Nolan McLean will start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) Final against Venezuela on March 16, 2026, in Miami. The 24-year-old right-hander, who made eight starts in his MLB debut last season, is looking to help Team USA secure its first WBC title since 2017.
McLean expects to throw between 65 and 70 pitches during the final. His previous outing saw him struggle as he was the losing pitcher in a game against Italy, where he gave up two home runs and allowed eight runs in total.
Team USA advanced to the final after a narrow 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic. McLean expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “Putting U.S. on your chest and going out there and competing, obviously means the world.”
However, there are concerns regarding McLean’s health. He was diagnosed with vertigo-like symptoms prior to joining Team USA, leading to mixed feelings from Team USA manager Carlos Mendoza, who said, “I have mixed feelings.” Mendoza’s apprehension reflects the pressure of the moment and the importance of McLean’s performance.
Mark DeRosa, a former MLB player and current analyst, believes in McLean’s capabilities, stating, “I think he’s just built for this.” This sentiment highlights the confidence the team has in the young pitcher despite the challenges he has faced.
The WBC Final is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on McLean as he takes the mound. Observers are eager to see if he can rise to the occasion and lead Team USA to victory against a formidable Venezuelan team.
As the final approaches, the stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable. McLean’s journey to this moment has been marked by both triumph and adversity, making his participation in the final a compelling narrative in the world of baseball.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup and any last-minute changes that may occur due to McLean’s health status.
