Nolan McLean will make his major league debut for the New York Mets on Saturday, a 24-year-old with a five-pitch mix and a mid-to-high-90s fastball. He posted a 2.45 ERA across 21 games in the minors (18 starts) with 127 strikeouts in 113 2/3 innings, a showing that prompted the Mets to give him a big-league opportunity as they try to jumpstart a slipping rotation. McLean’s arrival comes as Frankie Montas shifts to the bullpen after a rough early stretch, creating a clearer path for the rookie to shoulder a meaningful load.

The Mets’ rotation carries a 3.70 ERA but has logged limited innings, relying on six-inning performances only intermittently. Manager Carlos Mendoza and veteran swingman Paul Blackburn praised McLean’s mound maturity, noting his ability to execute a plan and set up hitters. McLean, a Oklahoma State product and the 2023 draft class’ first Mets signee to reach the majors, has thrown at least six innings in nine starts this season and has touched 90 pitches multiple times late in the year.

Fantasy takeaway: count McLean as a high-upside rookie with immediate strikeout potential, but monitor workload and matchup risk. He’ll step into a Mets rotation that could lean on innings early and may be capped by pitch-count considerations. If he delivers, the Mets could unlock a longer leash for the back of their staff and open up deeper streaming opportunities for fantasy managers facing rotation gaps, especially against contending lineups like Atlanta this week.

The New York Mets face a challenging period without center fielder Jose Siri, who has been placed on the injured list with a fractured left tibia. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that Siri could be sidelined for around three weeks. In the interim, Tyrone Taylor is set to take over the bulk of the center field duties, while other outfield configurations are expected to be explored, utilizing Brandon Nimmo and several infielders as potential alternatives.

Jeff McNeil, currently recovering from an oblique strain, may also be called upon to play center field, as he is being prepared for outfield duties. The Mets are not overly concerned about McNeil's transition, given his experience in the outfield. Meanwhile, the team works with their injured pitchers, including Paul Blackburn and Sean Manaea, who are progressing in their rehab as the Mets navigate this tough stretch without Siri.

The MLB offseason is reaching a critical juncture as players and teams prepare for the upcoming spring training. With the report date for pitchers and catchers set for February 10, several high-profile free agents remain unsigned, including Alex Bregman. Among the intriguing stories is Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, who has narrowed his options to three teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays. Sasaki is expected to make his decision by January 23, following the opening of the international free agency window.

Previously, the Chicago Cubs were reportedly eliminated from contention for Sasaki's services. The talented pitcher, recognized as the most skilled player outside of an MLB organization, has drawn attention due to his impressive statistics and potential to be an immediate impactful starter. Despite injuries limiting him to just 33 starts in the last two seasons, his showing in Japan's NPB, where he recorded a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts last season, underscores his capabilities.

As the market for Sasaki intensifies, other teams such as the New York Yankees, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers have been informed they are out of the running. The Yankees' current rotation boasts notable names like Gerrit Cole and Max Fried, while the Mets are relying on pitchers led by Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga. The Giants, following the signing of Justin Verlander, have also seen their hopes dashed. The Blue Jays have recently hosted Sasaki for discussions about a potential signing, while the Padres also remain heavily involved in his pursuit.

Sean Manaea is returning to the New York Mets on a significant three-year, $75 million contract. The left-handed pitcher had a standout season, achieving a 12-6 record and a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts, solidifying his role as the team's top starter.

After declining a player option and a qualifying offer, Manaea's reunion with the Mets comes as they aim to strengthen their rotation, having already signed several key free agents this offseason.

Sean Manaea is set to return to the New York Mets on a lucrative three-year, $75 million deal. The left-handed pitcher, who will turn 33 in February, had a solid 2024 season with a 3.47 ERA and 184 strikeouts in 32 starts.

Manaea's recent success can be attributed to adjustments made to his pitching mechanics, inspired by Chris Sale. Despite concerns about his age, he is expected to contribute quality innings to the Mets' rotation alongside other notable pitchers.