New York Mets rookie Nolan McLean will take the mound for Team USA in Tuesday night's 2026 World Baseball Classic finals at loanDepot park in Miami against the winner of Italy-Venezuela. Manager Mark DeRosa's selection navigates championship pursuit and MLB arm preservation amid bullpen workload concerns.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa confirmed 24-year-old Mets right-hander Nolan McLean, in his eighth MLB start, as the starter for the finals—Team USA's third consecutive appearance after quarterfinal and semifinal wins over Canada and the Dominican Republic. McLean posted a 2.06 ERA and 196 ERA+ over 48 innings late last season and expressed excitement: “I’m built for this. I’ve been waiting my whole life for something like this.”
Despite allowing home runs to Kyle Teel and Sam Antonacci in a pool-play loss to Italy—Team USA's only defeat—McLean reflected Monday: “Obviously I got clipped there a couple times with the homer. But overall, I felt really good... it’s just kind of a dream come true.” WBC rules permit up to 95 pitches, but the Mets prefer 65-70 in this elimination game.
An initial piggyback with Twins starter Joe Ryan was scrapped due to his lower back inflammation and team preferences for his routine; Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman replaced Clayton Kershaw on the roster instead. DeRosa's late-inning plan—David Bednar (seventh), Garrett Whitlock (eighth), and Mason Miller (ninth)—succeeded against Canada and the Dominican Republic, aided by Monday's off-day unlike the 2023 tournament's grueling schedule. DeRosa noted: “The schedule was set up well for us this time... Every day presents new challenges.”
Recent workloads raise questions: Bednar (79 pitches, four innings in 11 days), Whitlock (43 pitches, three innings in nine days), Miller (40 pitches, two innings in five days). Miller affirmed: “I would do everything in my power to pitch.” Depth includes Tyler Rogers (double play vs. Juan Soto), Will Vest, Tim Hill, and Hoffman (seeking World Series redemption). Pitching coach Andy Pettitte coordinates amid MLB club input.
