New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean makes strong major league debut

The Mets' top pitching prospect tossed five scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners in his first MLB start.

Aug 16, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks to the dugout after the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

New York Mets pitching prospect Nolan McLean got his first taste of major league action on Saturday afternoon.

The young right-hander was impressive in his long-awaited debut, going 5.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, four walks, and just two hits.

Nolan McLean turns in a SPECTACULAR MLB debut 👏 pic.twitter.com/vbSCSrZwS3

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 16, 2025

The 24-year-old went to his breaking balls early and often, throwing them 61 percent of the time (36% sweepers, 21% curveballs, 4% cutters). He produced 11 whiffs with five coming against the curveball, but wasn't afraid to attack the strike zone and finished with 55 strikes on 91 pitches.

In the first inning, McLean picked up a pair of strikeouts against leadoff batter Randy Arozarena and cleanup man Josh Naylor. Arozarena got caught looking on a slider up and away, and Naylor went down swinging at a nasty curveball that looked center-cut before breaking way out of the zone.

What a first inning for Nolan McLean

That curve to strike out Naylor was filthy
🤠
pic.twitter.com/u2T3Xa6F9e

— Joe DeMayo (@PSLToFlushing) August 16, 2025

McLean went 1-2-3 in the second inning, adding his third strikeout of the day to end it, but found himself in some trouble in the third.

Read More: Three reasons why Mets need Nolan McLean to be great immediately

After quickly walking Seattle's 8 and 9 hitters, McLean seemed to settle back in with his second K against Arozarena. But after a Cal Raleigh single, the young pitcher faced Julio Rodriguez with the bases loaded and just one out.

However, McLean escaped the jam with a stunning play on J-Rod's sharp grounder up the middle, twirling to his right and gloving the ball behind his back before turning and firing to second to start an inning-ending double play.

NOLAN McLEAN GOES BEHIND THE BACK TO START THE DOUBLE PLAY! pic.twitter.com/3Xu9PRV9om

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 16, 2025

McLean, who came into the game with a career-high of 97 pitches in a game, entered the sixth inning at 81. After a lead-off walk to Raleigh, McLean froze Rodriguez with a fastball on the outside corner to pick up his 8th strikeout of the day.

Following the at-bat, Carlos Mendoza was showered with boos as he trotted out to the mound to take McLean out after 91 pitches. McLean, on the other hand, received a massive applause and standing ovation from the Mets' faithful as he left the field.

Nolan McLean strikes out Julio Rodriguez to end his day!

McLean gets an ovation on his way off the mound 👏 pic.twitter.com/tC1Z7dOksO

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 16, 2025

The strong debut is massive for the New York ballclub, which has been hamstrung by its starting rotation's inability to go deep into games. While Mendoza will likely be hesitant to allow him to go deep into games right away, it was clear that McLean's stuff will translate to the next level, giving the Mets a solid starting option with incredible upside.

Read More: Why Scout believes Mets chose Nolan McLean over Brandon Sproat

McLean is currently New York's No. 3 overall prospect and got the call-up over No. 5 overall prospect Brandon Sproat. But if the rest of the Mets' rotation continues to struggle, we could see both young pitchers on the mound for the team this season.