NY Mets rookie Nolan McLean is going to need a new nickname, how about...

The New York Mets have been running out of remedies for their pitching problems, but on Saturday, a rookie arrived with just the right prescription. Nolan McLean, making his long-awaited debut, turned Citi Field into a clinic by carving up the Mariners with 5.1 sparkling innings. The Mets have been searching for answers for most of the summer, and suddenly their top pitching prospect delivered one with precision, poise, and plenty of spin.

They call him a prospect for now, but after this performance, it might be time for a new label. McLean didn’t just throw strikes; he commanded the moment, working his slider and curveball like a surgeon while shutting down an opponent during the team’s most fragile stretch of the season. Fans needed something to believe in, and the rookie provided it. The Spin Doctor has officially reported for duty in Queens.

After a summer of struggles, the Mets finally saw a glimpse of hope from their top pitching prospect.

McLean’s MLB debut wasn’t just solid, it was electric. Over 5.1 scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners, he allowed just two hits while striking out eight and walking four. During his time at Oklahoma State, he earned the nickname “Cowboy Ohtani” for his two-way prowess, but in Queens, his debut proved that a new identity is more fitting.

A big part of what makes him so formidable is his ability to generate spin. He averaged 3,279 RPM on his curveball in the debut, the highest among all MLB pitchers this season—Charlie Morton, for comparison, leads qualified starters at 3,168 RPM. Combined with his slider, this elite movement is exactly why the nickname ‘Spin Doctor’ perfectly captures his mastery on the mound.

The timing of this debut couldn’t have been better. The Amazins have been struggling across their pitching staff, and their starting rotation has drawn the heaviest criticism. The Spin Doctor entered a difficult situation and emerged looking polished, giving fans reason to believe that the top pitching prospect—ranked #37 overall by MLB Pipeline—could be a foundational piece for the team moving forward. In one start, he turned a challenging scenario into a positive glimpse of what’s possible in Queens (perfectly describing his nickname).

If Saturday’s start is any indication, the Mets may have found a new cornerstone for their rotation. McLean didn’t just perform; he earned a new identity. With his elite spin and poise under pressure, the Spin Doctor is already making his mark. Even Steve Cohen, who leans into Mets history, must appreciate the symbolism: another doctor on the roster just a year after retiring Dwight Gooden’s number.