Mets and Pirates Gear Up for Opening Day Showdown
As the dust settles from a tumultuous 2025 season, both the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates are eager to turn the page and make a fresh start. The Mets, who saw a promising season slip through their fingers, aim to reclaim the NL East crown, while the Pirates, despite Paul Skenes' stellar efforts, are determined to climb out of the NL Central basement.
The stage is set for an exciting Opening Day at Citi Field, where Skenes will face off against the Mets' new ace, Freddy Peralta. This pitching duel is sure to be a highlight on MLB’s Opening Day schedule.
Game Details
The first pitch is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Fans can catch the action on MLB.TV, MLB.com, NBC, or Peacock, and listen via Audacy Mets Radio or the Audacy App. Note that this game won’t be broadcast on SNY for Mets fans.
Pitching Matchup
Pirates: Paul Skenes, fresh off a historic season with a 1.97 ERA, is set to lead the Pirates. His laser focus and consistency were evident during spring training and the World Baseball Classic. Skenes has been a thorn in the Mets' side, with a 2.08 ERA and 14 strikeouts in two career starts against them.
Mets: The Mets bolstered their rotation by acquiring Freddy Peralta, a two-time All-Star with a career-best 17-6 record and 2.70 ERA last season. Peralta has historically handled the Pirates well, boasting a 3.36 ERA in 25 appearances, and will look to set the tone for the Mets' season.
Projected Lineups
Pirates: With a focus on boosting their offense, the Pirates have revamped their lineup. Oneil Cruz leads off, followed by a mix of new and familiar faces aiming to improve upon last year's league-low run total.
- Oneil Cruz, CF
- Brandon Lowe, 2B
- Bryan Reynolds, LF
- Marcell Ozuna, DH
- Ryan O'Hearn, RF
- Spencer Horwitz, 1B
- Nick Gonzales, 3B
- Jared Triolo, SS
- Henry Davis, C
Mets: Manager Carlos Mendoza has a solid top four in his lineup, with some fluidity expected as the season progresses. For now, here's how the Mets are likely to line up against Skenes.
- Francisco Lindor, SS
- Juan Soto, LF
- Bo Bichette, 3B
- Jorge Polanco, 1B
- Luis Robert Jr., CF
- Brett Baty, DH
- Marcus Semien, 2B
- Carson Benge, RF
- Francisco Alvarez, C
Bullpen Outlook
Pirates: The bullpen features lefties Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto, with right-handers Justin Lawrence, Isaac Mattson, and Yohan Ramírez. José Urquidy and Hunter Barco provide depth, while Dennis Santana returns as the closer after a strong 2025 season.
Injury Updates
Pirates: No injuries to report.
Mets: Francisco Lindor has recovered well from offseason hand surgery, though power may take time to fully return. A.J. Minter will miss the start of the season as he recovers from left lat surgery.
Who's Hot and Who's Not
Pirates: Ryan O'Hearn has been on fire, driving in eight runs with four extra-base hits in early spring action. Oneil Cruz also impressed, hitting .538 and showcasing power with Team Dominican Republic.
Mets: Carson Benge, a top prospect, impressed in camp and is set for an Opening Day start. Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco also looked sharp, while Mark Vientos struggled, hitting just .057 in spring training.
Additional Notes
- Juan Soto will shift to left field to make room for Carson Benge in right, capitalizing on Benge’s strong arm.
- Paul Skenes joins Dwight Gooden as the only pitchers to win the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in consecutive seasons.
With both teams eager to improve, this Opening Day clash promises to be a thrilling start to the 2026 season.