Nolan McLean's Mets Debut: Elite Potential on Display

0:00On March 29th, Nolan McLean kicked off his 20-26 season with the Mets against the Pirates and while it wasn't flawless, he flashed that. Elite potential, everyone's buzzing about. Over five innings, the 24-year-old struck out 8, gave up two earned runs and ended up with a no decision after throwing 84. Pitches, 52 for strikes. He got off to a bumpy start, walking the first two guys he faced and spotting the Pirates a quick run in the first on an RBI single. But McLean locked in right after, retiring the next six in a row through the third until a solo homer from Brandon Lowe tagged him for the second run. What stands out is his fastball heat. He touched 98 miles per hour or better, three times, a big jump from just one such pitch in the majors. Last year, folks in the Mets system had impegged as their top prospect until he burned through his pipeline eligibility mid-game by crossing 50 career. Innings, before this, McLean burst onto the scene last August with eight sharp starts and a 2.06 ERA that turn heads.

1:05He even earned a spot starting for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic this March, tossing in the championship against Venezuela where he grabbed. Another, no decision. All signs point to McLean building on that momentum as he shakes off the rust and keeps climbing in the Mets rotation. Stay locked in with New York Mets News today, AI-powered updates.