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 ...