If you woke up this morning and typed what was the score of the guardians game today into your search bar, I have some news that might be a little boring or a total relief, depending on how much you miss baseball.
There was no score.
Honestly, there wasn't even a game. Today is January 16, 2026, and Progressive Field is currently a very expensive, very snowy refrigerator. We are deep in the heart of the MLB offseason, which means the only "scoring" happening involves front-office executives arguing over arbitration numbers and minor league contract structures.
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It’s that weird middle-of-winter lull. The holidays are over, but Spring Training still feels like a lifetime away. If you're looking for live Cleveland baseball, you’ve basically got about five weeks of waiting left before the desert sun of Arizona starts providing some actual box scores.
When does the 2026 Guardians season actually start?
Since you're clearly itching for some Cleveland baseball, let’s talk about when the drought ends. The what was the score of the guardians game today query won't yield a real result until February 21, 2026. That’s the official kickoff for Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona.
The Guardians will face off against the Cincinnati Reds for their Cactus League opener. It’s usually a relaxed affair—lots of prospects you've never heard of wearing jerseys with numbers in the 90s—but it's baseball. And after a long Cleveland winter, a 1:05 PM start in the sun sounds like heaven.
For those who only care about games that "count," the regular season starts on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The team is heading out West to take on the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
- Spring Training Opener: Feb 21 vs. Reds
- Regular Season Opener: March 26 @ Mariners
- Home Opener: April 3 vs. Chicago Cubs
That home opener against the Cubs is going to be a massive deal. It’s only the second time in the franchise’s long history that they’ve hosted a National League team for the first game at Progressive Field. Expect the Corner to be absolutely packed, regardless of the temperature.
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What has been happening while the bats are quiet?
Just because there isn't a score today doesn't mean the Guardians have been sitting on their hands. Well, actually, some fans think they have been sitting on their hands. National MLB insiders, including Jeff Passan, have recently pointed out that Cleveland has been uncharacteristically quiet this winter.
Coming off a 2025 season where they clawed back from a 15.5-game deficit to win the AL Central with an 88-74 record, you’d think they’d be aggressive. Instead, the front office has focused on low-risk, high-reward moves.
Yesterday, January 15, was actually a pretty busy day for the front office, even if it didn't show up on a scoreboard. It was the start of the 2026 international signing period. The Guardians made a savvy trade with the New York Mets, acquiring a 20-year-old left-handed pitcher named Franklin Gomez.
Gomez is a bit of a project, but he put up a 2.76 ERA across Single-A and High-A last year. Cleveland traded away $1.5 million in international bonus pool money to get him. It’s a classic Cleveland move: trading "abstract" assets for a young arm they think their pitching factory can refine into a diamond.
Why the offseason "score" matters for 2026
The real "score" for the Guardians right now is their payroll and roster flexibility. Steven Kwan just settled on a one-year, $7.725 million deal to avoid arbitration. That's a decent chunk of change, but he’s coming off a career-low OPS in 2025, so he’s got a lot to prove this year.
Then you have David Fry. He’s the guy everyone is watching. After that terrifying moment last September when he was hit in the face by a Tarik Skubal pitch, he’s reportedly fully healed. Manager Stephen Vogt has already said Fry won't just be a DH in 2026; they’re planning to use him at third base, in the outfield, and even behind the plate.
If you’re looking for a "win" today, it’s the fact that the Guardians' core is mostly healthy.
- José Ramírez is still the anchor at third base.
- Tanner Bibee is the projected ace of the staff.
- Cade Smith is likely stepping into the closer role, filling the massive shoes left by the Emmanuel Clase situation.
How to stay updated until Spring Training
Since you can't get a box score today, your best bet for Cleveland sports news is following the transaction wire. The team still has a glaring need for a right-handed power bat. They've been linked to a few free agents, but the front office usually waits until the "bargain bin" period of February to make those types of signings.
Keep an eye on the non-roster invitees. They just signed veteran Carter Kieboom to a minor-league deal with a Spring Training invite. He’s a former top prospect who hasn't quite found his footing in the majors, but Cleveland loves those types of reclamation projects.
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Basically, the 2026 season is currently being built in backrooms and over phone calls. It’s not as exciting as a walk-off hit, but it’s what we’ve got.
If you want to prepare for the season, now is the time to check out the full schedule and maybe snag those home opener tickets before the secondary market prices go through the roof. The Cubs coming to town always drives up the cost, and with a Friday afternoon start time, that game is going to be the biggest party in downtown Cleveland.
To get ready for the 2026 season, you should start by reviewing the Guardians' 40-man roster to see which prospects, like Chase DeLauter or Travis Bazzana, might actually break camp with the big league club in March.