Mets' Nolan McLean predicted to win MLB award that is not what fans might expect

3 weeks ago 17

The New York Mets have had a brutal 2026 season. They struggled out of the gate, didn't make changes, sank even further, fired their manager, and then finally sold at the MLB trade deadline in August.

But now in September, the Mets have played a bit better, and the future is looking brighter with A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge in the outfield alongside Juan Soto. Add in Nolan McLean looking like an ace, and things are looking up for the Mets.

McLean is even predicted to win a significant end-of-season award by MLB.com's Jared Greenspan, Jason Foster, and Brian Murphy. But this isn't the award that fans might expect McLean to win. Instead of Rookie of the Year, it's the Gold Glove award.

Nolan McLean predicted to win NL Gold Glove award

"McLean's five Defensive Runs Saved are tied for second among NL pitchers, behind only the Braves' Brent Suter," the MLB.com trio write. "He could be the first Mets player -- pitcher or otherwise -- to win a Gold Glove Award since Juan Lagares in 2014."

While Mets fans might be hoping to see McLean win the NL Rookie of the Year award, Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart looks to be the frontrunner right now. If not him, Benge might be the winner over McLean anyway.

But if there is an award that McLean wins this season, most Mets fans would likely expect it to be the NL Rookie of the Year, not a Gold Glove.

MORE: How Reds' Sal Stewart has MLB history on his side for NL Rookie of the Year award

According to Baseball Savant, McLean has a Fielding Run Value of plus-9, tied for third place in the National League among pitchers. St. Louis Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy has a plus-12 FRV and is in first place.

He might be the favorite for this award, but McLean could still win it if the voters rely on multiple defensive metrics.

This awards prediction from Foster, Murphy, and Greenspan would be a bit of a surprise. With eyes set on the NL ROY award, winning a Gold Glove would be an unexpected but happy surprise for the Mets rookie starting pitcher.