2026 is set for March 26. The Astros will host the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park. It's only the second time in franchise history they’ve opened against the Halos at home, so it’s kind of a big deal for the local crowd.
What’s Happening Right Now Instead of Games?
While there’s no score to report, the "Hot Stove" is basically at a boil. General Manager Dana Brown has been busy. Honestly, the 2026 roster is looking a little different than what you might remember from the championship runs of the late 2010s.
The Tatsuya Imai Signing
The biggest "win" for Houston this month was finalizing a three-year, $54 million deal with Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai in early January. Imai brings a nasty repertoire that should slot right into the middle of a rotation that’s seen some flux.
Roster Shuffles and Trades
The front office has been in "trim and invest" mode. They recently moved Mauricio Dubón to the Braves and non-tendered Ramón Urías to save some cash for pitching. There are also heavy rumors floating around about Jake Meyers being on the trade block. The goal? Clear space for younger outfielders like Jacob Melton or Zach Cole to see if they can handle the big-league bright lights.
The Farewell to Legends
It’s a bit of a bittersweet January for Houston fans. Long-time fan favorites like Alex Bregman (who signed a massive five-year deal with the Cubs earlier this month) and Ryan Pressly (who officially retired) are no longer part of the equation. Seeing Bregman in a North Side jersey is going to take some serious getting used to.
Why People Are Searching for the Score Today
It’s actually pretty common for fans to search for game results during the offseason. Sometimes it's a habit. Other times, it's because people see highlights from the previous season popping up on social media feeds and think they missed something live.
Also, with the NFL Divisional Round happening today (the Texans are playing the Patriots right now), Houston sports fans are in high gear. It’s easy to get your sports wires crossed when the city is buzzing.
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Actionable Next Steps for Astros Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026 season:
- Mark February 21 on your calendar. That is the first Spring Training game.
- Check your ticket apps. Opening Day tickets for March 26 against the Angels are already on sale, and prices usually spike once February hits.
- Watch the waiver wire. The Astros just signed Amos Willingham and Cohlton Perez to minor league deals yesterday (January 17). These aren't flashy moves, but they provide the depth needed for a 162-game grind.
- Follow the Hunter Brown updates. He finished top three in the AL Cy Young voting last year, and his development is basically the ceiling for this 2026 rotation.
The scoreboard might be blank for now, but the road to the 2026 postseason is already being paved in the front office.