Mets and Cardinals Clash in Early Season Showdown

Fans eager to see how the NL powerhouses fare in first matchup of 2026

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with players and the field fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.An early-season showdown between two National League powerhouses promises an intense, high-stakes series.NYC Today

As the 2026 MLB season gets underway, the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals are set to face off in an early-season showdown between two of the National League's top contenders. The Mets are coming off a strong start to the year, while the Cardinals look to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Why it matters

This series will provide an early barometer for both teams as they jockey for position in what is expected to be a highly competitive NL playoff race. The Mets and Cardinals are perennial postseason threats, so this matchup could have major implications down the line.

The details

The Mets and Cardinals will play a three-game set, with the first game scheduled for today. New York will send ace Jacob deGrom to the mound, while St. Louis counters with their own dominant right-hander, Adam Wainwright. Both teams boast deep, talented rosters, setting the stage for an exciting series between two of the NL's premier franchises.

  • The series begins today, March 30, 2026.
  • Game 1 is scheduled for a 7:15 PM ET start.

The players

New York Mets

A National League powerhouse that has made the playoffs in 4 of the last 5 seasons, including a World Series appearance in 2024.

St. Louis Cardinals

A perennial contender in the National League, the Cardinals are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025.

Jacob deGrom

The Mets' ace right-hander and one of the best pitchers in baseball, deGrom will take the mound for the series opener.

Adam Wainwright

The veteran Cardinals pitcher and future Hall of Famer, Wainwright will start Game 1 for St. Louis.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge early-season series for both teams. The Mets and Cardinals are two of the top teams in the National League, so you know they'll be bringing their best stuff.”

— Andrew Tredinnick, Mets beat reporter

What’s next

The series will continue on March 31 and April 1, with the Mets and Cardinals looking to gain an early advantage in the NL standings.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Mets and Cardinals is a must-watch series for baseball fans, as it features two of the National League's premier franchises and some of the game's biggest stars. The outcome could have major implications for the rest of the 2026 season.