So, you’re looking to find out when do the New York Mets play today, and honestly, I have some good news and some "wait a minute" news. If you’re checking the calendar and seeing today’s date—Friday, January 16, 2026—you’ve probably realized something. There isn't a game. Not a real one, anyway.
It's January.
New York is currently buried under that mid-winter gray, and Citi Field is likely hosting more seagulls than shortstops. But that doesn’t mean the "Mets machine" is dormant. In fact, if you were at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie right today, you’d actually find a ton of activity. Just no box scores.
The Short Answer: No Game Today
The Mets do not play a baseball game today, January 16, 2026.
Baseball is a seasonal beast. We are currently in the heart of the "Hot Stove" season. This is when Steve Cohen spends money, fans argue about bullpen depth on Reddit, and players are mostly posting videos of their off-season squats on Instagram.
If you are looking for the next time they actually take the field, you’ve still got a bit of a wait. Pitchers and catchers aren't even scheduled to report to Florida for another few weeks. Specifically, the first official workouts for pitchers and catchers are set for Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Full squads follow on February 16.
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When Is the Next Mets Game?
If you’re desperate to see the orange and blue in action, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
That’s the Grapefruit League opener. They’ll be playing the Miami Marlins at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM ET.
Spring Training 2026 Highlights
- Feb 21: Spring Opener vs. Marlins (Home)
- Feb 22: First matchup against the Yankees (Away at George M. Steinbrenner Field)
- March 3 & 4: Cool exhibition games against WBC teams (Nicaragua and Israel)
- March 19: The "Spring Breakout" game featuring the top prospects against the Rays
Spring training is great because the tickets are cheap, but the games don't "count." If you’re the type of fan who only cares about the regular season, you have about ten weeks of hibernation left.
When Do the New York Mets Play Today: The 2026 Regular Season Kickoff
The real deal starts on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The Mets are opening at home this year. They’ll be facing the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. Major League Baseball actually did something interesting this year—this is the earliest "traditional" Opening Day in the history of the league.
The game is scheduled for 1:15 PM ET, and it’s actually going to be a national broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Usually, we’re stuck with local regional sports networks for the opener, but 2026 is bringing back the big-network feel for the Amazins.
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
You might wonder why anyone is searching for game times in the middle of January.
Actually, there’s a big event happening today at the Mets' spring home. Today, January 16, is the St. Lucie Mets Job Fair. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the organization is at Clover Park hiring for everything from concessions to security. It’s the first real sign that the season is breathing.
Also, the 2026 schedule is a bit of a gauntlet. After that opening series against Pittsburgh, the Mets immediately head on a brutal West Coast trip. We're talking St. Louis, San Francisco, and eventually Los Angeles to face the Dodgers in mid-April.
If you're planning a trip to see them, keep an eye on May 15-17. That's the first Subway Series of the year at Citi Field. There's also a very heavy, emotional series scheduled for September 11-13 at Yankee Stadium to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Real Talk: What to Do Until Opening Day
Since you can't watch a game today, you've got a few options to get your fix.
First, keep an eye on the transactions. The Mets are always "in" on the big free agents, and January is often when those late-winter deals finally get inked. Second, if you're in the New York area, the Mets Fanfest details usually trickle out around this time, giving you a chance to see the players before they fly south.
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Basically, the "today" answer is a big zero. But the "tomorrow" of the 2026 season is looking pretty crowded.
To stay ready for the actual start of the season, make sure you've updated your MLB app. The 2026 times are already loaded in there for most games, including the Sunday Night Baseball slots that the Mets are frequently occupying this year (like the June 21 game against the Phillies).
If you want to be ahead of the curve, start looking at Spring Training tickets now. They went on sale a few weeks ago, and the Yankees/Mets matchups in Florida always sell out fast.
Your Action Plan:
- Stop looking for a score tonight. You won't find one.
- Sync your digital calendar to the March 26 Opening Day at 1:15 PM.
- Check the weather for Port St. Lucie if you're planning a February getaway—first pitch is Feb 21.
- Set an alert for Feb 11, which is when the first photos of players throwing off mounds will start hitting social media.