THE APEX TIMES
Rawlings named the Mets right-hander the National League Gold Glove winner at pitcher, ending New York’s longest gap between defensive awards in more than a decade.
The Mets have their first Gold Glove winner in 12 years, with right-hander Nolan McLean earning the National League award for pitcher in the 2026 class.
McLean’s case, according to MLB’s Gold Glove coverage, was built on defensive outcomes rather than a highlight-heavy profile. His 4 Defensive Runs Saved ranked tied for fourth in the majors, and he also limited opponents on the basepaths by recording three pickoffs and allowing only six stolen bases.
The award also snapped a Mets franchise pattern. MLB notes New York had not had a Gold Glove winner since Juan Lagares in 2014, and only the Nationals had a longer streak entering 2026.
In Gold Glove context, McLean is the first Mets rookie to win at any position, and MLB adds that he is the organization’s second pitcher to receive the hardware, joining Ron Darling (1989).
MLB’s release frames McLean as a multi-sport background product who moved from playing six different positions at Oklahoma State to becoming a full-time pitcher in the major leagues, an unusual path that now translates directly into defensive recognition.