The New York Mets dropped their fourth game in a row, and sixth of their last seven, to the Cincinnati Reds, 7-2. In a season full of disappointing losses, this one was unique. Yes, the offense was nowhere to be found, and continues to be the biggest concern moving forward. However, despite the weak contact and lack of offensive support, Mets pitching has mostly been solid this season.

Which brings us to the most concerning part of the loss: Nolan McLean. To be clear, this isn’t Sean Manaea or Kodai Senga level concern here. McLean is still a 24-year-old rookie making only the 19th start of his career. And yet, it’s still alarming he followed up the worst start of his young career by making it the second worst of his career. 

Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

McLean could only secure one out in the fourth inning before being yanked. Over the 10 outs he recorded, McLean allowed seven runs on five hits, two walks, and two hit batters. His ERA and WHIP rose to 4.40 and 1.09 on the season. 

So what’s going on with McLean? Let’s dive in. Here are McLean’s numbers over each month:

March/April

  • Traditional – 6 G, 35.1 IP, 20 H, 10 BB, 1 HBP, 45 SO, 2.55 ERA, 0.849 WHIP
  • Advanced – 33.3 K%, 7.4 BB%, 2.19 FIP, 2.52 xFIP

May

  • Traditional: 5 G, 26 IP, 28 H, 9 BB, 6 HBP, 30 SO, 6.92 ERA, 1.423 WHIP
  • Advanced: 25.4 K%, 7.6 BB%, 5.49 FIP, 3.72 xFIP

It’s clear the most concerning difference between the months is the amount of hits McLean is giving up. And when you zoom in, the quality of contact jumps off the page:

March/April

  • Avg EV – 85.2
  • Barrels – 5
  • Hard-Hit rate – 32 %
  • BA – .161
  • xBA – .188

May

  • Avg EV – 89.0
  • Barrels – 6
  • Hard-Hit rate – 45%
  • BA – .275
  • xBA – .250

Interestingly, in March/April, McLean threw 17 balls that had an EV of over 100 mph, and in May, he had the same number. In fact, the four pitches that were hit the hardest thus far for McLean in 2026, all happened in April. Therefore, the issue isn’t that McLean is suddenly getting crushed, but that he’s giving up consistently hard contact at a higher clip. McLean allowed 33 batted balls over 90 mph in March/April compared to 45 in May. While McLean is giving up more hard contact, his xFIP suggests a bit of bad luck as well. 

After the game, manager Carlos Mendoza and Nolan McLean offered up their takes on why it’s been a struggle for the rookie lately. Mendoza highlighted McLean not executing his two-seam fastball and getting into bad counts. While McLean said, “I’ve been hitting guys with two strikes. That isn’t a great recipe for success.”

Whether it’s executing on his pitches or not hitting batters, it’s clear McLean and the pitching staff have homework to do before his next scheduled start at home on Sunday against the Marlins. The sky is not yet falling for the young right-hander. Although, with the Mets again ten games under .500 and June fast approaching, it’s likely falling for Mets fans.