Nolan McLean Drafted by the Mets: A Dream Come True
Nolan McLean, after finishing a bullpen session in Syracuse on Wednesday, received a message from his pitching coach, A.J. Sager, informing him that he would be joining the New York Mets. Two days later, he was in New York preparing for his debut in the Major Leagues on Saturday, hoping to bolster a rotation that has struggled in the fight for the playoffs.McLean joins a rotation that, before Friday, had an ERA of 5.31 in the last 52 games, ranking 25th out of 30 teams. Although the Mets have an overall ERA of 3.77 in their rotation, before Friday they had accumulated 33 losses in the last 52 games. McLean, 24, went 8-5 with a 2.45 ERA in 21 games, including 18 starts, between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He struck out 127 batters in 113 2/3 innings and demonstrated a five-pitch arsenal that includes a fastball that hovers around 90 mph and a curveball that has been clocked in the 80s mph.“I think it was a surprise. I was trying to give my best to live in the moment and be with Syracuse as much as I could,” McLean commented.
Nolan McLean
McLean, former Oklahoma State player, is the first member of the Mets’ 2023 draft class to reach the majors. He replaces Frankie Montas, who was sent to the bullpen on Tuesday after having a 3-2 record with a 6.38 ERA in his first eight games, including seven starts.“I think my ability to throw strikes with the majority of my pitches in any count,” said McLean, who held hitters to a .185 average in Triple-A, when talking about his strengths. “I wasn’t afraid to throw sliders in any situation, whether it was with counts against or in favor. Whatever was needed.”
Nolan McLean
McLean has thrown at least six innings in nine starts this season. He reached at least 90 pitches seven times, most recently on August 5.“It’s a dream come true. I remember telling my father when I was very young, watching some major leaguers play,” McLean expressed.
Nolan McLean
“He obviously earned it. He worked very hard. Credit to him and to the player development people. He’s a Major League pitcher,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza stated.
Carlos Mendoza
