If you’re waking up this Friday, January 16, 2026, wondering if there’s a game to catch, the short answer is no. There isn't a game. Not today, not tomorrow, and honestly, not for a few more weeks. We are currently in the thick of the MLB offseason, which means the Bronx is quiet, and the pinstripes are still tucked away in the lockers.
But don't check out just yet.
While the "are the New York Yankees playing today" question might yield a disappointing result for anyone craving the smell of stadium mustard, the team is actually incredibly busy behind the scenes. In fact, just today, the front office made a move to bolster the bullpen by signing Paul Blackburn to a one-year deal.
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If you follow the Yanks, you know the "Hot Stove" is where the real action happens in January.
When Do the Yankees Actually Take the Field?
The wait isn't as long as it feels in the dead of winter. We are officially roughly one month away from seeing the team back in action down in Tampa.
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for the first workout on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Position players will follow shortly after, with the full squad hitting the grass at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Monday, February 16.
Here is the upcoming timeline you actually care about:
- February 20, 2026: The Grapefruit League schedule kicks off. The Yankees will travel to Sarasota to face the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium.
- February 21, 2026: The first home spring training game in Tampa against the Detroit Tigers.
- March 25, 2026: Opening Night. This is the big one. The Yankees are heading to San Francisco to take on the Giants at Oracle Park.
It’s actually the earliest scheduled traditional Opening Day in the history of Major League Baseball. Mark your calendars now because 7:00 PM on a Wednesday in late March is going to feel like a holiday.
Why the Offseason "Game" is Just as Important
Even though nobody is swinging a bat in the Bronx today, Brian Cashman and the front office are playing a high-stakes game of roster Tetris. The big news swirling around the water cooler right now is the acquisition of Ryan Weathers. The Yankees picked him up from the Marlins just a couple of days ago on January 14.
The rotation is looking a bit different than last year. With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón still working their way back from injuries that ended their 2025 seasons early, the early 2026 rotation is expected to feature a mix of Max Fried, Will Warren, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, and now Weathers.
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There's also been massive speculation about the infield. You've probably heard the rumors—Bo Bichette has been the name on everyone's lips. While the Mets just swooped in to sign him to a massive three-year deal (ouch, right?), the Yankees are still looking for ways to shore up the dirt while Anthony Volpe recovers from shoulder surgery.
Are the New York Yankees Playing Today in Other Leagues?
Sometimes fans ask "are the New York Yankees playing today" because they are looking for winter ball updates. While the MLB team is dormant, several Yankees prospects and fringe roster players often participate in the Caribbean Series or various winter leagues in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, or Venezuela.
However, as of mid-January, most of those leagues are wrapping up their playoff runs. Today, most of the organization's focus is on the International Signing Period, which officially opened yesterday, January 15. The Yankees have already been active, reportedly snagging two highly-rated shortstops and three catchers to replenish the farm system.
Actionable Steps for Yankees Fans Today
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay prepared for the 2026 season:
- Check your ticket apps. Spring Training tickets for games starting February 20 are already on sale. Prices for the opener in Sarasota are hovering around $61 right now.
- Monitor the waiver wire. The team just claimed Kaleb Ort from the Astros. These "minor" moves in January often determine who provides the crucial depth in August.
- Update your calendar for March 25. Don't get caught off guard by the early Opening Night. It's a standalone game, so the eyes of the entire baseball world will be on the Yanks and Giants.
- Watch the "Hot Stove" reports. With the Bichette deal off the table, expect the Yankees to pivot toward other infield options or perhaps a right-handed bat to balance the lineup.
The crack of the bat is coming. We just have to survive a few more weeks of snow and trade rumors first.