Mets' Nolan McLean Eager for WBC Chance After USA Hockey Gold

Rookie set to join Team USA for World Baseball Classic after watching Americans win Olympic hockey gold

Feb. 23, 2026 at 12:57am

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Mets rookie Nolan McLean is excited to represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, just days after watching the U.S. men's hockey team win Olympic gold. McLean was among the Mets players who cheered on the hockey team's victory, with the game being broadcast in the Mets' clubhouse during morning workouts.

Why it matters

McLean's enthusiasm for playing for Team USA in the WBC reflects the growing popularity of international baseball competitions and the sense of national pride they can inspire, similar to the emotions felt by the Mets players watching the U.S. hockey team's gold medal triumph.

The details

The Mets clubhouse was abuzz as players watched the U.S. men's hockey team defeat Canada in overtime to win the Olympic gold medal. Rookie Nolan McLean, who will soon leave the Mets to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, was particularly invested in the hockey team's victory, which was celebrated with cheers from the dugout and patriotic music played in the clubhouse.

  • On Sunday morning, the U.S. men's hockey team defeated Canada in overtime to win the Olympic gold medal.
  • In less than a week, Nolan McLean will leave the Mets to begin workouts for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Nolan McLean

A rookie with the Mets who is set to join Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Jack Hughes

The U.S. men's hockey team player who scored the winning goal in overtime to secure the Olympic gold medal for the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Though it won't be a gold medal Olympic hockey match, the feelings of national pride drive him in a way they must have propelled a player such as Hughes.”

— Mike Puma, Author

What’s next

In the coming days, Nolan McLean will leave the Mets to begin preparations with Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

McLean's excitement to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic, on the heels of the U.S. men's hockey team's Olympic gold medal triumph, underscores the growing significance and patriotic appeal of international baseball competitions.