Nolan McLean showed plenty of promise in the 2025 season to remain a key piece in the Mets’ rotation, both in the present and for the future.
The 24-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut on Aug. 16 and dazzled, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 48 innings through his first eight big-league starts. He allowed two or fewer earned runs in all but one of those eight starts, though one knock is that he went more than six innings only twice.
The early numbers are promising. McLean should bring plenty to the table in fantasy baseball for the 2026 season, as this will be his first full year in the majors.
Nolan McLean’s Fantasy Baseball Strengths, Weaknesses and 2026 Projections
McLean needs to stay healthy to achieve these projections. Pitchers are often at more risk of sustaining complicated injuries compared to hitters, but if McLean manages to make his starts regularly, we could be looking at a pitcher who should make around 30 to 32 starts and hover around 180 innings. That alone is valuable in fantasy, especially in an era where starters don’t go deep into games anymore.
An eight-start audition is not enough to draw significant conclusions, but McLean showed promise and command on the mound, although his rate of 3.0 BB/9 could be better. He averaged 10.7 K/9 in those eight starts, and with 57 Ks in 48 innings, we could be looking at a pitcher who could finish with 200-plus strikeouts. That’s elite production, as only 12 pitchers in the majors recorded more than 200 punchouts in 2025.
What’s going to give McLean a ton of value is his versatility on the mound, as he can toss up to six capable pitches with a mix of speed and breaking stuff. His two fastballs sit in the mid-90s, and all six of his pitches reach 80 mph comfortably, so he can use them in any situation. Few pitchers have such an expanded arsenal, making it easier for McLean to control opposing offenses.
In terms of tiers, McLean is ranked anywhere around the 35-40 range among pitchers, which translates to an ADP between 105 and 115, depending on the format of your league. One thing is clear, though: He might be a top prospect for the Mets and could be the No. 2 in their rotation, but he doesn’t have the same impact in fantasy. Still, he’s an arm worth considering if you’re looking for a young pitcher with elite upside in the middle rounds of your draft.
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