The Mets’ new ace will get the ball on Opening Day.
Carlos Mendoza confirmed Friday that Freddy Peralta will start New York’s 2026 season opener on March 26, a Thursday matinee against the Pirates. It will be Peralta’s Mets debut after being acquired in an offseason blockbuster trade with the Brewers.
Peralta is coming off the best season of his career, leading the National League with 17 wins in 2025 while pitching to a career-best 2.70 ERA. He is a two-time All-Star whose acquisition helped reshape the Mets offseason, addressing a major need while the offense was given its own makeover with the additions of Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and Bo Bichette.
Peralta will lead a rotation that will likely include standout youngster Nolan McLean, southpaw Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, and David Peterson.