Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Mets Picks and Prediction for Thursday March 26 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 03/26/2026, 01:35 AM ET

Pirates Preview

A full slate of MLB Opening Day games will get started on Thursday afternoon with a battle between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets from Citi Field. Be ready for the baseball season with all of our MLB predictions. The Pirates have not sniffed the postseason in a decade and have not won a playoff series since 2013. There is reason for optimism for Pittsburgh, with OF Oneil Cruz expected to have a breakout season and veteran DH Marcel Ozuna providing a much needed power source in the middle of the lineup.

2025 National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (10-10 1.97 ERA) will take the mound for the Pirates. Skenes, who was the 2024 Rookie of the Year, has posted a sub 2.00 ERA in his first two seasons.

Mets Preview

The New York Mets failed to reach the playoffs last year and have plenty of new faces in their lineup as a result. Most notably absent will be slugger Pete Alonso who signed with Baltimore in free agency. OF Juan Soto is a top-five hitter in baseball and should be in the mix for MVP in his second season with the Mets. New York SP Nolan McLean pitched for team USA in the World Baseball Classic and is a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.

New York manager Carlos Mendoza will give the nod to two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta (17-6 2.70 ERA) in the season opener. Peralta, who spent the first eight years of his career in Milwaukee, struck out 204 batters in 176 plus innings last year.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

Pirates vs Mets Pick

New York SS Francisco Lindor missed most of Spring Training with a hand injury and is expected to play in this contest. In 2025, Pittsburgh ranked 30th in OPS and 30th in runs scored. Last season, New York ranked 6th in OPS and 9th in runs scored. The weather will be unseasonably warm for the end of March with a strong wind blowing out to left field. Take the over. Final Score Prediction, New York Mets win 6-3.

Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance

Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.

Min. Deposit $5

Cashable No

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)

Cashable No

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Min. Deposit $5

Odds Requirements -500

Cashable No

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.