The Mets’ Opening Day clash against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field is setting up to be a thrilling start to the 2026 MLB season. Fans are in for a treat with Freddy Peralta going head-to-head against Paul Skenes.
This matchup is a baseball fan's dream: the Pirates' ace, who’s fresh off winning the National League Cy Young award, facing off against Peralta, the Mets’ big offseason acquisition and a two-time All-Star with something to prove.
For Peralta, making his debut in a Mets uniform, this Thursday afternoon showdown is exactly the kind of challenge he relishes.
“I know Skenes is great, and there are a lot of great pitchers around the league,” Peralta shared on Wednesday. “I see it as a competition between us, and I’m ready to give my best for my team just like he will for his.”
While some players might downplay the significance of facing another top-tier pitcher, Peralta embraces it.
“It’s going to be a tough day for the offense, and that pushes me to be better when I know there’s a pitcher like that on the mound,” he added.
With his family residing in Flushing and Corona, Peralta expects a strong turnout of supporters at Citi Field. He views the opportunity to pitch on Opening Day as a “bigger responsibility and commitment.”
This marks Peralta’s third time kicking off a season in New York. Last year, he struck out eight, allowing two runs over five innings in a 4-2 loss to the Yankees. The year before, he notched eight strikeouts while giving up just one run and a hit over six innings at Citi Field.
“It feels familiar, but with new teammates, it’s a bit different,” he reflected on starting another season in New York.
The Mets traded top prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to the Brewers in January to bring in the 29-year-old right-hander. In 2025, Peralta pitched a career-high 176.2 innings, posting personal bests in ERA (2.70), starts (33), wins (17), and strikeouts (204), finishing fifth in NL Cy Young voting.
NO COMMENT ON CONTRACT TALKS
Since arriving in Queens, Peralta has remained tight-lipped about any contract discussions with the Mets. This continued on the eve of Opening Day.
“No comment on that one,” Peralta said, as he approaches free agency next winter.
Mets' President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, also kept things under wraps.