New York Mets star rookie Nolan McLean has not yet reported to Team USA camp ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Despite only making eight Major League Baseball appearances in his young career, the pitcher will represent his home nation at the competition.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa revealed on March 2 that McLean is expected to be the team’s fourth starter. The rookie will fall into place behind established stars Logan Webb, Tarik Skubal, and Paul Skenes. Although the Mets prospect is set to face Italy on March 10, he has been dealing with an illness in recent days.
According to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, McLean was supposed to fly from Florida to Arizona to join his USA teammates on March 2. Nevertheless, the young pitcher experienced “vertigo-like symptoms” on February 27. As a result, McLean has instead remained with the Mets in Port St. Lucie as a precaution.
Mendoza has, however, claimed that the issue has since subsided. “He reported some dizziness, so we just decided to play it smart and just keep him here under our watch before he goes out there,” Mendoza said of the situation, as reported by Mark Feinsand. “Talking to the doctors and things like that, as of right now, he’s going to be cleared.”
New York’s coach also revealed that McLean was healthy enough to throw a side session on March 1. The rookie is next expected to pitch in a minor-league matchup on March 4, and, assuming things go well, he will then travel to Arizona. “He has to pitch for us tomorrow,” Mendoza continued. “If everything goes accordingly, he’ll go.”
Nolan McLean Recently had Stellar Outing with New York Mets
GettyNolan McLean is one of the top prospects in all of baseball.
Interestingly enough, McLean starred in his 2026 spring training debut with the Mets the day before experiencing Vertigo symptoms. The rookie pitched four innings of one-hit ball against the Houston Astros on February 26. He also posted six strikeouts and one walk in the impressive outing. Houston’s starting lineup on the day featured several regular starters, including Jeremy Peña, Carlos Correa, and Christian Walker.
After the game, McLean did not appear to be dealing with the sickness. SNY reporters asked him about his outing after Mendoza admitted he wanted the youngster to throw about 55 pitches. “I felt pretty good out there. I think I ended up at 56 pitches, one more than 55, so I guess if I could have been one more pitch efficient, it would have been nice,” McLean stated with a smile. “But I’m comfortable where I’m at right now.”
Pitcher Retains Spot as New York’s Top Prospect
Mets and Team USA fans will be hoping that the issue does not become a recurring problem. McLean has been named as New York’s top-rated prospect for the second consecutive season by MLB.com. The flamethrower posted a 2.45 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 127 strikeouts in 113.2 innings between AA and AAA in 2025. He also went 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA in a short stint with the Mets.
Mendoza is expected to rely fairly heavily on the highly-rated righty in 2026. Bleacher Report previously predicted that the youngster would slot in as New York’s number two starter behind Freddy Peralta to start the season.
Mets Star Delays Team USA Trip due to Worrying Symptoms