You’re probably here because you typed "current score of the Dodger game" into a search bar, expecting to see a live box score with Shohei Ohtani’s latest exit velocity or a Yoshinobu Yamamoto strikeout count. Honestly, I get it. We’re all itching for baseball. But here is the cold, hard reality: there is no current score of the Dodger game right now because it is January 17, 2026.
We are currently in the deep freeze of the MLB offseason. While the Dodgers are technically the reigning World Series champions—having just secured back-to-back titles—they aren't actually playing anyone today. The grass at Dodger Stadium is likely being pampered by groundskeepers, and the players are mostly scattered across the globe doing heavy squats or vacationing before the madness of spring training begins in February.
When Does the Next Dodger Game Actually Start?
If you're looking for a score, you've got a bit of a wait. The Dodgers don't take the field for a real game until late February. Specifically, the 2026 Cactus League schedule kicks off on Saturday, February 21, 2026, when the Dodgers face off against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
That’s the first time you’ll see a "current score" next to the Dodgers name this year. If you’re a stickler for games that actually count toward the standings, you’re looking at Thursday, March 26, 2026. That is Opening Day at Dodger Stadium against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s going to be a massive night—mostly because the team will be raising their 2025 World Series banner in front of a sold-out crowd and a national audience on NBC.
Why Everyone is Searching for the Dodgers Right Now
The reason the "current score of the Dodger game" is a trending topic in mid-January isn't because of a game on the field; it’s because of the absolute absolute "supervillain" moves the front office is making in the front office.
Just about 48 hours ago, the Dodgers basically broke the internet (and the hearts of 29 other fanbases) by signing Kyle Tucker to a massive four-year, $240 million deal. It’s kind of ridiculous when you think about it. They already have Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman. Now they’ve added arguably the best all-around outfielder in the game to a roster that’s already won two titles in a row.
People are searching for the score because the Dodgers are the only team people want to talk about, whether they love them or—more likely if you're outside of L.A.—completely despise them.
The Kyle Tucker Contract Breakdown
- Total Value: $240 million over four years.
- Average Annual Value (AAV): $60 million (second only to Ohtani).
- Structure: It includes a $64 million signing bonus and about $30 million in deferred money.
- Opt-outs: Tucker can bail after the second or third year if he wants another bite at the free-agent apple.
The Offseason Scoreboard: Who Else Did They Get?
While there’s no "current score" in terms of runs and hits, the Dodgers are winning the "offseason score" by a landslide. Beyond Tucker, Andrew Friedman and the crew have been busy.
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They signed Edwin Díaz, arguably the best closer on the market, to a three-year deal back in December. This move was huge because, let’s be honest, the bullpen was one of the few places where the Dodgers actually looked human last season.
They also picked up Andy Ibáñez on a one-year, $1.2 million deal a few days ago. He’s a utility guy who hits lefties well. It's the kind of move that doesn't make headlines but wins games in July when someone’s hamstring acts up.
What to Expect from the 2026 Schedule
Once the games actually start, the schedule is pretty wild. Since MLB stuck with the balanced schedule format, the Dodgers will play every single team in the league at least once.
- Opening Day: March 26 vs. Arizona.
- The Freeway Series: May 15-17 at Angel Stadium.
- The Rivalry Weekend: A huge series against the Padres in early July.
- The Yankee Stadium Trip: July 17-19, which will likely be the most-watched regular-season series of the year.
Real Talk: The "Supervillain" Narrative
It’s easy to look at a $429 million projected payroll and roll your eyes. The Dodgers are spending nearly $100 million more than the New York Mets, who are usually the ones setting the pace for "buying" a team.
But from an expert perspective, it's not just about the money. It's about how they structure it. By using deferrals—like the ones in Ohtani's and now Tucker's contracts—they are pushing the financial "pain" down the road. They are betting that by the time those checks are due in 2040 or 2047, the league's revenue will have grown so much that the payments will feel like pocket change.
Whether it's good for the game is a different debate. But for Dodgers fans, the "score" right now is L.A.: 1, Everyone Else: 0.
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Your Next Steps for Following the Dodgers
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay prepared for when the first pitch actually happens:
- Mark February 11 on your calendar. That's when pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) report to camp.
- Check the spring training broadcast schedule. Most games will be on SportsNet LA, but the March 26 opener is a primetime NBC/Peacock exclusive.
- Monitor the Tarik Skubal trade rumors. There are whispers that the Dodgers aren't done and might try to trade for the Tigers' ace before the season starts.
The "current score of the Dodger game" will be 0-0 in about five weeks. Until then, keep an eye on the transaction wire, because that’s where the real action is happening.