Nolan McLean Wins Gold Glove, Joins Oklahoma State Great

McLean is the earliest Mets newcomer to claim a Gold Glove and just the second pitcher in team history to receive the honor, after Ron Darling in 1989. The award also places him alongside former Oklahoma State star Robin Ventura as the only players from the school to win one.

McLean, who began his professional career as a two-way player after the Mets selected him in the third round of the 2023 draft, shifted to pitching full-time. His athleticism helped him stand out defensively: he recorded four defensive runs saved, the fourth-highest total among National League pitchers, along with 24 assists and three pickoffs. Opponents stole six bases against him.

He finished the season 12-10 with a 3.16 ERA across 31 starts. Although he was in contention for NL Rookie of the Year, he was not among the finalists announced in late October. Mets outfielder Carson Benge is a finalist, along with Cincinnati's Sal Stewart, a first baseman, and St. Louis' JJ Wetherholt, an infielder. The winner is due to be announced during the week of November 9.

Ventura won six Gold Gloves at third base during his 16-year major-league career. Before turning pro, he played for Oklahoma State, earned the 1988 Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy, and won an Olympic gold medal with the U.S. team in Seoul.