Nolan McLean’s rapid rise and mid-90s sinker make him a strong candidate to control Team USA’s matchup with Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Punters may favor the USA moneyline or McLean strikeout props (consider Over 4.5–5.5 Ks). If his sinker and elite curve are sharp, the game could trend low-scoring—look at the runs-under market or a -1.5 US run-line play.
Nolan McLean Set to Take the Mound for Team USA Against Italy
Nolan McLean, the 24-year-old Mets prospect, will start Team USA’s fourth World Baseball Classic game against Italy, offering a high-profile stage to translate his late-2025 MLB breakout into international success. After debuting in the majors last season, McLean enters the WBC with momentum and the chance to announce himself to a broader audience.
Big-League Debut and Rookie Surge
McLean made his MLB debut in 2025 and joined the Mets’ rotation on August 16. In his first major-league start he tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits, walking four and striking out eight. That performance prefaced a dominant finish to the season.
2025 Late-Season Numbers
Over eight late-season starts McLean went 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 48 innings. He averaged roughly 10.7 strikeouts per nine and posted a 2.97 FIP. While a rough final start inflated his ERA slightly, the underlying metrics pointed to a pitcher ready for a larger role in 2026.
Draft Journey and Transition to Full-Time Pitching
A former two-way standout at Oklahoma State, McLean was considered an early-round talent in the 2020 draft but ultimately focused on college football briefly before committing to baseball full-time. Selected by the Mets in the third round of the 2023 draft, the organization transitioned him into a full-time pitcher—a move that has fast-tracked his rise.
Minor-League Performance and Fast Promotion
McLean climbed quickly through the minors. In 2024 he reached Double-A during his first full professional season, then opened 2025 dominating at Double-A before advancing to Triple-A. At Syracuse he posted a 2.78 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 97 strikeouts in 87 1/3 innings, prompting a major-league call-up.
Pitching Arsenal and Scouting Profile
McLean pairs size (6'2", 214 lbs) with a power arsenal. His primary offerings include a mid-90s four-seam fastball, a sinker that averaged about 94.8 mph in the majors, a sweeping secondary (around 85 mph) and a high-spin curveball (around 80 mph) that produced elite expected numbers against hitters. He’ll mix in a changeup and cutter occasionally, but the sinker-sweeper-curve combination defines his profile.
Strengths and Developmental Ceiling
The curveball stands out as a put-away pitch, generating extremely low expected batting marks. The sinker and sweeper give him ground-ball and whiff potential, though the sweeper has occasionally flattened. With only a few seasons as a full-time pitcher, McLean projects to improve further as he refines control and command.
What This Start Means for Bettors
McLean’s strikeout upside and recent major-league form create clear betting angles. Strikeout props (considering limits in WBC lineups) look attractive if his swing-and-miss offerings are live; an Over on McLean Ks in the 4.5–5.5 range is a common market target.
If his sinker and curve are effective, expect a lower run total—so the runs-under market or a USA -1.5 run-line could be smart plays. Conversely, factor in small-sample risk: international lineups and shorter outings can swing props quickly.
Outlook
McLean’s quick ascent from a two-way college player to a potential frontline starter is one of baseball’s intriguing stories.
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