Nolan McLean to Return for 2023 Season

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State is getting back a powerful bat and a powerful relief pitcher. Cowboy third baseman and relief pitcher Nolan McLean is returning for his junior season in 2023 after failing to agree to terms with the Baltimore Orioles.

“I want to thank the Baltimore Orioles for drafting me and giving me a chance to learn more about their organization,” McLean wrote in an Instagram post on Monday. “Unfortunately, we were not able to come to an agreement by today’s signing deadline, and I will be heading back to Oklahoma State this fall for my junior year.”

McLean, who was drafted 81st overall in this year’s MLB Draft, which had a slot value of $794,000, became the highest unsigned pick in the draft. However, according to MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis, it appears the Orioles and McLean disagreed on the results of McLean’s post-MLB Draft physical.

McLean was the Pokes’ third baseman and one of the relief pitchers this past season. He finished the season at the plate hitting .285 with a team-high 19 home runs, as well as 47 RBIs. Six of his 19 homers came in the final six games of the season. He did, however, set an NCAA DI record of 107 strikeouts.

On the mound for the Pokes, McLean had some really good stuff as he routinely hit 97-99 and finished with a 4.97 ERA with 39 strikeouts.

He returns as one of the leaders on the team and will give MLB scouts another look at his skills, both at the plate and on the mound, with a chance to improve at both and possibly his draft stock.