New York Mets Mets’ Nolan McLean is ready to show Team USA he’s ‘built for this’ By Dan Martin Published Feb. 26, 2026, 6:49 p.m. ET Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) comes off after the fourth inning against the Houston Astros during Spring Training at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in West Palm Beach, FL. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Nolan McLean made his first impression at major league camp when he won a 10-pitch battle against Juan Soto in live batting practice earlier this spring in Port St. Lucie.
Thursday, he started for the first time in a Grapefruit League game, giving up just a hit and a walk in four innings in a 5-0 win over the Astros at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
Access the Mets beat like never before Don’t miss Mike Puma’s text messages from Queens and beyond — he’s giving Sports+ subscribers the inside buzz on the Mets.
And the next time he takes the mound, it will be on an even bigger stage, as the 24-year-old, who impressed over eight starts after being called up to the Mets in mid-August, will be pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
And according to Carlos Mendoza, you won’t see a difference in McLean in any of those settings. He’s ready for anything.
