Nolan McLean had just wrapped up his bullpen session on Wednesday when Syracuse’s pitching coach, AJ Sager, shared some exciting news.
McLean, who is 24, reflected on that moment later in the afternoon before the Mets kicked off a three-game series against the Mariners at Citi Field. “He pointed at me and casually tossed the ball my way, saying, ‘McLean is throwing on Saturday.’ I was thrilled,” he said.
It seems the Mets are finally giving their promising pitching prospects a chance as they try to recover from a rough stretch, having lost 13 out of their last 15 games.
McLean’s debut was on Saturday during a day game against Seattle, and he had a supportive crowd, including a solid number of family and friends cheering him on.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this. The Mets certainly need this.
Over the last 52 games, the Mets have struggled, with a dismal record of 19-33, while their starters have posted a high ERA of 5.30 and logged the fewest innings in the league.
To make matters worse, the team recently cycled through their entire rotation without any starter lasting more than five innings.
After a narrow 4-3 loss to the Braves, there’s hope that McLean can provide the spark the team needs as they aim to finish the 2025 season on a high note.
“For me, I think it’s about trusting your abilities,” McLean commented on the balance between wanting to impress and keeping things straightforward. “I’m just trying to enjoy the moment, compete fully, and learn from everyone around me.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that plans for McLean are in place. This season, McLean has impressed with a 2.78 ERA in 16 games, 13 of which were starts, at Triple-A Syracuse.
Everything McLean has showcased in the minors suggests he might be exactly what the Mets are looking for.
He consistently pitched at least six innings in nine starts this season, hitting seven innings on just 90 pitches at times.
The right-hander has a diverse pitch arsenal, with his standout pitch being a sweeper that registers in the mid-80s.
“The development team is confident he can make it at the big league level,” Mendoza shared. “I told him to just have fun and be himself. There’s no pressure to be a hero here; just do your best and help us win.” McLean responded with a smile.
McLean is one of three significant pitching prospects for the Mets that fans are eagerly watching, alongside Jonaton and Brandon Sprout.
A native of Willow Spring, NC, he was picked 91st overall by the Mets in the 2023 draft, making him the first member of that draft class to reach this point.
When McLean received the news about his debut, he first called his mother and then his fiancée.
While surprised about making the call, he’s committed to taking things game by game.
He mentioned that his ability to throw strikes on most pitches has contributed to his promising 2025 season so far.
“It really fulfills a dream,” he remarked. “I remember telling my dad when I was young that I wanted to play like those big leaguers I saw. It really does feel like living the dream.”
