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McLean Today
By the People, for the People
Mets Manager Anxiously Watches as Pitcher Nolan McLean Starts World Baseball Classic Final
Carlos Mendoza hopes McLean returns to Mets camp uninjured after pitching for Team USA in championship game
Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:03pm
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As Team USA takes on Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic finals, New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean will be on the mound for the American squad. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza will be closely watching the game, hoping McLean can help lead Team USA to victory while also returning to Mets spring training uninjured.
Why it matters
The Mets have high hopes for McLean, a rising star in their organization, and can't afford to lose him to injury before the MLB season even begins. Mendoza and the Mets have spent the offseason building a playoff contending roster, so an injury to McLean would be a major setback.
The details
McLean is expected to have a pitch count around 65-70 in the WBC final. Mendoza told reporters he'll be "praying" that McLean comes through the game unscathed. The Mets manager wants his young pitcher back in Mets camp in one piece, as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
- Nolan McLean is set to start the World Baseball Classic final for Team USA on March 17, 2026.
- The Mets' spring training is currently underway as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season.
The players
Nolan McLean
A rising pitching prospect in the New York Mets organization who is starting the World Baseball Classic final for Team USA.
Carlos Mendoza
The manager of the New York Mets, who will be closely watching McLean's start in the WBC final.
What they’re saying
“We'll be praying,”
— Carlos Mendoza, New York Mets Manager
What’s next
Once McLean returns to Mets spring training, Mendoza will have the opportunity to evaluate his progress and determine where he stands in the team's pitching plans for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the delicate balance teams must strike when allowing their top prospects to participate in events like the World Baseball Classic. The Mets are eager for McLean's success, but also anxious about the risk of injury that could derail their playoff aspirations before the season even begins.
