Paul Skenes Warned Against Losing Face After Mets Find Inescapable Diamond in the Rough

When the New York Mets unearth a rookie like Nolan McLean, the baseball world starts squinting at its charts and spreadsheets with newfound anxiety. Suddenly, even a Cy Young contender like Paul Skenes isn’t just a star—he’s a cautionary tale. McLean’s early dominance has turned the usual chatter into urgent whispers: the Mets may have stumbled onto something that could rewrite expectations, and Skenes might need to watch his back.

Remember all the hype Paul Skenes had when he came up on the MLB radar, and then showed why he had such a big hype around him. Remember that time? Well, it is repeating all over again, but this time with the New York Mets. The Mets picked him up in the 2023 draft, but now he looks like the monster the fans were hoping for. And if things go as reporter Tom McCarthy says, we might have a pitcher that is close to Paul Skenes.

In a recent interview, the broadcasting duo of Tom McCarthy and John Kruk talked about Nolan McLean and how good he has been. McCarthy said, “We’ve seen (Paul) Skenes twice… we’ve seen some other pitchers that were pretty dominant, but (McLean) was really dominant.” If Paul Skenes thought he had no competition for the top spot, well, he was wrong.

Since stepping onto the Major League stage, Nolan McLean has stunned fans and analysts alike, dominating lineups with confidence. In just three starts, he holds a flawless 3-0 record alongside a microscopic 0.89 ERA. The Mets’ rookie has combined strikeout efficiency and pitch command to quickly become their rotation’s most reliable arm. Every inning he pitches demonstrates maturity beyond his experience, leaving Philadelphia hitters helpless and announcers gushing with comparisons.

When examining McLean alongside established star Paul Skenes, the contrast is striking yet complementary. Skenes has 27 starts, 161 innings pitched, a 2.07 ERA, and 181 strikeouts, showcasing consistent dominance. Despite fewer innings, McLean’s 12.1 innings, six strikeouts, and 0.81 WHIP indicate elite potential worthy of comparison. Both pitchers demonstrate high strikeout rates, but McLean’s early precision hints he could challenge Skenes for league supremacy.

What’s driving conversation beyond the box score is how McLean’s rise mirrors the Mets’ broader identity shift. Fans on Reddit threads and X spaces are already comparing him to the “next Jacob deGrom,” not just in velocity but in icy composure. Others note how McLean’s poise has energized a Mets clubhouse that looked flat in early April, with veterans crediting him for bringing a sharper edge to the rotation.

Looking forward, McLean’s trajectory suggests a future as a true ace capable of playoff heroics and Opening Day starts. His ability to remain composed under pressure ensures he will be a relentless adversary against elite pitchers like Skenes. Dominant breaking balls, efficient pitch counts, and unshakable confidence make him a nightmare for opposing lineups. If McLean continues this path, he will not only rival Skenes but redefine expectations for rookie pitchers in the league.

If the early signs are anything to go by, Nolan McLean isn’t just another rookie making noise—he’s rewriting the rookie handbook. While Paul Skenes has proven his elite status over a full season, McLean’s meteoric rise signals a new benchmark for dominance. The Mets may have stumbled onto a generational talent, and baseball purists might need extra spreadsheets to keep up. One thing is certain: Skenes better start paying attention, because the kid from the 2023 draft isn’t here to participate—he’s here to compete.

After McLean, the Mets promote another young ace

Baseball fans are learning that the Mets’ farm system isn’t just a waiting room—it’s a conveyor belt for intrigue. After Nolan McLean’s electric debut had everyone whispering about Paul Skenes’ precarious throne, the organization isn’t slowing down. Enter Jonah Tong, another young arm hurtling toward Citi Field. The Mets are proving that their prospect pipeline doesn’t just produce talent—it accelerates it, and occasionally, it embarrasses expectations along the way.

Jonah Tong’s journey from a relatively unnoticed prospect to the Mets’ newest MLB debutant is remarkable. The 22-year-old right-hander, drafted in 2022 from Georgia Premier Academy, has accelerated through the minors astonishingly fast. “He exceeded our expectations throughout this year and put himself in a position for this day,” Stearns praised. With just two Triple-A starts under his belt, Tong now faces Citi Field’s bright lights confidently.

Tong’s rapid rise is fueled by dominating performances at every level, forcing attention where none existed. In 2025 alone, he posted a 1.59 ERA and 162 strikeouts in Double-A Binghamton, impressively precise. Carlos Mendoza recalled meeting Tong first while he worked as a ball boy during spring training. From High-A Brooklyn to Syracuse, his statistics and poise made his promotion almost inevitable, undeniable.

What sets Tong apart is his unique over-the-top delivery reminiscent of Tim Lincecum’s Cy Young-winning artistry. This motion enhances vertical movement on his low-90s fastball and curveball, keeping hitters off balance consistently. “There’s a lot, too much to like, and we gotta give the kid an opportunity here,” Mendoza added. Combined with a developing changeup and strategic in-game adjustments, Tong embodies both talent and tactical intelligence.

If McLean’s debut was a spark, Jonah Tong’s arrival feels like a carefully timed fireworks show. The New York Mets are sending a clear message: their pitching prospects don’t simply wait their turn—they demand attention. With Tong’s distinctive delivery and rapid ascent, Citi Field might witness the birth of another fan favorite. In an era where farm systems often whisper, the Mets’ pipeline roars, reminding baseball that talent waits for no schedule. Tong isn’t just next in line—he’s a statement that the future belongs to those who seize it.