Mets' Nolan McLean becomes first rookie pitcher to win Gold Glove
The 24-year-old right-hander limited baserunners to six steals in 31 starts, ending a 12-year hardware drought for New York.
By Naomi Tesfaye ·
Nolan McLean became the first rookie pitcher in Major League Baseball history to win a Gold Glove Award. The 24-year-old right-hander for the New York Mets claimed the honor for his performance during his first full season in the majors.
McLean allowed just six stolen bases across 31 starts and 179.2 innings. His quick delivery from the stretch made it difficult for opposing baserunners to time their moves, resulting in only eight total attempts against him. He also recorded three pickoffs during the season.
His defensive metrics placed him near the top of the league. Only three pitchers in baseball recorded more Defensive Runs Saved than McLean's four. Those players were Michael McGreevy, Tanner Bibee, and Shota Imanaga. McLean's consistency stands out in a position often viewed as inconsistent.
The award marks the first Gold Glove won by any Met since center fielder Juan Lagares in 2014. That 12-year gap represents the second-longest drought in the majors, trailing only the Washington Nationals, whose last winner came in 2012. McLean is the second Mets pitcher to receive the award, following Ron Darling in 1989.
On the mound, McLean finished with a 12-10 record and a 3.16 ERA. His 194 strikeouts led all rookies in MLB. While he remains in the conversation for National League Rookie of the Year, teammate Carson Benge is considered the favorite. The other primary candidates are Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Sal Stewart and St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt.
