Mets to call up top pitching prospect McLean for debut Saturday (source)
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NEW YORK -- The Mets are about to promote one of the most promising pitching prospects they've developed in years.
No. 3 Mets prospect Nolan McLean, ranked 37th in baseball, will make his Major League debut Saturday in a start at Citi Field against the Mariners, according to multiple sources. McLean will replace struggling veteran Frankie Montas in the rotation, with a chance to stick there if he pitches well.
The club has not publicly confirmed the news, which team officials broke to McLean on Wednesday morning.
The Mets' third-round Draft pick in 2023, McLean began his professional career as a two-way player before becoming exclusively a pitcher early last season. When he did, McLean leveled up, developing into one of the most successful pitching prospects the Mets have employed in a decade.
Following an early-season promotion to Triple-A Syracuse this year, the 24-year-old McLean produced a 2.78 ERA over 16 appearances. He is in line to pitch Saturday on five days' rest.
The Mets chose McLean for the start over Brandon Sproat, another top prospect who has been a tick less consistent at Syracuse. McLean is known for a six-pitch mix that revolves around one of the most effective sweepers in Minor League Baseball.