The New York Mets are dipping into their deep minor league farm system in hopes of fixing their struggling pitching staff.
Top prospect Nolan McLean will be called up to make his Major League debut on Saturday against the Seattle Mariners at Citi Field, the Mets announced. He will replace veteran right-hander Frankie Montas in the rotation.
The Mets’ season has gone off the rails in the second half, as the team has lost 13 of its 15 games to fall to 64-57. The Cincinnati Reds (64-58) now trail New York by just a half-game for the third wild in the National League.
The 24-year-old McLean performed well for Triple-A Syracuse, going 5-4 with a 2.78 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts) this season.
Why are the Mets Calling Up Nolan McLean?
McLean is a highly regarded prospect, ranked 37th overall by MLB Pipeline and 40th overall by Baseball America.
Drafted in the third round (91st overall) in 2023 out of Oklahoma State, McLean soared through the Mets’ minor-league system. The right-hander struck out 127 batters over 113.2 innings and recorded a 2.45 ERA between stints at Double-A and Triple-A this season. His 52 strikeouts since July 1 lead the minor leagues.
McLean features a six-pitch arsenal, including his trademark sweeper that is clocked between 84 to 87 mph and averages 2,872 rpm.
Said MLB Pipeline’s Sam Dykstra: “It was his most-thrown pitch in Triple-A — it helps that he throws his mid-90s sinker and four-seamer almost equally, splitting his fastball usage — while opponents batted just .187 against it with a 30.1 percent whiff rate.
“Only Will Warren, Dustin May and Taylor Rogers have thrown sweepers with that much sweep and that high a spin rate in the Majors.”
While Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has not publicly committed to McLean beyond Saturday, he should have a chance to stick given the team’s issues.
Why Has the Mets’ Rotation Struggled?
Montas has been one of baseball’s worst pitchers since signing a two-year, $34 million contract with New York in free agency. After missing more than two months with a strained lat muscle, Montas had a 6.38 ERA in eight appearances (seven starts). Over 36.2 innings, he allowed 45 hits, including eight home runs.
The Mets plan to use Montas out of the bullpen. Montas told the New York Post’s Zach Braziller he’s not happy about the move but will do “whatever they need me to do to help.”
As things stand now, the Mets’ rotation is a mess. Since June 13, no team has received fewer innings from their starters than the Mets (232.5).
Furthermore, left-hander David Peterson is the only Mets starter in the last 56 games to pitch at least six innings.
Mets Make Major Announcement on Top Pitching Prospect