Mets Reportedly to Call Up Nolan McLean After Montas Bullpen Move, NY's No. 3 Prospect

The New York Mets are planning to call up right-handed pitcher Nolan McLean, their No. 3 prospect (No. 37 overall in MLB).

Mike Puma of the New York Post reported the news on McLean, who reportedly will get the start on Saturday at home against the Seattle Mariners. McLean would take the rotation spot of starting pitcher Frankie Montas, who was demoted to the bullpen.

The 6'2", 214-pound McLean was a third-round pick out of Oklahoma State in 2023. He's made 21 appearances this year for both Double-A Binghamton (five) and Triple-A Syracuse (16).

McLean has been lights-out in his latest stint with Syracuse, posting a 2.87 ERA over his 16 games (13 starts). A 10.0 K/9 rate and a 1.10 WHIP have been among his highlights.

Per Puma, McLean got the nod over Brandon Sproat, the No. 5 overall Mets' prospect.

McLean is replacing a pitcher in Montas who arrived last offseason on a two-year, $34 million contract in free agency from the Milwaukee Brewers. A high-grade lat strain shut him down earlier this year and prevented him to just eight starts. It's been a rough year thus far, with Montas posting a 6.38 ERA (1.56 WHIP) over eight games (seven starts).

Meanwhile, the Mets just endured a brutal 1-11 stretch that dropped them to 63-55. A resounding 13-5 home win over the Atlanta Braves got them back on track Monday, and they at least within striking distance of the Philadelphia Phillies (five games out in the NL East).

Now the Mets hope that McLean's inclusion in the rotation can help jolt the team as they search for a playoff berth.