Nolan McLean took the league by storm during his rookie campaign.
With just eight big-league games under his belt, though, the youngster was surprised to receive the call to join Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
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Once he did, though, the decision was a no-brainer.
“They called me up and I was passionate about it from the start,” McLean told SNY’s Michelle Margaux. “I wasn’t really expecting to get that nod that early in my career, but it was something I couldn’t turn down.”
McLean was spectacular for the Mets after cruising his way through the minors.
He pitched to a 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP while striking out 57 batters over 48.0 innings, which was good enough for him to finish 11th in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
The 23-year-old is expected to be leaned on heavily again during his first full season.
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While much can change over the next few months, McLean is currently the meat on the top of the bone for a Mets rotation that struggled mightily during the second-half last season.
No matter what additions they make, he is expected to remain one of their top arms.
“I mean I know it’s cliche, but pressure is a privilege,” he said. “Just to be able to go out there and compete on the highest level, in front of an awesome fanbase, it just means the world to me.”
Before that though, he will team up with some of the best arms in the game, including potential Mets trade targets Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, and closer Mason Miller.
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Mets right-hander Clay Holmes will also be part of the roster, coming off a strong season transitioning to a starter.
He happily accepted after having discussions with Team USA pitching coach Andy Pettitte.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Holmes told Margaux. “When I saw that some of the build-up and workload stuff would be similar, it was an easy yes. I’m super excited to put the red, white, and blue on and compete with those guys.”
