Nolan McLean Becomes First Rookie Pitcher to Win Gold Glove
The Mets ace recorded four Defensive Runs Saved and limited base stealing in his debut season.
By Hugo Konate ·
New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean has become the first rookie in Major League Baseball history to win the Gold Glove Award at the pitcher position.
The 24-year-old right-hander earned the hardware for his defensive performance during his first full year in the majors. He posted four Defensive Runs Saved, a mark only three pitchers in the sport surpassed. Michael McGreevy, Tanner Bibee, and Shota Imanaga were the only players with higher totals.
McLean’s defensive metrics reflected a quick delivery from the stretch that limited baserunner success. Across 31 starts and 179.2 innings, opposing players attempted to steal base just eight times. He allowed six stolen bases and recorded three pickoffs during the season.
The award ends a 12-year wait for the Mets, who had not produced a Gold Glove winner since center fielder Juan Lagares in 2014. This drought was the second-longest in the league, trailing only the Washington Nationals, who have not won the award since 2012. McLean is the second pitcher in franchise history to receive the honor, joining Ron Darling, who won it in 1989.
On the mound, McLean finished with a 12-10 record and a 3.16 earned run average. That ERA ranked first among National League rookie pitchers who threw at least 100 innings. His 194 strikeouts also led all rookies in Major League Baseball.
Despite these numbers, McLean faces stiff competition for the National League Rookie of the Year award. Teammate Carson Benge is viewed as the favorite, followed by Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Sal Stewart and St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt.
Source: amNY
