New York Mets fans have had little to smile about this season with a 10-21 start, but one bright spot is shining through the clouds: Nolan McLean. The 24-year-old right-hander is already pitching like a seasoned ace, and according to one anonymous AL executive, his future is Cy Young-caliber—with one major catch.

"McLean isn't a future ace; he's already a No. 1," the executive told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. "If he doesn't win a Cy Young at some point, it's only because Paul Skenes pitches in the same league."

That's high praise, but it also sets the stage for what could be a thrilling rivalry in the National League for years to come. Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' fireballer, has quickly become the gold standard for young pitchers, and the executive believes he could be the only roadblock standing between McLean and baseball's most prestigious pitching award.

So far this season, McLean has backed up the hype. Through six starts, he owns a stellar 2.55 ERA, building on an impressive 2.06 ERA over eight starts last year. His 2.26 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) leads the National League, a statistic that suggests his success is no fluke—he's genuinely dominating hitters.

For Mets fans dreaming of brighter days, McLean's emergence is a welcome sign. While the team struggles with injuries and offensive woes, their young ace is proving he belongs in the conversation with the game's elite. Whether he can eventually outduel Skenes for a Cy Young remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Nolan McLean has the talent to make it a race worth watching.