Major League Baseball returns with an exciting Opening Day matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets. The two teams begin their 2026 campaign at Citi Field in Queens, New York, where fans will see one of the first big games of the new MLB season.
The Pirates and Mets will play a three-game opening series, but all attention will be on the first game as the season officially begins. The matchup is also expected to feature strong pitching performances, with Paul Skenes expected to start for Pittsburgh and Freddy Peralta taking the mound for the Mets.
With Opening Day always bringing excitement across baseball, fans will be eager to see how both teams start the new season.
Pirates vs Mets Opening Day Match Details
| Match | Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Mets |
|---|---|
| League | MLB Regular Season |
| Date | March 26, 2026 |
| Venue | Citi Field |
| City | Queens, New York |
| First Pitch | 1:15 PM ET |
| TV Channel | NBC |
| Streaming | Peacock, DIRECTV, YouTube TV |
The game marks the beginning of a three-game series between the two teams in New York.
Where to Watch Pirates vs Mets on TV
Baseball fans can watch the Opening Day matchup through the following broadcast network.
| Country | TV Channel |
|---|---|
| United States | NBC |
NBC will provide live coverage of the Opening Day clash along with pre-game and post-game analysis.
Pirates vs Mets Live Streaming
Viewers who prefer to watch online can stream the game through several platforms.
| Streaming Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Peacock | Official live stream |
| DIRECTV | Streaming with free trial |
| YouTube TV | Live streaming access |
These streaming services allow fans to watch the game on smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.
Pirates vs Mets Series Schedule
The Opening Day game is the first of a three-game series between the teams.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | March 26 | 1:15 PM | Citi Field |
| Game 2 | March 28 | 4:10 PM | Citi Field |
| Game 3 | March 29 | 1:40 PM | Citi Field |
The weekend games will be shown on regional sports networks including SportsNet Pittsburgh and SNY, while out-of-market viewers can watch through MLB.TV.
Also see: Yankees Option Luis Gil to Triple-A, Cade Winquest Earns Bullpen Spot
Pitching Matchup to Watch
One of the biggest storylines of Opening Day will be the starting pitchers.
| Team | Pitcher |
|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Paul Skenes |
| New York Mets | Freddy Peralta |
Both pitchers are expected to play a major role in determining how the game unfolds.
Citi Field Opening Day Atmosphere
Opening Day at Citi Field always brings a special atmosphere for fans. The stadium in Queens is expected to host thousands of supporters as the Mets begin their season at home.
The series also sets the tone for the early weeks of the MLB schedule, with both teams looking to build momentum for the long season ahead.
Also Read: Gerrit Cole Injury Update: Yankees Place Star Pitcher on 15-Day IL as Recovery Continues
Fans can watch the Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Mets Opening Day game live on NBC, while streaming options are available through Peacock, DIRECTV, and YouTube TV.
