As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the New York Mets are set to host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field in Queens, New York, on March 26. This matchup marks the beginning of the season for both teams, which are looking to improve upon disappointing performances from the previous year.
The Mets finished the 2025 season with a record of 83-79, while the Pirates struggled significantly, ending with a record of 71-91 and finishing last in the NL Central. Both teams are eager to turn the page and start fresh as they meet on Opening Day.
Paul Skenes will take the mound as the Opening Day starter for the Pirates, boasting an impressive ERA of 1.97. On the other side, the Mets will counter with Freddy Peralta, who had a solid record of 17-6 last season. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET.
The game will be broadcast on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock, allowing fans to watch the action unfold. The betting odds favor the Mets at -122, while the Pirates are listed at +102 on the money line, indicating a competitive matchup.
Historically, the Pirates have been involved in high-scoring Opening Day games, with the Over hitting in the last six such contests. This year, the over/under for total runs is set at 7, and models predict an average of 8.7 runs, suggesting a potential for an exciting offensive display.
Both teams are looking to shake off the disappointment of missing the playoffs, with the Pirates having not qualified for postseason play in the last ten years. The stakes are high as they aim to start the season on a positive note.
As fans prepare for the game, the anticipation builds around key players such as Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, who are expected to make significant contributions to their respective teams.
With the season opener just around the corner, both the Mets and Pirates are focused on setting the tone for the rest of the season. The outcome of this game could have implications for their confidence moving forward.
As the clock ticks down to game time, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike, eager to see how the 2026 season will unfold.
