Pirates vs. Mets: 2026 Season Opener Preview
The New York Mets are set to launch their 2026 season with a three-game showdown against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field, starting March 26. Both teams missed the playoffs last year, but they’re coming into this season with renewed vigor and some intriguing changes to their rosters.
Last season, the Mets were flying high in the NL East before an unexpected late-season collapse left them in third place with an 83-79 record. Meanwhile, the Pirates continued their struggle, marking the longest playoff drought in the National League since 2015, finishing at the bottom of the Central Division with a 71-91 record.
For the Pirates, Paul Skenes will take the mound on Opening Day. The 23-year-old phenom is coming off a stellar season, having clinched the NL Cy Young Award. His 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts over 187.2 innings last year highlight his dominance and set high expectations for the season ahead.
On the Mets' side, Freddy Peralta is set to start. Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, the 30-year-old right-hander is coming off a career-best season with a 17-6 record and a 2.70 ERA, earning him a fifth-place finish in the NL Cy Young race. He'll be looking to make a strong first impression in front of the home crowd.
The Pirates have made moves to address last year's offensive woes, bringing in Brandon Lowe, Marcell Ozuna, and Ryan O’Hearn to bolster their lineup. Spencer Horowitz and Bryan Reynolds, last year's top hitters, will also be key in turning around the team's fortunes at the plate.
The Mets, meanwhile, have revamped their batting order with new faces like Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, Bo Bichette, and Luis Robert Jr. joining stalwarts Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. This new-look lineup aims to bring more dynamism and depth to their offense.
While the Mets appear to be the favorites on paper, the Pirates' strong pitching staff could make this an evenly matched contest. It's shaping up to be an exciting start to the season, with both teams eager to set a positive tone for the year.