Nolan McLean is set to debut for the Mets against Seattle, with Bronx-born optimism from Carlos Mendoza: relax, have fun, and let the game come to you. The 24-year-old right-hander is the Mets’ top pitching prospect and No. 3 overall in their system, coming off a 5-4 mark and a 2.78 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts) at Triple-A Syracuse. Armed with a mid-90s sinker, a four-seamer, and a sweeping breaking ball, he’ll be stepping into a rotation that has underperformed of late, replacing Frankie Montas who was moved to the bullpen. The call-up comes with the emotional nuance of a kid who has soaked up experience and is determined to trust his stuff and compete.

In Queens, Beatle Night framed the moment with the Fab Four stars—Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Brandon Nimmo—front and center, underscoring the Mets’ blend of youth and elite talent. The club’s immediate roster move also reflected depth questions: Montas carries a 6.38 ERA this season, and the Mets briefly weighed Triple-A Brandon Sproat as Montas’ replacement before going with McLean. McLean’s minor-league strikeout rate (127 in 113.2 IP) hints at upside capped by nerves and growth, a combination fantasy managers will watch closely as the rookie works to give New York a chance to win right away.