The Daily Briefing — Wednesday, March 18
By Morgan Davis · Wed Mar 18 2026
McLean's Moment in the Spotlight Nolan McLean walked into loanDepot park yesterday as the youngest pitcher to ever start a World Baseball Classic championship game, and despite the stage, the nerves, and facing down one of the most talented lineups Venezuela has ever assembled, the Mets rookie proved exactly why he belongs in such moments. His fastball found 99 miles per hour multiple times in the opening innings, the sweeper he's become famous for kept batters honest, and his four strikeouts over 4.2 innings showed a poise that contradicts his age and experience level. The problem: his team couldn't find the baseball. Venezuela's Eduardo Rodriguez was equally sharp for 4.1 innings, but when it mattered most, Team USA's star-studded lineup looked lost. Only Bryce Harper managed to deliver in the eighth, smashing a 432-foot two-run homer to center that tied the game at 2-2. It wasn't enough. Eugenio Suarez's ninth-inning double gave Venezuela a 3-2 win and the country's first WBC title. McLean left Miami with his head high, his arm ramped up, and his trajectory as a Mets Opening Day contributor looking even more certain. For a 24-year-old making his second start of the tournament, that's a victory in itself. Quick Hits Sam Antonacci continued his spring dominance with another showcase of power yesterday, ripping a 109.5 mph fastball for distance as part of Team Italy's exhibition schedule. The White Sox prospect has now demonstrated refined pull-side mechanics and a plus hit tool that's drawing genuine attention from the organization. Three pull-side homers across spring is the kind of consistency scouts live for. Sean Manaea threw four perfect innings with four strikeouts for the Mets against Miami yesterday, a sharp rebound after a rough outing last Thursday. The veteran left-hander's life on his fastball looked noticeably improved, sitting in the 88-89 range but with the kind of late movement that induced weak contact. This is the kind of spring outing that builds confidence heading into Opening Day. Bo Bichette went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and five RBIs in the Mets' 5-5 tie against the Marlins yesterday afternoon. While Bichette isn't a prospect, his breakout spring performance is worth noting because it's eating up playing time and reps that other organizational talents might otherwise be receiving in these final spring days. Cole Mathis logged a spring appearance for the Cubs and continues to look healthy for the first time since his Tommy John surgery. The 22-year-old corner infielder's adjustment to getting the ball in the air has progressed, and his pitch selection against better stuff is showing real refinement. An offseason well spent. Diego Tornes took the field in major league spring action yesterday for the Braves, giving evaluators their first real look at the 17-year-old Cuban prospect in a higher-velocity environment. His exit velocities from the DSL translated cleanly, and his athleticism in the field was evident despite the physical leap in competition. Stat of the Day Sam Antonacci's 109.5 mph exit velocity on yesterday's home run suggests some upside in the White Sox prospect's profile after a breakout 2025 minor league campaign. Antonacci's ability to find pull-side opportunities while maintaining an all-fields hit over power approach suggests a plus hit tool is forming. The more interesting stats might be three numbers from his minor league season: across 3 levels and a stint in the AFL, Antonazzi had 83 walks, 39 hit-by-pitches, and 59 stolen bases. If he can demonstrate disciplined power to go along with the, this is the kind of skill leap that accelerates timelines. Chase Meidroth beware. On the Radar Nolan McLean didn't get the win yesterday, but his stuff didn't quit either. Four strikeouts on 63 pitches against the most dangerous lineup Venezuela could field tells you that the Mets rookie is built for high-leverage moments. What's worth watching going forward is whether he returns to Flushing this spring or heads back to get extended work. His 2.06 ERA and 196 ERA plus last year suggested late-season September fireworks. Yesterday proved he's got the mental makeup to pitch in the biggest games on the biggest stages. Looking Ahead Spring Training enters its final week, and the roster decisions that front offices have been sweating over will start becoming official. Watch whether Cole Mathis and Sam Antonacci get additional playing time or head to their respective minor league camps to start regular season prep. The WBC is done; now it's time for the chase.