Mets open season against Pirates as part of NBC doubleheader

Despite the uncertainty of how their roster will develop, the Mets will continue to play in high-profile games early in the season.

As part of an Opening Day doubleheader on March 26 on NBC and Peacock that marks the network’s return to Major League Baseball, the Mets will host the Pirates at 1:00 PM ET as part of the first slate of games.

NBC’s 2026 MLB schedule is the result of a new broadcast arrangement and marks the network’s first full season of baseball coverage in more than two decades.

MLB announced its partnership with NBC, along with ESPN and Netflix, in late 2025 after the World Series.

The rights deals are expected to cover the 2026-2028 seasons.

As for the Mets-Pirates game, the starter on Pittsburgh’s opening day, barring injury, is expected to be reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes.

After the matinee, the evening game will feature the two-time World Series defending champion Dodgers and the Diamondbacks.

The Mets are back three more times on NBC/Peacock: June 21 (Phillies, 7 p.m.), July 5 (Braves, 12:30 p.m.) and August 30 (Astros, 7 p.m.).

The Yankees will have three appearances on NBC, starting with a date with the rival Red Sox on June 28. They will then play the Dodgers and Phillies on the network on Sunday, July 19 and 26.