So you're looking for the crack of the bat and that specific smell of overpriced stadium hot dogs. You probably woke up, checked the calendar, and realized it's January 18, 2026. If you're looking for the New York Yankees or the Dodgers to be playing a meaningful game right now, I’ve got some bad news. They’re mostly golfing or hitting the gym in Tampa and Arizona. But if you’re asking is there any baseball games on today because you actually need a fix of live, professional innings, the answer is a resounding yes. You just have to look a little further south—or way across the Pacific.
Most casual fans think baseball goes into hibernation after the World Series trophy is hoisted in November. Honestly, that's a mistake. While the MLB is currently in that weird "pre-Spring Training" lull where we just obsess over trade rumors and Ohtani's latest Instagram post, the rest of the world is actually playing high-stakes, "win-or-go-home" baseball right now.
The Caribbean Heat: Winter Leagues in Full Swing
If you haven’t been following the Caribbean winter leagues, you’re missing out on the most intense atmosphere in the sport. Today, January 18, is actually a massive day for the LIDOM (Dominican Professional Baseball League).
We are literally at the finish line of the Round Robin. In the Dominican Republic, the top four teams—the Tigres del Licey, Aguilas Cibaenas, Leones del Escogido, and Gigantes del Cibao—have been beating the brakes off each other for weeks. Today is one of the final dates of the Round Robin stage before the two best teams head into the Finals.
It’s not just "minor league" ball, either. You’ll see big leaguers who want to stay sharp, top-tier prospects trying to prove they belong in the show, and local legends who are treated like deities in Santo Domingo.
Then you’ve got the LVBP in Venezuela and the LMP in Mexico. The Mexican Pacific League is actually wrapping up their semifinals or starting their championship series right around now. Why does this matter? Because all these leagues are fighting for a spot in the 2026 Caribbean Series, which is set to kick off in Mexicali and San Luis Río Colorado in just a couple of weeks.
The Australian Baseball League: Summer in January
If the winter leagues in the Caribbean are too "wintery" for you, the Australian Baseball League (ABL) is literally in the middle of its summer. Today marks the final day of the regular season for the 2025–26 ABL calendar.
The standings are tight. The Sydney Blue Sox have been dominating, but teams like the Adelaide Giants and Perth Heat are clawing for those final postseason berths. If you’re an early bird or a night owl in the States, you can catch these games live. The quality of play is surprisingly high—MLB teams frequently send their "next big thing" prospects down under to get extra reps.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Baseball
People think January is a dead zone. It’s not. It’s just "hidden" baseball.
The biggest misconception is that there isn't any "real" baseball worth watching until the MLB Opening Day on March 26. But the intensity of a LIDOM playoff game makes a standard MLB game in June look like a library. Fans are blowing horns, dancing on dugouts, and every pitch feels like life or death.
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Plus, for the stat nerds out there, these games actually count for something. Scouts are everywhere today. They’re watching the 28-year-old journeyman who suddenly found a new slider in the Venezuelan league, and they’re writing reports that will lead to Spring Training invites in February.
Where to Watch Games Today
You’re probably wondering how the heck to actually see these games if you aren't currently sitting in a stadium in Santiago or Brisbane.
- MLB.tv: Believe it or not, your MLB subscription often carries the Caribbean winter leagues. You can usually stream LIDOM and LVBP games directly through the app.
- ABL.tv: The Australian Baseball League has its own streaming service (often free or very cheap) where you can watch the regular-season finales today.
- Social Media: Honestly, sometimes the best way to keep up with the Mexican Pacific League (LMP) is through their official YouTube channels or Twitter (X) feeds, which often broadcast live look-ins.
Why You Should Care About Today's Matchups
Look, I get it. You want to see Aaron Judge or Bryce Harper. But watching baseball today gives you a "sneak peek" at the roster fillers and breakout stars of 2026.
Think about it. A lot of the guys playing today in the Dominican Republic will be the same guys coming off the bench for your favorite MLB team in August. Seeing them handle the pressure of a winter league playoff game tells you a lot more about their "clutch" factor than a random batting practice session in Florida ever could.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the LIDOM Standings: Go to the official MLB "Ligas Invernales" page. If the standings are tied, today’s games are effectively game sevens.
- Download the ABL App: If you want live sports during the "dead" hours of the US night, the Australian games are your best friend.
- Set a Calendar Alert for Feb 1: That’s when the Caribbean Series starts. It’s the "World Series of the Caribbean," and it’s some of the best baseball you’ll see all year.
- Watch for Minor League Signings: Keep an eye on the transaction wire over the next 48 hours. The guys who perform well in today’s winter games usually get signed to MLB minor league deals within the week.
Baseball isn't gone; it's just on vacation in warmer climates. If you really need a game on your TV today, the world has plenty to offer—you just have to know where to point the remote.