The World Baseball Classic returns this spring, which will undoubtedly lead to Mets fans and staffers holding their breath while also rooting on some of the biggest stars in the game as they play for their countries instead of their clubs.
It was nearly three years ago when star closer Edwin Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating a win with Team Puerto Rico. It was only months after signing a five-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid closer in baseball — a contract he opted out of this winter to become a free agent.
Now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers after a Winter Meetings debacle, fans are stung by the mention of his name. Regardless of where he’s playing, the conversation around whether or not teams should allow their players to participate in the game’s top global competition will be renewed, especially since two of the Mets’ most important pitchers will be participating.
Right-handed starters Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean will pitch for Team USA in a few months, part of a loaded pitching staff that’s highlighted by Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that group?
Holmes, a veteran reliever who went back to a starting role for the first time since early in his career last season with the Mets, thinks pitching in meaningful games before the start of the regular season will be beneficial. The timing works out for his spring progression.
“Looking at the whole workload stuff and kind of where I was at in spring training last year, I feel like I was going to have the same workload this year, same build-up,” Holmes said earlier this month during a charity event at Citi Field. “Not much difference this year, even with the WBC, so I felt like it made sense.”
In his first season as a starter since 2018, Holmes went 12-8 with a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts (33 appearances). There were innings concerns, usage concerns and some summer struggles, but ultimately, his age-32 season was successful. He made all of his starts and pitched the second-most innings of all Mets starters 165 2/3, far more than any other year of his career.
“I think I’m in a great position physically to do it, and obviously, an honor to play for Team USA,” the Alabama native said. “It’s an exciting opportunity and in line with my build-up.”
For McLean, it’s a chance to learn from some of the best in the game while playing for his country.
“I got an invitation a couple weeks ago, and I was super stoked to receive that,” McLean said. “The opportunity to represent my country just means the world.”
Holmes has already seen how the 24-year-old rookie conducts himself. McLean was ultra impressive in eight starts last season, going 5-1 with a 2.08 ERA, and winning his first four decisions to earn Rookie of the Year votes. An event like the WBC will give McLean an idea of what it feels like to pitch in postseason games.
“He’s a guy that really soaks up his surroundings,” Holmes said. “It’ll be a special experience for him, and he’ll really get to be around some great players, some great pitchers that he can learn from. But obviously he’s got some stuff working for him too right now.”
By the end of the tournament, it might be other pitchers asking McLean how he’s able to put so much spin on his curveball. McLean was surprised when he got the call since he’s only pitched in eight Major League games, but he wasn’t about to say no.
Neither was Holmes.
“It’s an opportunity that you never really know if you’re going to get again,” he said.
MLB is making headway on participation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, so players may soon have another international event to consider as well. The WBC is a warm-up to what’s to come on the global stage at a time when the game is riding tremendous international momentum already. The injury concern will always be there, but for many, it’s worth the risk.
