Third baseman/pitcher Nolan McLean is regarded as one of the best two-way players in the 2020 MLB Draft. McLean, out of Garner High School (North Carolina), is listed at 6’3″ 220-pounds. He improved his draft stock after a tremendous season in 2019, as he was named to the NC Baseball Coaches Association All-State Team. He was also a key contributor on the mound and at the plate for Team USA at the 2019 WBSC U-18 World Cup. The 18-year-old is ranked as the 66th-best prospect on MLB.com’s 2020 Prospect Rankings and will likely be a second-round pick.
Not only is McLean one of the top prospects in this year’s MLB Draft, but he is considered to be an elite football prospect. He threw for 6,809 yards and accounted for 72 total touchdowns across his football career at Garner High School. If he decides to forgo the start of his professional baseball career, he’ll attend Oklahoma State University, where he will play both baseball and football.
Strengths
At the plate, McLean bats from the right side and does a good job of utilizing his strength and big frame to hit for power and to drive the ball into gaps. He put this power on display in a pair of high school home run derbies last summer. In both events, he hit a 500-foot-plus home run. On MLB.com’s scouting scale, his power received an above-average grade of 55/80.
However, McLean isn’t just a one-trick pony at the plate. He features excellent plate discipline and vision and does a good job of making consistent contact. During his time at Garner High School, he drew 64 walks and struck out just 28 times. This keen eye helped contribute to his career batting average of .381 and on-base percentage of .589.
In the field, McLean projects as a strong defender at third base. He has the footwork, athleticism, and strong arm to make a reliable defender at the hot corner. On MLB.com’s scouting scale, his fielding received a grade of 55/80 and his arm received a grade of 60/80.
Although scouts are starting to prefer McLean as a third baseman, he’s still a legitimate pitching prospect. He uses his big frame well and consistently throws strikes from a low three-quarters slot. His repertoire consists of a solid three-pitch mix that includes a fastball (91-95 mph), curveball (mid-70’s), and changeup (mid-80’s). His fastball has good movement and natural sink, and his curveball has a high-spin-rate. If he remains a pitcher, he has top of the rotation upside at the next level.
Weaknesses
One weakness in McLean’s game is his lack of speed. Although he isn’t a liability on the base paths, he’s a below-average runner that won’t add much baserunning value. As a result, his speed received a scouting grade of 40/80 on MLB.com. This lack of speed is a significant reason as to why scouts think he’s best suited to play third base.
Another cause for concern is McLean’s commitment to play football and baseball at Oklahoma State. As Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo told the News & Observer, “Because he is a two-sport athlete, his signability will be a consideration in the draft. That is something teams will have to weigh in the draft.” Consequently, teams may decide to pass on McLean if they believe his signability is low.
MLB Comp
If McLean stays at third base, he compares well to Kansas City Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier. Both players have similar frames, as Dozier is listed at 6’4″ 220-pounds, and McLean is listed at 6’3″ 220-pounds. They also have similar right-handed swings with the ability to put the ball over the fence on a consistent basis. Just like McLean, Dozier’s weakest tool is his speed, and he possesses a solid glove and strong, accurate arm. Dozier was also a two-sport star, playing the quarterback position just like McLean.
On the mound, one comparison for McLean is Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola. Although their physical builds are a bit different, both pitchers feature a sinking fastball, effective curveball, and changeup. There are also similarities in their mechanics, as both pitchers throw from a three-quarters arm slot.
Due to his ability to hit and pitch, McLean is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s MLB Draft. With a player of his skill-set, there should be plenty of MLB teams looking to draft him and pry him away from attending college this fall.
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