Nolan McLean's pitching carried his strong rookie season, but his defense also shined.
On that count, the right-hander was recognized Sunday with a Gold Glove Award, along with the Yankees' Cody Bellinger. McLean became the first rookie pitcher in major league history to win the award.
McLean's Gold Glove ended a Mets drought that extended to 2014, when Juan Lagares won in center field. Ron Darling (1989) had been the last Mets pitcher to win it.
New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean reacts on the mound in the second inning against the opponent at Citi Field in Queens, New York, Saturday, July 25, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
McLean was one of 12 major league pitchers this season with four or more defensive runs saved. He ranked second in chances (43) and second in assists (24). McLean's fielding run value of eight was tied for seventh, according to Baseball Savant.
Carson Benge and Luis Torrens were also Gold Glove finalists for the Mets. But the Diamondbacks tandem of Corbin Carroll and Gabriel Moreno won in right field and at catcher, respectively.
Seven years after winning his first Gold Glove Award, Bellinger has another.
Cody Bellinger of the New York Yankees fields a double hit by Jonny DeLuca of the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Getty Images
The Yankees outfielder was named the American League's left field recipient of the award Sunday. Bellinger won a Gold Glove with the Dodgers in 2019 as a right fielder.
Bellinger was tied for third in MLB with 21 defensive runs saved this season. He also had eight assists, a byproduct of an arm that ranked in MLB's 94th percentile by averaging 93.3 mph per throw.
Austin Wells and José Caballero were also Gold Glove finalists for the Yankees at catcher and utility, respectively. Dillon Dingler (Tigers) and Ezequiel Duran (Rangers) won at those positions.
