Checking In on Several Young Pitchers

From Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball The Athletic

After breaking out last season, Nolan McLean has come back down to Earth a bit in 2026. Today, Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss whether the Mets right-hander still has future ace potential. Plus, the guys dig into Andrew Painter’s progress, Bubba Chandler’s arrival, and what JR Ritchie’s return to Triple-A means for his long-term outlook. Later, they tackle perhaps the biggest question on today’s show: What the heck is going on with Paul Skenes?

Rundown:

1:15 Checking In on Nolan McLean

11:52 Pitches That Move *Too Much*?!

19:32 Andrew Painter’s Progress

26:40 Corbin Burnes’ Fastball Tweaks Might Help

32:23 Bubba Chandler’s Arrival

38:45 JR Ritchie’s Outlook After Return to Minors

46:58 Quick Pitches: Andrew Alvarez, Trevor McDonald & Coleman Crow

53:43 Paul Skenes’ Changes: Is Everything OK?

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.social