Team USA Entrusts Rookie Nolan McLean with Potential WBC Championship Start

Team USA is entering the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a talent-laden roster, starting pool play on March 6 against Team Brazil at Daikin Park. The squad boasts an elite pitching staff, anchored by reigning National League and American League Cy Young winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal.

Despite the star power, the timing of the WBC presents logistical challenges. With the MLB regular season less than a month away, USA’s management has had to carefully plan workloads for pitchers to avoid disrupting routines or overtaxing arms. This planning has led to a surprising potential decision for the championship game.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, New York Mets rookie Nolan McLean is currently lined up to pitch in a potential WBC final, while Skenes would start the semifinal. This approach allows Skenes to pitch on five days’ rest, maintaining his normal cadence while still positioning the team for success against top-tier opponents like Team Japan.

McLean’s selection underscores both his talent and the team’s confidence in him. Though young and relatively inexperienced at the major-league level, the rookie right-hander has demonstrated the skill and composure necessary to handle high-pressure situations, making him a key piece of Team USA’s championship aspirations.

1. Strategic Pitching Plan

Team USA’s rotation strategy highlights the delicate balancing act of international competition. With the MLB season looming, preserving the health and rhythm of star pitchers like Skenes and Skubal is paramount. Assigning Skenes to the semifinal ensures he pitches on proper rest, while McLean handles the potential championship start without compromising the team’s long-term pitching plan. The approach is also pragmatic: the WBC bracket does not guarantee a championship appearance, so aligning workloads with realistic scenarios minimizes risk. By giving McLean the potential final start, USA leverages both veteran and young talent without overextending key arms. This plan reflects lessons learned from past WBC tournaments. Overreliance on a single ace can backfire, especially in short formats where pitcher availability and recovery times are limited. Team USA’s management appears focused on maximizing performance while balancing player development and postseason readiness. Additionally, positioning Skenes for the semifinal may provide a psychological edge. By saving the reigning NL Cy Young winner for a pivotal matchup, the team can potentially secure a critical win while keeping their best arms fresh for the most consequential games.

2. Nolan McLean’s Rising Role

At just 24 years old, McLean is still in the early stages of his MLB career, but his 2025 performance shows why Team USA trusts him with a potential championship start. In his rookie season with the Mets, he started eight games, compiling 48 innings with a 2.06 ERA and an fWAR of 1.2. Though he has limited experience, McLean’s composure, pitch repertoire, and ability to miss bats make him a viable option for high-stakes competition. USA’s staff clearly believes his talent outweighs the relative lack of big-league innings, highlighting his rapid ascent as a trusted pitcher. McLean’s potential role also emphasizes Team USA’s commitment to blending youth and experience. Pairing emerging talent with established stars like Skenes and Skubal ensures a dynamic rotation capable of handling the rigors of international play. The decision carries inherent risk. A young pitcher in a WBC championship game faces intense pressure, bright lights, and global scrutiny. Yet, the team’s willingness to entrust McLean with that responsibility speaks volumes about his abilities and the confidence of coaches and teammates alike.

3. Preparing for the Challenge

Team USA remains focused on incremental progress, taking nothing for granted despite a stacked roster. The plan to stagger workloads for key pitchers reflects careful preparation for both pool play and potential elimination games. Beyond pitching, the roster features depth and versatility across positions, ensuring offensive and defensive balance. McLean’s potential start in the final is a calculated risk within a larger strategy aimed at dethroning perennial rival Team Japan. Coaches and management will monitor pitch counts, recovery times, and game conditions closely, adjusting strategy as needed. Flexibility and situational awareness are critical in navigating the condensed WBC schedule while keeping the team fresh for MLB’s imminent season. Ultimately, the decision to place McLean in line for the championship game illustrates Team USA’s bold approach: combining top-tier veterans with rising stars to create a balanced, resilient squad capable of competing at the highest level.