"If there was a non-Juan-Soto bright spot that emerged from the New York Mets' disastrous 2025 campaign, it was the emergence of Nolan McLean. The organization's top pitching prospect dazzled in his five-week MLB debut, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts while setting some significant records along the way. Team USA came calling this week, as they added the 24-year-old to their roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which runs from March 5-17."
"With such little pro experience, his selection is a surprise, especially considering he and fellow Mets hurler Clay Holmes were only the second and third starting pitchers added to the US roster alongside Pittsburgh Pirates superstar Paul Skenes. The Americans also added Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan to their staff. Holmes was dependable in his first year as a starting pitcher after converting from a closer role with the Yankees."
"This is going to be his first full season in the majors, where he is projected to serve as New York's ace. That means a front-line starter's workload for a young arm that has never thrown more than 113.2 innings in a season, dating back to his collegiate days at Oklahoma State. Work with Team USA not only adds more innings, but tweaks a normal ramp-up process that comes with a full spring training."
Nolan McLean emerged as the Mets' top pitching prospect during a five-week MLB debut, finishing 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts and setting significant records. Team USA added the 24-year-old to its roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, scheduled March 5-17. McLean and Clay Holmes were the second and third starting pitchers added to the U.S. roster, joining Paul Skenes; Joe Ryan was also added. Concerns arise because this will be McLean’s first full major-league season and he has never exceeded 113.2 innings in a single season. Participation in the Classic shortens his standard spring ramp-up and adds innings ahead of his projected role as the Mets’ ace.
Read at www.amny.com
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