Spring training and the World Baseball Classic often serve as a breeding ground for overreactions, but let's take a level-headed look at Nolan McLean's WBC debut. The Mets starter faced a rollercoaster inning with a home run, a hit by pitch, and another homer. Sure, it wasn't his finest moment, but it was just one inning in a setting where he also struck out the side and induced several groundouts, his bread and butter.
In a regular season game, McLean would have the chance to settle in and adjust over several innings. However, the tournament's structure had him exit after 55 pitches, leaving him with a 9.00 ERA. Mets fans know better than to panic over a single outing, especially in the preseason.
Here are three more pressing concerns for the Mets this season:
1) Rotation Reliability Beyond Freddy Peralta
The Mets' rotation is a mixed bag of potential and question marks. While someone might have a breakout season, others could struggle.
Last year, too many starters faded late, and that concern lingers. Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, and David Peterson each have something to prove.
Clay Holmes, in his second year as a starter, is also a bit of an unknown.
The Mets do have promising young arms in the minors, but relying on them as saviors might be premature. Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat showed flashes but need more seasoning. Freddy Peralta remains a stalwart, but he can't pitch every day.
2) Positional Experimentation
The Mets are juggling player positions, which could backfire if they force square pegs into round holes. Bo Bichette's stint at third base might be prolonged even if it doesn't pan out, potentially sidelining Brett Baty.
The team is also managing player workload carefully. Luis Robert Jr. hasn't debuted in spring training yet, aiming to stay in peak condition. While this cautious approach is understandable, it could lead to underutilizing key players like Baty, who might end up DH’ing when he’s needed in the infield.
3) Bullpen Uncertainty
Transitioning from Edwin Diaz to Devin Williams isn't seamless, and Luke Weaver's potential remains a question mark. The bullpen's reliability is a concern, with players like Luis Garcia and Craig Kimbrel capable of both brilliance and inconsistency.
The Mets' decision to use a six-man rotation further complicates bullpen dynamics, limiting available relievers. Even if a starter shifts to the bullpen, it’s not a guaranteed fix. A piggyback strategy might help, but it won't solve every problem.
Nolan McLean dazzled us in 2025, and one shaky WBC inning shouldn't overshadow that. If these issues start affecting regular season outcomes, then it might be time to worry. Until then, let's keep the panic button tucked away.