If you are waking up on this chilly Sunday, January 18, 2026, and wondering what time is Mets game today, I have some news that might make you want to crawl back under the covers for another hour. There isn't a game. Not a real one, anyway.
Look, being a Mets fan is a year-round lifestyle, but right now we are in that weird "limbo" part of the calendar. The stove is hot—thanks to Steve Cohen basically playing a real-life version of MLB The Show—but the actual grass at Citi Field is likely covered in frost. We are exactly 34 days away from seeing the Amazins take the field in Port St. Lucie.
When Does the Action Actually Start?
Honestly, the wait is almost over. If you’re checking for a kickoff or a first pitch today, you're just a few weeks too early. The 2026 Spring Training schedule officially kicks off on Saturday, February 21. The Mets will be hosting the Miami Marlins at Clover Park.
If you're specifically looking for Sunday games, mark your calendar for February 22. That’s when the first real "Sunday baseball" feeling hits as the Mets travel to Tampa to face the Yankees at 1:05 PM. It's a split-squad vibe usually, but it's the first time you'll see the new-look roster in a semi-competitive setting.
Key 2026 Dates to Bookmark
- February 11: Pitchers and catchers report. This is the "official" end of winter.
- February 16: First full-squad workout.
- February 21: Grapefruit League opener vs. Marlins (1:10 PM ET).
- March 26: Opening Day at Citi Field vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Why Today Matters for the 2026 Season
Even though there’s no game today, the front office is working overtime. Just 48 hours ago, the Mets sent shockwaves through the NL East by signing Bo Bichette to a massive three-year, $126 million deal. This basically signals that the "retooling" era is over and they are going for the jugular in 2026.
Bichette is expected to slide over to third base because, well, nobody is moving Francisco Lindor off shortstop. This move comes on the heels of the team losing Pete Alonso to the Orioles in free agency—which still feels weird to type. To fill that power void, the Mets also snagged Jorge Polanco and traded Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien. It's a brand new infield.
What Time Is Mets Game Today? Planning for Opening Day
If you are the type of person who needs to plan your life six months in advance, the Opening Day details are already set. On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Mets will face the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field.
The first pitch is scheduled for 1:15 PM ET. This is a big deal because the game will be broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock. It’s the first time in years the Mets have been the primary Opening Day "matinee" showcase. We’re likely looking at a Paul Skenes vs. Kodai Senga (or whoever emerges as the healthy ace) showdown.
Watching the Games in 2026
SNY remains the home for the vast majority of local broadcasts, but the 2026 TV deal includes more "exclusive" windows. You'll need to keep an eye on:
- NBC/Peacock: They have the Opening Day exclusive and several Sunday "Leadoff" games.
- Apple TV+: Still grabbing those Friday night doubleheaders.
- ESPN: Sunday Night Baseball remains the gold standard for the big series, like the Subway Series in May.
The 2026 Subway Series and Rivalry Dates
Since you’re looking for game times, you should know that the MLB schedule makers did something pretty cool for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The Mets and Yankees will play a three-game set at Yankee Stadium from September 11 to September 13.
But before we get there, we have the first Subway Series at Citi Field from May 15 to May 17. Those Friday and Saturday games are usually 7:10 PM starts, while the Sunday finale typically leans toward the 1:40 PM or 7:00 PM slot depending on if ESPN flexes it.
Practical Steps for Mets Fans This Week
Since there isn't a game today, here is what you should actually be doing to get ready for the season:
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- Check your SNY subscription: Ensure your cable or streaming provider hasn't dropped the network during the off-season.
- Buy Spring Training Tickets: If you’re heading to Florida, Clover Park tickets for the February 21 opener are already on sale. Prices are hovering around $73 for decent seats.
- Update your MLB App: The 2026 schedules were pushed live recently. Make sure you've favorited the Mets so you get the "Game Starting" notifications once February 21 rolls around.
- Follow the Job Fairs: If you're local to Port St. Lucie, the Mets just held their annual job fair. There are still some seasonal positions open if you want to get paid to be at the ballpark.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most expensive and high-stakes years in franchise history. While the answer to what time is Mets game today is currently "not today," the countdown to the February 21 opener is officially under 35 days.