Right-handed pitcher Nolan McLean proved why he is climbing the New York Mets’ prospect rankings list by delivering seven innings of scoreless ball in his debut with the Syracuse Mets (Triple-A) in a 4-0 win Friday night against host Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
McLean, the 23-year-old Mets’ fifth-rated prospect, allowed seven hits in the victory.
The Willow Spring, N.C., native’s fastball has been averaging 94-96 mph, while touching 98. He offsets his heater with a 84-87 mph sweeping slider with a spin rate above 3,000 rpm and horizontal movement upwards of 20 inches.
Additionally, McLean’s pitching arsenal features a cutter in the low 90s, a changeup in the upper 80s, and an occasional curveball in the upper 70s, giving him a well-rounded mix of movement and speed.
Before his promotion, McLean posted a 3-1 record with a 1.37 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 26.1 innings of work in five games.
A once two-way player, New York selected McLean in the third round, 91st overall, of the 2023 MLB Amateur Draft out of Oklahoma State University (OSU).
McLean’s impressive weaponry and results could possibly have McLean climbing the bump in Flushing, Queens, this season if everything goes accordingly.
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