New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has selected right-hander Freddy Peralta to start the club’s season opener on March 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The matchup will mark Peralta’s first Opening Day appearance with the Mets after being acquired during the offseason.
Peralta, a right-handed starter known for his strikeout ability, steps into a prominent role at the front of New York’s rotation. By announcing the plan in advance of the regular-season opener, Mendoza gives Peralta and the rest of the staff clarity on how the pitching schedule will be structured leading into the first game of the year.
The Mets’ choice underscores the organization’s confidence in Peralta as a key arm in their pitching plans. As a newly acquired starter, he will have the opportunity to set the tone for New York’s season immediately, facing a Pirates lineup aiming to open its own campaign on a strong note. Peralta’s assignment also signals that the Mets view him as ready to handle high-profile situations right away.
Using Peralta on March 26 allows the club to align its rotation for the opening series and beyond, with subsequent starters able to be slotted in behind him on regular rest. It also provides a clear target date for Peralta’s remaining tune-up outings as spring work continues and the team finalizes its roster decisions.
While specific pitch counts, in-game plans, or potential bullpen support for Opening Day have not been detailed, naming Peralta this early offers stability for both the coaching staff and the pitching group. The Mets can now structure their preparation around the right-hander leading them out of the gate, while the Pirates can anticipate facing a power arm to begin their season.
Barring late changes due to circumstances not yet known, Peralta is positioned to deliver the first pitch of the Mets’ 2026 regular season at home against Pittsburgh on March 26, officially beginning his tenure in Queens at the top of the rotation.
