If you’re waking up in the Twin Cities today, January 15, 2026, and itching to see some dirt flying at Target Field, I’ve got a bit of a reality check for you.
The short answer? They don’t. At least, not today.
We are currently in the heart of the "hot stove" season. It's that weird, frozen-over stretch of January where the only thing moving fast in Minnesota is the wind chill. But while there isn't a game on the TV tonight, the answer to when do the Minnesota Twins play today is actually more about the countdown than the box score.
Honestly, it’s closer than you think. We are roughly five weeks away from the first sounds of a catcher’s mitt popping in Fort Myers.
The Long Wait: When is the 2026 Season Opener?
The 2026 MLB season is making history by being incredibly early. We’re talking the earliest traditional Opening Day ever.
If you're marking your calendar for the first "real" game that counts, you’re looking at Thursday, March 26, 2026. The Twins will be starting their campaign on the road this year, heading out to Baltimore to take on the Orioles.
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But wait. If you’re a die-hard fan, you know that the "first game" isn't always the first game.
Spring Training is Just Around the Corner
Before the bright lights of Camden Yards, we have the palm trees of Florida. The Twins officially kick things off at the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers with an exhibition match against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
That annual tradition happens on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Here is the quick breakdown of those first few weeks:
- February 20: Exhibition vs. MN Golden Gophers (The unofficial start)
- February 21: Grapefruit League Opener vs. Boston Red Sox
- March 4: A special matchup against the Puerto Rico World Baseball Classic team
- March 26: Official Opening Day at Baltimore
Why Today is Actually a Big Deal for Twins Fans
You might think January 15 is a dead day. It’s not.
Right now, the front office is basically in a war room. We’ve heard the rumors about the Pohlads looking to reduce debt, which has every fan on edge about whether stars like Pablo López or Joe Ryan might actually be on the move. When you ask when do the Minnesota Twins play today, the "play" is happening in the trade market.
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President Derek Falvey has been vocal about the health of the roster. We’ve got some good news on that front. Luke Keaschall, who had that nasty thumb surgery back in October, is reportedly on track to be a full go for Spring Training. Same goes for Matt Wallner and Alan Roden.
Basically, the "game" being played today is one of roster construction and physical therapy.
The Pitching Situation
The rotation is the biggest question mark. If López stays—and let’s hope he does because his mid-forearm strain from last year seems to be a non-issue now—the Twins have a solid anchor. But behind him? It’s a bit of a scramble. David Festa is throwing again after his shoulder inflammation issues, but January is when we find out if these guys are actually ready to handle a 162-game workload.
How to Follow the Twins Until Opening Day
Since there’s no live action today, you’ve gotta find your fix elsewhere.
Most fans are glued to the "Twins Daily" forums or checking in on the latest from Aaron Gleeman at The Athletic. This is the time of year when minor league invites are handed out, and we start seeing which prospects might actually make the leap to the Bigs.
Keep an eye on the World Baseball Classic news too. With the Twins hosting the Puerto Rico squad in early March, the buzz is going to build much faster this year than in a standard season.
Actionable Steps for Today
Even though the stadium lights are off, you can still get ready:
- Check your TV provider: MLB on NBC and Peacock is going to be a big thing this year. The Twins actually host the first-ever "MLB Sunday Leadoff" game of the season on May 3 against Toronto. Make sure you’ve got your logins sorted now.
- Spring Training Travel: If you’re planning to head to Fort Myers, tickets for that February 21 opener against the Red Sox are already hovering around $34 on the secondary market. Don't wait until February to book.
- Roster Watch: Set alerts for "Twins trade rumors." With the payroll uncertainty, a franchise-altering move could literally happen while you're eating lunch today.
The countdown to March 26 is officially on. We've only got about 70 days left. Stay warm, keep the faith, and get those jerseys ready.
Get your tickets for the home opener at Target Field on April 3 against Tampa Bay now, as the early season schedule is expected to sell out faster than usual due to the record-breaking early start.