Despite a struggling team, rookie Nolan McLean shines, dominating on the mound and earning a top rookie ranking. His impressive ERA signals a bright future.
During a 10-19 start to the 2026 season, there haven't been many moments of excitement for New York Mets fans. After a huge offseason that completely revamped a Mets team that just missed the postseason last fall, the Mets have been the biggest disappointment in baseball through the first month.
Still, it hasn’t all been bleak in Queens. Rookie right-handed starting pitcher Nolan McLean has looked like a star even at just 24 years old. As a result, McLean has been ranked as the second-best rookie a month into the year by Bleacher Report.
In six starts, McLean has recorded a 2.55 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. After fellow right-hander Clay Holmes and his scorching start to the year, McLean has been the clear No. 2 in the Mets’ rotation, even ahead of star offseason acquisition Freddy Peralta.
McLean’s play in the majors this year doesn’t come as much of a surprise after his first major league stint at the tail end of 2025. He started eight games last season in which he posted a ridiculous 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. The former third-round pick gave the Mets no choice but to put him in the rotation to start the 2026 season, and he’s lived up to every expectation.
Only Detroit Tigers rookie infielder Kevin McGonigle ranked above McLean in Bleacher Report’s ranking after his dominant start in the majors. If McLean continues his ways on the mound for the remainder of the season, the National League Rookie of the Year award is his to lose.
For now, McLean will be focusing on continuing his play in hopes of getting some much-needed wins for the Mets during their historically poor start. Despite being in the 97th percentile in pitching run value this season, McLean has just one win under his belt this season, thanks in part to the offensive woes in the first month.
In three of his last four starts, McLean has gotten only one run of support from the Mets’ lineup, resulting in two losses for the rookie. With the upcoming schedule, however, McLean’s chances at getting his second win of the year are looking solid.
Even while New York’s play as a whole has been poor and extremely underwhelming, it’s important to remember the bright spots. As a rookie, McLean has exemplified the spirit that the Mets need to have to rewrite the story of their season. His name being in the history books by the season’s end is looking more and more likely with each start.