In the latest episode of the “Mike Francesa Podcast,” the New York sports radio icon made his views on the World Baseball Classic (WBC) abundantly clear. When a listener inquired about whether the Mets should allow their pitching prospect, Nolan McLean, to participate in the WBC, Francesa seized the opportunity to voice his strong opposition.
“If I were an owner or a manager, I’d be firmly against sending key pitchers to such an event,” Francesa stated, making his stance unmistakable. He believes the WBC is not the ideal environment for player preparation.
Francesa’s concerns are particularly focused on McLean, who is one of the Mets’ most promising pitching prospects. He highlighted McLean’s impressive attributes: an elite spin rate, a devastating sweeper, and a strong mental makeup, all contributing to a standout performance last season that has the Mets hopeful for his future.
McLean, still eligible for Rookie of the Year, has the potential to become a frontline starter. However, Francesa argues that this potential is precisely why McLean should steer clear of the WBC.
With a career high of just 113 innings pitched, his workload requires careful management. Francesa sees sending him to high-stakes international competition during spring training as a risky move.
Francesa draws a clear line between seasoned veterans and young prospects. He isn’t against the WBC for all pitchers, just for those still in the early stages of their development.
“Veterans like Max Scherzer have the experience to manage their workload. They know how to prepare and compete in the WBC without jeopardizing their season,” Francesa explained. These players understand their bodies and how to get ready for the season, whereas McLean doesn’t have that experience yet.
For Francesa, asking McLean to handle such a challenge early in his career is a gamble that no prudent front office should take. “A young guy can’t handle that,” he concluded.
“McLean should stay at Fort St. Lucie and focus on his development.”