What to Expect from Mets Pitcher Nolan McLean

Over the last few years, the Mets have accumulated high-end pitching talent through the draft. Several of those names are close to the Majors, and one of those names will make his debut on August 16. Nolan McLean, who diced his way through Triple-A, is joining the Mets’ big-league roster.

A Look at McLean

The Mets drafted Nolan McLean, a two-way player out of Oklahoma State, in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft as a senior. McLean worked mainly out of the bullpen with the Cowboys, averaging well over a strikeout per inning while also being a valuable hitter. He bashed 19 home runs in 2022, the same year Baltimore drafted him in the third round (he didn’t sign).

New York originally sent McLean out to do both. However, McLean struck out 74 times over 60 games, despite showing the power he had in college. The arm, though, was significantly head.

McLean excelled in Brooklyn (A+) last year, striking out 36 over 28 frames as a starter before moving to Binghamton (AA). He continued to pitch well before a dominant 2025 campaign, one that saw him strike out 127 over 113.2 IP between Binghamton and Syracuse (AAA).

If you read some of our Minor League weekly recaps, you’re likely familiar with McLean’s standout performances this year. As of August 13, he’s in the top ten in total strikeouts (97) among International League pitchers. McLean struck out at least six in his last seven outings.

McLean has a very interesting arsenal, highlighted by two fastballs that sit in the low-to-mid-90s, a four-seamer that doesn’t have big carry (13.2” average IVB), and a heavy two-seamer with sink.

That sinker, along with the other weapons in his arsenal, helped McLean maintain a high ground-ball ratio. Between two levels, McLean’s GO/AO ratio was 1.67 in the Minor Leagues.

However, the big pitch in McLean’s arsenal is a plus-plus sweeper, one that generated big movement and swings-and-misses.