If you’re staring at your TV guide or refreshing your apps wondering what time do the ny mets play today, I have some news that might be a little disappointing if you were hoping for a game to watch with your morning coffee.
There is no game.
None. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you look outside in Queens right now, Citi Field is likely tucked under a layer of January frost, and the only "diamond" action involves groundskeepers checking on the drainage systems. Baseball is a summer game, and right now, we’re deep in the "Hot Stove" season—which, honestly, has been plenty hot enough for Mets fans lately.
No Game Today, But Here Is When They Start
While you won't find a first pitch today, the countdown is officially on. Major League Baseball has already released the 2026 schedule, and we are just weeks away from the sounds of bats cracking in Port St. Lucie.
The New York Mets will play their first game of the 2026 season on Saturday, February 21, 2021. That’s the Grapefruit League opener against the Miami Marlins.
- Date: February 21, 2026
- Time: 1:10 PM EST
- Location: Clover Park, Port St. Lucie, FL
That is the day things get real. But for today, January 18, the only "score" we’re tracking is in the front office.
The 2026 Opening Day Countdown
If you’re the type who only cares about games that count in the standings, you’ve got a bit longer to wait. The Mets officially open the regular season at home at Citi Field on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
💡 You might also like: Detroit Tigers Live Score Today: Why the Offseason Numbers Actually Matter
They’ll be hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 PM EST. It’s going to be a massive afternoon in Flushing, especially with the roster turnover we’ve seen over the last few months.
Why the Offseason Is Actually More Exciting Than a January Game
You might be bummed there’s no game today, but honestly? The drama happening right now is wild. Just two days ago, on January 16, the Mets made a massive splash that is still the talk of New York sports radio.
After missing out on Kyle Tucker (who decided to take a huge deal with the Dodgers), David Stearns didn't just sit on his hands. The Mets reportedly inked Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract.
It’s a fascinating move. Bichette has been a shortstop his whole life, but with Francisco Lindor locked in at the 6-spot, Bo is expected to slide over to third base. We’ve never seen him play the "hot corner" professionally.
Think about that for a second. The Mets are basically betting $126 million that one of the game's best pure hitters can learn a brand-new defensive position on the fly before Opening Day. It’s risky. It's expensive. It’s quintessential Mets.
A New-Look Infield for 2026
When the Mets finally do take the field in March, the dirt is going to look very different. Pete Alonso is gone. Edwin Diaz is gone. These are names that defined the last era of Mets baseball, and seeing them in different jerseys (or just not in ours) is going to take some getting used to.
Here’s the projected infield that Stearns has assembled:
👉 See also: Lindsey Vonn Naked Images: Why This Privacy Invasion Still Matters Today
- First Base: A mix of Jorge Polanco and Mark Vientos.
- Second Base: Marcus Semien (acquired in that blockbuster Brandon Nimmo trade).
- Shortstop: Francisco Lindor (the anchor).
- Third Base: Bo Bichette.
It is a lineup built for contact and doubles. It's a pivot away from the "all-or-nothing" power of the Alonso years. Whether it works or not? We’ll start finding out in about 34 days.
Important Dates for Your 2026 Mets Calendar
Since you were looking for what time do the ny mets play today, you clearly want to be ready for the season. Bookmark these dates so you don't get caught searching in a vacuum again:
- February 11, 2026: Pitchers and catchers report to Port St. Lucie. This is the official "Spring is coming" day.
- February 16, 2026: First full-squad workout. This will be our first look at Bichette and Semien taking grounders together.
- March 3-4, 2026: World Baseball Classic exhibitions. The Mets will play Nicaragua and Israel at Clover Park. These are usually fun, weird games with a lot of international energy.
- May 15-17, 2026: The first Subway Series of the year against the Yankees at Citi Field.
What You Should Do While Waiting for Baseball
Since there’s no game today, use this time to get your logistics in order. If you're planning on heading down to Florida for Spring Training, tickets for individual games at Clover Park actually went on sale recently. The "big" games—like the March 8 matchup against the Yankees in Port St. Lucie—tend to sell out fast because the stadium only holds about 7,000 people.
Also, keep an eye on the waiver wire. The Mets just claimed Tsung-Che Cheng from the Rays. It’s a minor move, but in the Stearns era, these small depth additions often end up being the guys who save a season in August.
Your Action Plan:
- Check your subscription: Ensure your SNY or MLB.TV account is active and ready for the February 21 preseason opener.
- Sync your calendar: Download the official MLB app and sync the Mets' 2026 schedule to your phone so you get alerts for the 1:15 PM Opening Day start.
- Watch the physicals: Keep an eye on the news regarding Bo Bichette’s physical exam. Until that’s cleared, the deal isn't "official," though it's expected to go through without a hitch.
The wait is almost over. We’re in the home stretch of the winter. Before you know it, it’ll be 75 degrees in Florida and we'll finally have a real answer to what time the Mets play.