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McLean Today
By the People, for the People
Phillies' Schwarber Praises Mets' McLean Ahead of Matchups
Veteran slugger impressed by young Mets pitcher's electric stuff and cerebral approach
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, the 2026 NL MVP runner-up, is raving about his World Baseball Classic teammate Nolan McLean of the New York Mets. Schwarber commended the 24-year-old right-hander on his impressive stuff, fearless mentality, and strategic approach to facing hitters. The two players will likely see plenty of each other in the 2026 MLB season as their teams battle for NL East supremacy.
Why it matters
The Phillies and Mets are expected to be two of the top contenders in the NL East in 2026, so the matchups between Schwarber and McLean could have major implications. Their head-to-head battles will be closely watched as the division race heats up.
The details
Schwarber was hitless against McLean in two games last season, but now that he's had a chance to get more familiar with the young Mets ace, he's hoping to have more success at the plate against him. McLean, on the other hand, may make adjustments of his own to counter Schwarber's power. Despite the experience gap, both players are key contributors for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, with Schwarber as a top power hitter and McLean potentially in line to pitch in the tournament final.
- Schwarber and McLean faced off twice in the 2025 MLB season.
- They are currently teammates on Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The players
Kyle Schwarber
A 33-year-old slugger for the Philadelphia Phillies and the 2026 NL MVP runner-up.
Nolan McLean
A 24-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the New York Mets, considered one of the top young pitchers in baseball.
What they’re saying
“Obviously, I think the stuff is fantastic. I think just the way he goes out there and attacks hitters, he has game plans, it feels like, for each and every single guy.”
— Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies Slugger (SNY)
“It's not easy whenever you go in and face a lineup like the Phillies' in your first couple of starts, and he just goes out there and he does what he does. It was really good and I look forward to having a lot more matchups with him.”
— Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies Slugger (SNY)
What’s next
Schwarber and McLean will continue to compete together for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and their matchups in the upcoming MLB season will be closely watched as their teams battle for the NL East title.
The takeaway
The budding rivalry between veteran slugger Kyle Schwarber and rising Mets ace Nolan McLean is a testament to the depth of talent in the NL East, as two of the division's top stars face off on the national stage of the World Baseball Classic before renewing their on-field battles in the 2026 MLB season.
