It’s happening in Queens—and if you blink, you just might miss the start of something really special. The New York Mets are suddenly riding a wave of rookie energy and red-hot momentum that’s turning heads up and down the National League. Wednesday night was a statement. And rookie Nolan McLean was holding the mic.
Rookie McLean Dazzles in Third Straight Start
Let’s talk about this kid for a second. McLean, all of 24 years old and cool as a glacier, just delivered eight innings of straight-up dominance against a Phillies team that was supposed to be the heavyweight in this matchup. One hit through five? Are you kidding? He finished with just four hits allowed, no walks, and six strikeouts in a clinical, 95-pitch masterpiece. Seventy-one of those pitches were strikes. That’s not just impressive—it’s surgical.
Vientos Stays Hot as Offense Keeps Rolling
And while McLean was mowing them down like it was a casual Wednesday in the park, the Mets offense wasn’t just watching—they were delivering. Mark Vientos was still on fire. His seventh-inning two-run homer cracked this thing wide open and made it a 6-0 ballgame. That blast wasn’t just insurance; it was a message: these Mets came to play. The team went 5-for-8 with runners in scoring position, cashing in on nearly every opportunity.
Now here’s where it gets really spicy. McLean’s now 3-0 with a 0.89 ERA in three starts since his debut on August 16. First Mets starter ever to win his first three career starts. Let me say that again: ever. And he’s only the eighth since 1967 to go at least seven innings more than once in his first three starts. That’s not just a good start—it’s historical territory.
Next Up: Another Prospect Ready to Shine
And if you think the rotation fun stops there, think again. The Mets just announced that another electric arm is about to make the leap. Jonah Tong, the club’s No. 4 prospect and a monster in the minors when it comes to ERA and strikeouts, is making his MLB debut Friday against the Marlins. Two fire-breathing rookies, back-to-back in the rotation? Buckle up.
The Mets are now 72-61, just four games behind Philly and holding strong in that last NL wild-card spot. And look—we’ve seen this franchise have its moments. But there’s something about the vibe right now. McLean and Tong? That’s not just a youth movement—that’s a glimpse of what’s coming.
Queens is heating up, folks. And this time, it might just stick.
