The Quiet Star in a Loud Storm
The most shocking fact about the Mets’ late-August stretch is not the two walk-off losses to the White Sox. It is that Nolan McLean managed to earn an A grade for his performance while the rest of the pitching staff fell apart. The new look bullpen had been a bright spot early in the month before it crashed down to earth over the final two weeks.
Most fans remember the losses and the frustration of giving up late leads. But McLean was busy doing something else entirely on the mound. He made three starts since the last player meter update and delivered a quality start in every single one of them, according to Amazin Avenue. This consistency came while the team was walking off the field in defeat.
The stats back up this strange separation of success. In those three outings, McLean surrendered one earned run or less each time. He even earned the win in two out of those three games. While the bullpen struggled, McLean kept the Mets in the hunt with steady, reliable work that earned him an A rating for the month.
Putting Up Numbers in the Big Leagues
McLean’s August numbers are nearly identical to his strong showings in June and July, despite a few small bumps. He allowed more hits and walked more batters than before, but he still kept the damage to a minimum. The Mets secured a 2-1 victory over the Padres in the series opener, as McLean allowed only one run on six hits across six innings.
His full August stats show a pitcher who is still finding his footing but remains effective. These are not the numbers of a pitcher who is struggling; they are the numbers of a rookie who is figuring out how to survive in the majors.
For the 2026 season, his body of work is even more impressive. Amazin Avenue states that his current overall performance places him firmly in the race for National League Rookie of the Year. The A grade for August reflects this growing reputation.
More Than Just a Pitcher
McLean was not the only one shining in the dark. During the series opener versus the Padres, Carson Benge supported McLean by recording two outfield assists within that same inning. Benge is also having a massive month, earning an A+ grade that is up from his A rating the previous month.
While the team faced hiccups, these two players showed that the future looks bright for the Mets. Nolan McLean currently enjoys excellent form while striving to conclude the season on a high note. The team may have lost games, but the young core is gaining ground.
As the season winds down, the focus shifts to how McLean closes the gap on the Rookie of the Year award. His ability to stay consistent when the bullpen fails is the key to the Mets’ hopes. The numbers from August prove he is ready for the biggest stage.
