Sardine-packed 7 trains are racing to Queens Thursday afternoon, as the New York Mets host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field for Opening Day.
Pittsburgh swung big this offseason after another disappointing campaign in 2025, culminating in its fifth last-place finish in the NL Central over the last seven seasons. Meanwhile, New York overhauled its roster following last year’s disastrous collapse, which saw the Amazin’s miss the postseason by only one game.
The Flushing showdown features a pair of aces on the hill: Reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes takes on newly acquired Mets frontline starter Freddy Peralta.
First pitch is set for 1:15 p.m. ET. New York sits as a slight -118 home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Pittsburgh sits at -102 on the moneyline. The game total is set at O/U 6.5 runs.
Pirates vs. Mets Preview
Pitching Matchup
Pirates: Paul Skenes, RHP
It took all of five minutes for Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes to establish himself as the most feared arm in the National League. The flamethrowing righty, 23, is coming off a spectacular sophomore campaign, posting an MLB-best 1.97 ERA, an NL-pacing 0.948 WHIP, and 216 strikeouts (29.5 K%) across 32 starts (187.2 innings) to capture the NL Cy Young award in unanimous fashion.
Across two career starts against the Mets, Skenes owns a 2.08 ERA with 14 Ks in 13 innings.
Behind him, Pittsburgh features a replenished bullpen after trading star closer David Bednar to the Yankees at last year’s deadline. Joining veteran Dennis Santana are former Rays youngster Mason Montgomery, top-100 prospect Hunter Barco, and erstwhile Met Gregory Soto, among others.
Mets: Freddy Peralta, RHP
Needing to address last year’s woeful starting five, the Mets went out and acquired an ace in former Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta. The two-time All-Star, 29, enjoyed a career-best season in 2025, helping lift Milwaukee to the top regular-season record in the majors. Peralta carded a 2.70 ERA with a 1.075 WHIP and 204 strikeouts (28.2 K%) over 33 starts (176.2 innings) — good for a fifth-place finish in the Cy Young race.
The 2025 National League wins leader (17) has made 16 career starts against the Pirates, holding a 3.05 ERA with 99 Ks over 85.2 frames.
While the Mets lost superstar closer Edwin Diaz to the Dodgers, they patched up their bullpen with some crosstown hurlers. Former Yankees one-two punch, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, punctuate New York’s bullpen, which also features former starter Sean Manaea.
Lineup Breakdown
Pirates
Last season, Pittsburgh’s collective wRC+ (82) trailed only the Rockies for the worst mark in MLB. That shouldn’t be the case in 2026.
The Pirates bolstered their run-scoring efforts this offseason with several key additions, including former Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe — who hit 31 homers in 2025 — lefty slugger Ryan O’Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna from the Braves. The club also boasts hard-hitting outfielder Oneil Cruz, who last season paced the majors in average exit velocity (95.8 mph).
Mets
For the first time since 2019, New York’s lineup won’t feature homegrown first baseman — and franchise home run king — Pete Alonso. Addressing that Polar Bear-sized hole in their lineup, the Mets completely transformed their lineup.
They flipped Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien, while signing Mariners postseason hero Jorge Polanco, White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr., and Blue Jays superstar Bo Bichette. Top prospect Carson Benge will also make his major league debut on Thursday, rounding out a lineup anchored by five-time All-Star Francisco Lindor and generational slugger Juan Soto.
Pirates vs. Mets Pick, Best Bet
On a day when every MLB team has its No. 1 starter on the mound, the most electric pitching duel will likely emanate from Citi Field. Skenes and Peralta make for a heavyweight showdown akin to Fury versus Wilder. Both right-handers should pick up right where they left off, expertly skirting reloaded, yet untried, lineups on each side. Runs should come at a premium in Flushing on Opening Day.
