If you just pulled up Google and typed in what time reds play today, I’m guessing you’re staring at a quiet screen. No box scores. No live pitch tracking.
That’s because it's mid-January.
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The air in Cincinnati is cold, and the grass at Great American Ball Park is likely dormant. Right now, the only "playing" the Reds are doing is probably in a batting cage or a weight room. But honestly, that doesn't mean the baseball season isn't right around the corner. If you're a die-hard fan, you’ve probably already got the itch. You want to see Elly De La Cruz stretching out a triple or Hunter Greene lighting up the radar gun.
The Short Answer: They Don't Play Today
Basically, the Cincinnati Reds have zero games scheduled for today, January 15, 2026.
We are currently in the heart of the offseason. The front office is likely still tinkering with the roster, and players are just starting to pack their bags for Arizona. However, the wait is almost over. We’re actually less than a month away from seeing players in uniform.
If you were hoping to catch a game today, you're out of luck. But if you want to know when you actually need to clear your calendar, we’ve got the dates you need to circle in red.
When Does the Action Actually Start?
The first real milestone is Pitchers and Catchers Reporting. For 2026, that magic date is Monday, February 9. That is when the peace and quiet of Goodyear, Arizona, gets interrupted by the sound of 98-mph fastballs hitting leather.
A few days later, on February 14—Valentine’s Day, fittingly enough for those who love the game—the rest of the position players are required to show up.
2026 Spring Training Opener
The Reds finally take the field for their first Cactus League game on Saturday, February 21.
They’ll be facing off against their state rivals, the Cleveland Guardians, at Goodyear Ballpark. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:05 pm EST (1:05 pm local time in Arizona). This is a split-squad day, so things can get a bit chaotic with rosters, but it’s the first time we get to see the 2026 squad in a semi-competitive environment.
The 2026 Regular Season Countdown
While Spring Training is great for vibes and seeing prospects, we all know the real "what time reds play today" searches start peaking in late March.
Major League Baseball is doing something a bit different this year. There is a standalone "Opening Night" on March 25 featuring the Giants and Yankees, but the Reds wait one more day.
Opening Day in Cincinnati is Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The Reds will be hosting the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park. This is a massive deal. Having a historic franchise like Boston in town for the opener adds a different kind of electricity to the city.
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- Game Time: 4:10 pm EST
- Opponent: Boston Red Sox
- Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
If you’ve ever been to an Opening Day in Cincy, you know it’s basically a city-wide holiday. The parade, the tailgating, the hope that this is the year—it’s unmatched.
Why the 2026 Schedule Matters More Than Usual
This season isn't just another 162-game slog. There’s some unique stuff happening. First off, Elly De La Cruz is expected to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in early March. This means he’ll be leaving Reds camp for a bit to play on the world stage.
Also, 2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 World Series Championship. You can bet the Reds will be leaning heavily into that "Big Red Machine" nostalgia all summer long. Expect plenty of throwback jerseys and appearances from legends.
Key Matchups to Watch Early On
After the opening series against Boston, the Reds stay home to face the Pittsburgh Pirates starting March 30.
Honestly, the schedule makers did the Reds a favor with a heavy home slate to start. If the weather holds up, they have a chance to build some serious momentum before hitting the road for Texas in early April.
Real Talk on Finding Game Times
If you're searching for what time reds play today once the season actually starts, remember that MLB times are notorious for shifting based on national TV picks.
While most weeknight home games start at 6:40 pm EST, Sunday games almost always aim for a 1:40 pm EST start. However, keep an eye on Peacock and NBC. In 2026, those networks are picking up a lot of Sunday morning and evening "Leadoff" games. For instance, the Reds are already scheduled for a Peacock game against the Nationals on August 16 at noon.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there’s no game today, here is how you can actually prepare for the 2026 season:
- Check your subscription: If you’re a cord-cutter, make sure you know which games are on Bally Sports (or its successor) versus national streamers like Peacock or Apple TV+.
- Lock in Opening Day tickets: Prices for the March 26 opener against Boston are already hovering around $170 for decent seats on the secondary market. If you want to go, buy sooner rather than later.
- Watch the WBC: Since several Reds players will be participating, the World Baseball Classic in March is your first chance to see high-stakes baseball before the MLB season even starts.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Reds website and download the digital schedule to your phone. It updates automatically for time changes, so you won't be left searching "what time reds play today" and getting 2025 results by mistake.
Baseball is a game of patience, and January is the ultimate test of that. Hang in there—February 21st will be here before you know it.