Former Oklahoma State standout Nolan McLean wins in his MLB debut with the New York Mets

Former OSU standout Nolan McLean shines in his MLB debut with the New York Mets, pitching over five scoreless innings—a team first in more than a decade.

Sunday, August 17th 2025, 2:27 pm

By: Scott Pfeil

NEW YORK CITY -

Former 2-way Oklahoma State standout Nolan McLean was impressive in his big league debut on Saturday for the New York Mets, with his parents and other family members in attendance. His debut was so impressive, he did something no other Mets pitcher has done in more than a dozen years.

The right-hander pitched 5 1/3 shutout innings against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday. He's the first Mets pitcher since Zack Wheeler in 2013 to not give up a run in his MLB debut.

In those 5 1/3 shutout innings, McLean allowed only two hits, four walks, and struck out eight on 91 pitches. McLean averaged 94.9 mph on his sinker.

The 24-year-old McLean was a third-round selection in 2023. Prior to his debut with the Mets on Saturday, he had split the season between Double- and Triple-A, amassing a 2.45 ERA and a 2.54 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 21 combined appearances.

Scott Pfeil

Scott Pfeil joined the News On 6 sports team in July of 2012. Scott has more than 20 years of experience in sports journalism, including 19 right here in Tulsa. Scott loves covering sporting events, but he really loves telling stories.