Mets news: Nolan McLean opens up on 2026 achievement he's so proud of

Nolan McLean, the New York Mets' right-handed pitcher, has made reliability a cornerstone of his rookie season, prioritizing the importance of starting every game. After a recent win over the Texas Rangers, McLean was asked what he was most proud of from his first major league season. His response was straightforward: "I think the biggest thing is just not missing the start.

I try to take pride in going out there and competing every single time, whether I have my stuff or not. That's what matters most to me." This mindset has been crucial for McLean as the Mets navigated several injuries in their rotation, allowing him to consistently take the mound every five days and provide the necessary innings for the team.

Recently, McLean faced a collision with Jared Young while on the bases, raising concerns about his availability for his next start. However, he returned to the mound on Wednesday and delivered one of his strongest performances of the month, demonstrating his durability and importance to the pitching staff led by Andy Green. At 25 years old, McLean has quickly become a key player and has gained attention for his consistency, putting him in the National League Rookie of the Year conversation.