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MLB Makes Nolan McLean Announcement on Tuesday
© John Jones-Imagn Images

MLB Makes Nolan McLean Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Will Chesanek  |  Last updated May 12, 2026 9:48 PM ET
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Nolan McLean of the New York Mets has picked up where he left off last season. McLean debuted late in 2025 for New York, with the right-handed pitcher starting eight games and posting a 2.06 ERA. Although McLean debuted with the Mets last season, he stayed under the 50-inning pitched limit (48 innings) and is thus still considered a rookie.

The Garner Magnet High School graduate has continued his strong play in 2026, posting a 2.78 ERA in eight starts. The North Carolina native has been dealing, as the former Oklahoma State Cowboys pitcher is tied for seventh in the league in strikeouts with 57 and ranks fifth in MLB with a 0.90 WHIP.

New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Major League Baseball has taken notice of his production. On Tuesday, MLB went to social media to post the current favorites for the Rookie of the Year race. In an Instagram post, MLB announced that a panel of MLB.com experts was polled, and Nolan McLean was selected as the top player in his class in the National League. Munetaka Murakami, first baseman for the Chicago White Sox, was selected as the No. 1 choice for the American League. The rest of the NL top five is as follows:

  1. Nolan McLean — New York Mets starting pitcher
  2. Sal Stewart — Cincinnati Reds first baseman
  3. J.J. Wetherholt — St. Louis Cardinals second baseman
  4. Konnor Griffin — Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop
  5. Moisés Ballesteros — Chicago Cubs catcher/designated hitter

“Rookies have made a HUGE impact in 2026 ⭐️” MLB wrote on Instagram. “Who’s your favorite to win the AL and NL Rookie of the Year awards?”

McLean is projected to make his next start Thursday against the Detroit Tigers at 1:10 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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