Nolan McLean

Nolan McLean's brief 2025 MLB sample showcased frontline skills beneath the surface, highlighted by a 30.3% strikeout rate, elite 60.2% ground-ball rate, and a microscopic 2.1% HR rate, all of which supported his strong ERA despite modest volume. His ability to suppress quality contact (89.5 mph average EV, .571 OPS against) paired with above-average command (8.5% BB%) suggests the performance wasn't fluky, even if some ERA regression is likely as innings scale. The 2026 projections point to a heavier workload with solid strikeout totals, making durability and role security the main remaining questions rather than skill. Given the bat-missing profile and batted-ball dominance, McLean profiles as a high-upside fantasy sleeper who can outperform his draft cost if he holds a regular rotation spot.

Nolan McLean strikes out 11 but struggles against Cubs

Nolan McLean allowed five earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out 11 over 5.1 innings in Thursday's win against the Cubs.

Fantasy Impact

After today’s performance, McLean holds a 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with a 5-1 record across eight starts this season. This outing was a mixed bag. He racked up a career-high 11 strikeouts, three home runs, and five runs. He also allowed multiple free passes in a game for the fifth straight outing. He has been really good in his limited action, but has shown some vulnerabilities. The Mets are going to need him at his best if they can clinch a playoff spot.