The New York Mets will continue their spring schedule against the Miami Marlins, but much of the organization’s attention will be on the World Baseball Classic final, where top prospect Nolan McLean is set to start for Team USA.
McLean’s rapid rise has drawn attention both within the Mets organization and across the league, especially after a strong finish to last season following his MLB call-up. However, the WBC final presents a completely different level of pressure, with global attention and elite competition awaiting him.
Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged both the excitement and concern surrounding the moment. “I have mixed feelings,” Mendoza said, before the Mets faced the Washington Nationals. “I’m not gonna lie.”
Mendoza balances excitement and concern
Mendoza highlighted the intensity of representing a country in the WBC, noting that the environment goes beyond a typical MLB game. “You’re representing your country and you’ve got the whole world watching you,” he said, adding that the stage will be unlike anything McLean experienced during his rookie season.
Carlos Mendoza #64 of the Mets uses the phone during spring training workouts. Rich Storry/Getty Images
At the same time, the Mets remain cautious about potential injury risks, recalling past cases like Edwin Diaz, who missed the 2023 season after a WBC celebration injury. “That’s on the back of the mind of people and organizations… You hold your breath,” Mendoza admitted.
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Confidence in McLean
Despite the concerns, Mendoza expressed confidence in McLean’s ability to handle the moment. “He’s wired, he’s built for moments like that… the moment is never too big for him,” he said, adding that the organization will be watching closely — and “we’ll be praying.”
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