If you’re frantically searching for what time is the cincinnati reds game today, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. There isn't one. Take a breath. You haven't missed a first pitch, and your TV isn't glitching. It is January 18, 2026. Unless the Reds decided to play a pickup game in a snowbank outside Great American Ball Park, the diamond is quiet.
Actually, the team just wrapped up Redsfest yesterday at the Duke Energy Convention Center. That’s usually the big "winter is almost over" signal for the fans. If you were there, you probably saw Terry Francona looking fired up about the rotation. But as for actual live baseball? We’re still in that weird limbo where the NFL playoffs are hogging the spotlight. Today is all about the Texans-Patriots and Rams-Bears games. Baseball is still a "coming soon" attraction.
When Do the Reds Actually Play?
The wait isn't as long as it feels in the middle of January. Spring Training is right around the corner. The Reds’ pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Goodyear, Arizona, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Position players follow a few days later on February 16.
The first time you can actually ask what time is the cincinnati reds game today and get a real answer is Saturday, February 21, 2026. That’s the Cactus League opener. They’ll be taking on the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark.
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Early 2026 Key Dates
- First Spring Training Game: Feb 21 vs. Cleveland Guardians (1:05 PM MST / 3:05 PM EST)
- Home Spring Opener: Feb 22 vs. Seattle Mariners (1:05 PM MST)
- WBC Exhibition: March 4 vs. Team Cuba (Goodyear Ballpark)
- Official Opening Day: March 26 vs. Boston Red Sox (Great American Ball Park)
The 2026 Schedule Breakdown
Once the season actually starts, things get busy fast. The 2026 schedule is a bit of a marathon, as usual. After they break camp in Arizona, the Reds head back to Cincinnati for a high-profile Opening Day against the Red Sox on March 26.
It’s kind of a weird start. Usually, we see a division rival, but 2026 is leaning into that interleague play early.
You’ve gotta keep an eye on those April West Coast trips, too. Those are the ones that usually ruin your sleep schedule. They have a stretch in mid-April where they bounce from Texas to Miami, which is basically a travel agent’s nightmare.
Why Everyone Is Looking for Game Times Early
Honestly, I get why you're looking. The hype for this 2026 roster is higher than we've seen in a decade. With guys like Elly De La Cruz hitting their prime and a pitching staff that finally looks like it can hold a lead, people are itching for the season to start.
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Plus, there’s the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) factor. In early March, the Reds will actually play an exhibition game against Team Cuba. That’s going to be a weird, fun atmosphere in the desert before the "real" games even count.
How to Watch the Reds in 2026
When the games actually start, don't expect the old-school cable experience to be any less confusing. Most games will still be on the local regional sports network (check your local listings for the rebranded Bally/Diamond Sports setup), but MLB.TV is still the go-to for out-of-market fans.
Just a heads up: Friday nights are often Apple TV+ exclusives now. If you're looking for the game and it's not on your usual channel, check the streaming apps.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
Since there’s no game today, here’s how to actually prepare for the 2026 season so you don't miss a beat when February 21 rolls around:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Reds website and download the digital schedule to your phone. It updates automatically if game times shift for TV.
- Check your streaming subs: Make sure your MLB.TV or local provider subscription is active before the Cactus League starts on February 21.
- Grab Spring Training tickets: If you’re planning a trip to Arizona, Goodyear Ballpark tickets are already on sale. Prices for the opener against Cleveland start around $21.
- Watch the WBC schedule: If you want to see Reds players represent their countries, the North American portion of the World Baseball Classic starts March 6.
Stop checking the scoreboard for today. Go enjoy the football games or some college hoops. The Reds will be back in the dirt in exactly 34 days.