Get ready, baseball fans! NBC is diving back into the Major League Baseball scene with a bang, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are right in the thick of it! The Pirates are set to clash with the New York Mets on Opening Day, March 26th, as part of a Primetime Opening Day doubleheader broadcast on NBC and Peacock. This marks NBC's grand return to baseball coverage after more than two decades, making this a must-watch event. The Mets will host the Pirates at 1 p.m. ET, setting the stage for an exciting season opener.
The night game will feature the defending two-time World Series champion Dodgers facing off against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Los Angeles.
The Pirates are expected to send reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, Paul Skenes, to the mound as their Opening Day starter. Coming off an impressive 10-win season and a dominant 1.97 ERA, Skenes is poised to set the tone for the Pirates' season.
But here's where it gets interesting: The Mets' starting pitcher is less clear. The team has several strong contenders, including young talents like Nolan McLean, who showed great potential in 2025, and the returning Christian Scott, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery but is expected to be a top pitcher this season. Veteran options like Framber Valdez, Kodai Senga, and Sean Manaea add even more intrigue to the mix.
Both the Pirates and the Mets missed the playoffs in the 2025 season. The Mets made a significant move by bringing in Juan Soto during the offseason, but it wasn't enough to propel them to the postseason.
The Pirates, who finished last in the NL Central with a 71-91 record, are looking to improve their batting lineup with acquisitions like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn.
With the return of Jared Jones from injury, along with Mitch Keller and Paul Skenes, the Pirates are building a formidable pitching rotation.
This Opening Day matchup is a thrilling way for NBC to re-enter the baseball broadcasting world. The Pirates, with their potential and exciting young talent, could be a team to watch this season. If their top pitchers stay healthy and the offense provides run support, the Bucs could make a playoff run, something they haven't achieved since 2015.
What do you think? Will the Pirates surprise everyone this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree or disagree with the assessment of the Pirates' potential? Let's discuss!
