NEW YORK -- Nolan McLean is a pitcher, yes, but first and foremost, he is an athlete. A college quarterback, the multi-sport star was also a two-way presence on the baseball diamond, playing six different positions at Oklahoma State.
Given that background, it should come as little surprise that McLean -- now a full-time pitcher in the Major Leagues -- is one of the most defensively adept players at his position. Rawlings recognized him as such on Sunday, naming McLean the National League Gold Glove winner at pitcher.
The award snaps a 12-year Gold Glove dry spell for the Mets, who hadn’t had a winner since Juan Lagares in 2014. Only the Nationals, who last won one in 2012, had a longer streak entering 2026.
Unlike Lagares, who earned his hardware with flashy, highlight-reel play in center field, McLean qualified for his on the basis of steady excellence. His 4 Defensive Runs Saved was tied for fourth in the Majors behind Michael McGreevy, Tanner Bibee and Shota Imanaga. He also proved adept at controlling baserunners, recording three pickoffs and allowing just six steals all season. That pickoff move, along with McLean’s quick delivery to the plate, resulted in opponents only even attempting eight stolen bases.
In addition to becoming the Mets’ first Gold Glove winner since Lagares, McLean is the first Mets rookie to win a Gold Glove at any position, as well as the organization’s second winner as a pitcher (joining Ron Darling in 1989).
Other Mets Gold Glove winners include Keith Hernandez (1983-88) at first base, Doug Flynn (1980) at second base, Bud Harrelson (1971) and Rey Ordóñez (1997-99) at shortstop, Robin Ventura (1999) and David Wright (2007-08) at third base, and Tommie Agee (1970) and Carlos Beltrán (2006-08) in the outfield.
The Mets now have 21 Gold Gloves as a franchise, winning at every position other than catcher and the corner outfield spots. Yoenis Céspedes did win the Gold Glove as a left fielder after being traded to the Mets in 2015, but he was recognized with an American League award for his work with the Tigers prior to the Deadline.
McLean, who went 12-10 with a 3.16 ERA in 31 starts, is a dark-horse NL Rookie of the Year candidate as by far the league’s top rookie pitcher. But he faces stiff competition for that award from both his own teammate, outfielder Carson Benge, as well as Cincinnati first baseman Sal Stewart and Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt.
The Rookie of the Year announcement will take place Nov. 9.