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Mets' Carlos Mendoza has 'mixed feelings' about Nolan McLean's start for USA in WBC final
Mets manager concerned about injury risk but also excited for rookie pitcher's big opportunity
Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:57am
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Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has 'mixed feelings' about Nolan McLean starting for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic final. Mendoza is concerned about the injury risk but also excited for the 24-year-old rookie to pitch in such a high-profile game. McLean has impressed this spring and last season after being called up to the majors, and Mendoza believes he is 'wired' and 'built for moments like that.' However, the Mets manager acknowledges the intensity of the WBC environment will be different from the regular season, and the organization will be 'praying' McLean comes through the game unscathed.
Why it matters
The Mets are cautious about their players participating in the WBC after Edwin Díaz's devastating knee injury while playing for Puerto Rico in 2023. They don't want to lose another key player to injury, especially a promising young arm like McLean. At the same time, the experience of pitching in a high-pressure, international tournament could be invaluable for McLean's development.
The details
Nolan McLean, a 24-year-old Mets prospect, will take the mound for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic final. McLean has impressed this spring and last season after being called up to the majors. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has 'mixed feelings' about McLean's start - he's concerned about the injury risk but also excited for the opportunity. Mendoza knows the intensity of the WBC will be different from the regular season, and the Mets will be 'praying' McLean comes through the game unscathed.
- Nolan McLean will start for Team USA in the WBC final on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The players
Nolan McLean
A 24-year-old Mets prospect who has impressed this spring and last season after being called up to the majors.
Carlos Mendoza
The manager of the New York Mets.
What they’re saying
“I have mixed feelings. I'm not gonna lie.”
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
“You're representing your country and you've got the whole world watching you. In this case, he's got 'USA' on his chest, playing with and against the best players. It's going to be intense. That doesn't mean the intensity is not the same at the big league level. The big leagues are the big leagues, but this is something different. It'll be definitely different than what he experienced last year.”
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
“As far as him pitching in that environment, he's wired, he's built for moments like that based on what we saw last year. I've been around him and said the moment is never too big for him. It'll be fun and I'll be watching.”
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
“We'll be praying.”
— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
What’s next
The Mets will be closely monitoring Nolan McLean's performance and health after his start for Team USA in the WBC final on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The takeaway
The Mets' cautious approach to their players' participation in the WBC is understandable given the franchise's past experience with a devastating injury. However, the opportunity for a young pitcher like Nolan McLean to pitch in such a high-profile international tournament could be invaluable for his development, even if it comes with some risk.
